origin Story

How Heal + Glow was started

A passion project that started as a whisper, I needed some light in my life. I was depressed and didn’t know why. I would drink myself to sleep, waking up in a pool of tears. Feelings of inadequacy would consume me but my High-Self was calling. I started making candles to fill my time and during those moments of darkness, I would look to the flame to remind me of the light I had within.

After I discovered the magic in candles, I started a yoga and meditation practice. This practice gave me the will power to keep it pushing. It taught me awareness. It taught me to slow down, listen to what my body needed and to connect to my breath. I learned that as long as I could breathe, I had another opportunity to ignite my light, show gratitude, and to design my life in the way that I envisioned. Controlling my thoughts was just as crucial as control the pace of my breathing.

I knew that if I were to offer candles as a product and yoga as a service, I wanted the brand name to reflect the space I was in. I was in a space of healing and I was looking forward to my glow up.

About the Founder

Milwaukee, WI native and 200 RYT Aja Janay, started Heal + Glow with the appropriated Black Girl in mind. The one who is often forgotten about because she may not be the easiest the deal with or her words aren’t so clear. The one who may not have the time to think about preserving self.

Aja found her love of the Wellness and Beauty Industry during her tenure at Marquette University where she studied Performance Art and Digital Media while also working in retail. She knew that the life she envisioned for herself could not be taught in school, so she started Heal + Glow to encompass all of her gifts and all the things she loves.

Mission

Heal + Glow's mission is to create space while also providing the tools for Black, Brown, and Queer Womxn to start a mindful practice of self-care, self-love, and self-preservation.

Vision

Heal + Glow is a lifestyle brand dedicated to supplying light worldwide.

Imagine a woman with brown skin and nappy hair pulling up to your city in a skoolie offering candles, yoga, and conversation about the healing and evolution of Black folk. She asks you how she can donate yoga mats to children and where she can plant a tree. How would you respond to her?