In 2008, I moved to beautiful San Francisco, launched my career in fashion merchandising at Gap Inc., and sought to live out my dream life. It was then that I also embarked on my 10-year chronic health journey, including a myriad of symptoms like hair loss, food allergies, cystic acne, fatigue, digestive disorders, and depression. I went without getting my period for 2 years, battled chronic constipation, and my stress levels were sky-high. I became fearful of all foods, terrified of an allergic reaction sending my symptoms into a spiral. And I alienated myself from my friends and family, afraid that no one would understand or believe me.

During my years of research, I learned our bodies are incredibly complex machines, wired and programmed to heal and mend… if given the right inputs. I painstakingly learned that it wasn’t just what I put in my body, but also, what I put on it that contributed to my internal and external wellness. I slowly unlocked the power of my thoughts and realized that our minds play an incredibly pivotal role in our physiological state.

I experimented with nutrition and learned the foods that were best for my bio-individuality. I even found a ‘healthy’ alcoholic drink I could order at the bar that wouldn’t cause my symptoms to flare! And, I swapped all my personal care products for all-natural ingredients. I became determined to find the best toxic-free red lipstick and the longest-lasting all-natural deodorant.