Over the course of the next four years, the practice of self-care will be more important than ever.
With the leader of the free world being one who will enact legislation and policies that will work against women, people of color and marginalized communities, the love we show each other and most importantly, ourselves, will be our saving grace.
For some, that saving grace will begin with Zen in a Jar.
Founded in 2013 by Washington, D.C. native Nikki Brooks, the skin care line was born after family matriarchs helped her tap into her love language of gifting and giving for a purpose.
“My grandmothers (Evelyn & Verneda) both inspired me so much as a little girl with their perfumes, powders and beauty products,” she told ESSENCE at a pre-Women’s March on Washington rally during inauguration weekend.
Treating herself to products was often expensive and unattainable, so one year for Christmas, Brooks’ gifting become personal.
“I come from a large family and one year I wanted to make something for everyone instead of buying Christmas gifts. I wanted to do something with more of a personal touch! I decided to take a page from the Kwanzaa traditions and give handmade gifts,” she said. “I thought about what I’d love to receive from someone. I found recipes for body scrubs online and tweaked them into something I’d love to receive. I gave them away as presents that holiday season and everyone loved them!”
Offering a line with an assortment of scrubs, oils, soaps and whipped Shea butter available in a range of scents – Brooks even offers soy candles, room and linen sprays and baby/bridal shower-in-a-box packages — the online shop provides what we need to help cleanse, create and celebrate our Black Girl Magic.
“I am constantly learning and perfecting my craft because I want to give my customers a luxurious experience every time they open their jars,” Brooks adds. “Gift giving is my love language and I treat every single order like it is a gift for a loved one. My mantra is ‘you have to be responsible for the energy you bring into the world’ and this is my way of doing so by facilitating self-care and experiences for anyone I come in contact with.”
