When I was young I dreamt of a world more connected; to the earth, the soil, the waters, and to each other. I could feel the harmony of this medicine in my bones. As soon as I was able, I set out to explore a life beyond what a conservative, narrow system could offer. This motivation eventually brought me to India, to investigate how ancient methods of healing might be applied to my life and my community.

In India, I studied the eastern world of Yoga, meditation, and healing arts.  I let go of everything and allowed myself to dive head-first into myriad aspects of Yogic, Daoist, and Buddhist philosophies and healing.  Traveling across South Asia, I learned and participated in various healing rituals and practices that nourished the body, calmed the nervous system, and soothed the soul. My time in India reminded me of my own wholeness, my interconnectedness with all beings on this Earth, and I became aware that this simple wisdom is available to all. When we engage with ancient ways of skincare, we are taught how to connect with and offer love to our bodies, our earthly vessels in this life; we learn to calm the nervous system and connect more deeply with the subtle and profound wisdom of the earth, of the heart.

 By learning from renowned Ayurvedic healers, I realized the power of cellular awakening that is catalyzed by nourishing the skin we are in. I began to understand how the practices of Ayurveda – literally, the “science of life” – could restore harmony and balance to ourselves and to our social worlds. Using product formulas that incorporate the whole plant integrates the wisdom of the natural world into our daily life through simple self-care rituals. This results in the energetic balance of the physical body, the awakening of the senses, and the building of relationships between humans and the natural environment. Here is how Aruna Botanicals was conceived: a way to connect all I have studied about skin nourishment with the wisdom of the natural world, all the while supporting young women in marginalized communities..

Upon returning to America, I enrolled in California School of Herbal Studies, a prestigious school for herbalism and plant science, in order to expand my knowledge through an intensive study of herbal medicine-making. There I learned plant sciences from a western tradition and how the skin communicates with the nervous system to clear unhealthy energies and repair physical traumas. I am now equipped with an understanding of herbal remedies that affect cellular makeup and revitalize our body, soul and senses.

Aruna Botanicals is a new skin care line that weaves together the knowledge acquired over years of experience and studies to create a company that serves the mission to NOURISH on all levels of the self and society.

Stemming from Aruna Botanicals skin-care line are branches, projects that support the wholeness of this Earth and its people.

Our vision of this tree includes organizations such as YFAM (Yoga for all Movement) that bring yoga and meditation into juvenile detention centers.  We are also working on a release program that offers incarcerated youth a support structure upon leaving the detention system.  This program provides these juveniles access to yoga classes, life-coaching, dog training therapy as well as connecting with the healing power of nature in mentorship placements.

We want to use Aruna Botanicals as a way to support and connect all of life. Aruna offers a self-care, skincare brand that contributes, in practical ways, to uplifting and caring for communities in need. By purchasing an Aruna Botanicals product, we directly give 30% of our profits to ensure that your choice to care for yourself creates an actual ripple through humanity.