Thursday, July 31, 2025

Living Well With Carly Kremer, Founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals: On Propolis, Purpose, and Rewriting the Medicine Cabinet

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Carly Kremer has always believed that wellness should start with nature and a little help from the hive. As the founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals, she’s made it her mission to upgrade the modern medicine cabinet with clean, bee-powered alternatives that actually work. What started as a personal health quest (and a few bottles of propolis spray at farmers markets) has grown into a cult-favorite brand sold everywhere from Whole Foods to Target.

In this edition of Living Well, Carly shares her non-negotiables for immunity (hint: she sprays propolis daily), the buzzy ingredient she’d use to replace your cough syrup, and how motherhood has shaped her approach to wellness. Plus, the surprising lesson bees have taught her about building a business that lasts.

Living Well With Carly Kremer

You’ve built the brand around reinventing the medicine cabinet— what’s one item that’s always been non-negotiable in your own wellness routine? For me, it’s always been propolis. It’s nature’s original immune defender – something I take every single day, whether I’m traveling, working, or just in the thick of cold season with my little one. It’s incredibly versatile, with antioxidant and immune-supportive properties; it also has benefits for gut health and inflammation, and I love that it’s been trusted for centuries around the world. Propolis is my way of being proactive instead of waiting until I’m sick. Two of my favorite propolis products, which I use daily, are our Propolis Throat Spray and Nasal Spray. These products cover both pathways where viruses can enter the body and defend against anything you may come into contact with.

From launching at farmers markets to becoming a top-seller at Target and Whole Foods, what’s one surprising lesson the bees have taught you about building something that lasts? Bees operate with intention, considering the needs of the whole colony. Every decision in the hive serves the greater good. That’s been a compass for me. Whether I’m formulating products, creating a clean supply chain, or making other business decisions, I’ve learned to think in systems, stay connected to purpose, and make choices that support our customers and the long game rather than take easy shortcuts. I believe that quality always prevails, and investing the extra time and money to create something truly clean and effective is our top priority.

How do you personally navigate cold and flu season now that you have a little one? Are there rituals, ingredients, or daily habits you swear by? Absolutely. Having a toddler means you're constantly dodging runny noses, especially at playgroups and on planes. For both of us, I lean on a consistent pre-exposure routine: daily propolis spray, a gentle nasal mister for her, and immune-supportive nutrients like zinc and vitamin D. I don’t wait until we’re sick; I build our defenses up every day, so our systems are ready. My daughter loves her Kids' Propolis Throat Spray and our Kid's Immune Support + Vitamin C Liposomal so that also makes my job easier.

What’s something most people still get wrong about bee-based wellness? Many people think it’s just about honey, but the hive is a pharmacopoeia. Propolis, royal jelly, and pollen are all incredibly potent and functional ingredients with centuries of use and modern scientific backing.

If someone is brand new to the line, what’s the perfect “starter pack” of your products to try first? Start with the Propolis Throat Spray. It’s our most-loved for a reason (we sell a bottle every 15 seconds). It’s like a daily armor for your immune system. I’d also recommend our Superfood Honey. It’s delicious, yes, but it’s also packed with royal jelly, pollen, and propolis, so you’re getting the full spectrum of hive nutrients in one spoon. I also love to share our Propolis + Vitamin C Liposomal – it has 1000mg of vitamin C and 100mg of propolis, which is amazing for immune and skin health.

With the brand growing so quickly, how do you ensure your sourcing and sustainability practices still reflect your original mission? We’re obsessive about transparency and testing. That means everything from third-party pesticide screening to sourcing from beekeepers who practice regenerative methods. We formulate to EU standards, which is far beyond what’s required here in the United States because that’s what integrity demands.

If you could replace one product in everyone’s medicine cabinet with something from the hive, what would it be—and why? Cough syrup. The conventional stuff often contains dyes, refined sugars, and active ingredients that don’t even work, and in some cases have been recalled by the FDA. Honey—specifically buckwheat honey—has been shown in studies to be just as effective, if not more so, than the chemicals used in the most popular over-the-counter cough syrups. It supports the immune system, rather than just numbing symptoms.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up—and the last thing you do before bed? I always do a start-of-day nasal rinse with our Nasal Spray Max in the morning, and I take our Liposomal Vitamin C with Propolis first thing on an empty stomach. At the end of the day, I do my second Nasal Spray to ensure no germs, viruses, or bacteria are trapped in my nasal passage and my Stress Support Liposomal to unwind.

Besides Beekeeper’s Naturals, what are a few daily supplements or wellness products you swear by? I care a lot about bioavailability. Many products on the market don’t absorb well and end up being a waste of money, so I prefer liposomal products and use Tri Fortify Liposomal Glutathione with our Beekeeper’s Liposomal C packets. Taking the two together maximizes the results. I also love a heavy metal tested high dose omega, and I like the Needed multivitamin when I’m pre- and postnatal, and I love a sulfurphane supplement.

What podcasts are currently in your rotation—whether it’s for parenting, wellness, or a guilty pleasure binge? I’m obsessed with Dr. Rhonda Patrick. We work hard at Beekeeper’s Naturals to stay on top of all the latest research and findings in the health world, so my podcast rotation is a lot of Dr. Patrick, Peter Attia, Huberman, and most of the people covering health topics.

Complete this sentence: Living well means…
Taking care of my health, spending time with friends and family, and doing a job that gives me purpose.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Gwyneth, Scarlett, Alessandra—Why A-Listers Are Embracing This Strength-First, Low-Impact Workout

When a workout gets mistaken for Pilates but has Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, and Alessandra Ambrosio in its corner, you know there’s more going on. Enter Lagree—a high-intensity, low-impact training method created by Sebastien Lagree, the French-born fitness innovator who engineered the system to deliver maximum muscle burn with minimal joint strain.

Combining high-intensity, low-impact strength training with slow, controlled movements, Lagree uses patented equipment like the Megaformer and Microformer to push your body to the limit in under 45 minutes. It’s not Pilates—it’s harder. And while the machines might look similar, the method is fundamentally different: think deep muscle shakes, time under tension, and a full-body burn that leaves even pro athletes humbled.

So what exactly makes this method so effective and why are A-listers and elite performers choosing it to stay sculpted? We caught up with founder Sebastien Lagree to find out.

Let’s set the record straight—what’s the biggest misconception people have about Lagree being “just another form of Pilates”? People often judge a book by its cover. When they see the visual similarity between the Megaformer and a traditional Pilates reformer, they frequently assume that Lagree is either an offshoot of Pilates or somehow based on it. However, that misconception has steadily diminished. Since 2012, we’ve been actively educating the public on the distinct differences and unique benefits of the Lagree Method. The global expansion, now with over 1,000 licensed locations, has played a significant role in reshaping that narrative. Today, the majority of people recognize that Lagree and Pilates are entirely separate and fundamentally different methods.

For someone who’s done reformer Pilates, what would they notice immediately in a Lagree class that feels totally different? The shakes. You don’t shake in Pilates. Pilates is a low impact restorative method with the sole mission of circulating the blood for repair and healing. You must keep in mind that Joseph Pilates was a nurse above all. Lagree is a muscular strength and endurance workout. The complete opposite. It is my observation that people who practice Pilates cannot keep up with a Lagree workout. They lack the endurance, hence the intense shaking

We’ve seen everyone from A-list celebs to pro athletes trade in their usual workouts for Lagree—what’s drawing them in? Lagree is a workout. It is engineered to strengthen, tighten, and tone. We use bodybuilding training techniques that are engineered to strengthen, tighten, and tone. That’s why people are switching to Lagree: the results. I encourage everyone to try the Lagree method and see for themselves 

You’ve worked with some incredibly fit, high-performance people—what results are they seeing with Lagree that they weren’t getting elsewhere? People come to me to achieve the impossible: people with an already perfect body who want an even more perfect body. I had to engineer the method for a very demanding clientele. These women (and men) were perfect in every way but they wanted more tightness, more definition. I used my knowledge of bodybuilding and combined it with the low impact quality of the spring resistance based equipment. 

Lagree is often described as “Pilates on steroids,” but there’s more science to it than that. Can you break down the method’s core principles—and why they work? The Pilates on Steroid was started by SLT, a licensee of mine circa 2011. The reference was meant to be cute and a joke; but it caught on with writers and editors who kept using and reusing that reference over the years. The reference was meant to convey how intense Lagree really is. Because, when I came into the picture, Pilates was taught at a very slow and boring pace. Lagree is based on principles like time under tension, super slow speed training, and isokinetic training, progressive overloading, to name a few. Plus new training techniques as we are evolving the drivetrain.  Its usage has diminished a great deal in the past 5 years. I don’t see that reference used much nowadays. Lagree has grown in popularity and now people can see for themselves that the reference is pointless and doesn’t mean anything. 

The post Gwyneth, Scarlett, Alessandra—Why A-Listers Are Embracing This Strength-First, Low-Impact Workout appeared first on The Chalkboard.



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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The Summer Jewelry Edit You’ll Actually Keep Wearing

There’s something about summer that calls for a little glimmer. Whether it’s the glow of dusk at golden hour or the sheen of skin kissed by salt and sun, this season is all about leaning into light, texture, and intention—and yes, that includes your jewelry.

We’ve curated five standout pieces from brands that balance elevated design with heart. Some are sustainably certified, some are celeb-loved, and all are rooted in story, making them more than just accessories. 

From recycled gold to consciously sourced sparkle, here’s what we’re wearing all season long:

Tilly Sveaas — Small Gold T-Bar On Belcher Chain

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Tilly Sveaas has mastered the art of understated edge. Her now-signature T-bar necklace is a modernized take on an old-school staple, grounded by a fine belcher chain and crafted from Fairmined 18k gold plating and recycled sterling silver.

As a licensed Fairmined brand, Tilly Sveaas supports small-scale mining communities that prioritize ethical and environmentally sound practices. It’s a piece that not only looks good—it does good. And with nods from ES Magazine, Red, and Grazia, it’s no wonder this necklace has become a quiet icon.

KIMITAKE — Links HC Logo Bracelet

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Available in yellow gold and white gold with melee diamonds.

Born from the deeply personal bond between its founders, KIMITAKE is quickly carving out space in the world of fine jewelry with a signature aesthetic rooted in Japanese heritage, elevated storytelling, and modern luxury.

Every piece is centered around their original HC (Human Connection) symbol—a striking design element that speaks to the invisible yet powerful links between people. That sentiment comes to life in the Links HC Logo Bracelet, where each component is meticulously connected to allow fluid movement and quiet radiance. Choose from yellow or white gold, both accented with melee diamonds for an effortless shimmer.

With a mission to preserve Japan’s oldest traditional techniques while crafting something entirely new, KIMITAKE is bridging worlds: East and West, past and future, artistry and innovation. From their craftsmanship to their packaging, every detail is designed to reflect elegance, intention, and meaning.

Minimal yet symbolic. Refined yet emotional. This is jewelry that feels as good as it looks—and a brand destined to be on every editor’s radar.

Monica Vinader — Nura Reef Thin Bangle

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Inspired by the glamour of the '50s but made for the now, this asymmetrical bangle from Monica Vinader pairs beautifully with a sun-kissed wrist and a chilled glass of something citrusy. It's crafted in 18k gold vermeil and can be traced from conception to completion via their Product Passport—transparency you can literally wear.

Meghan Markle is a fan, and the brand’s B Corp certification, 100% recycled metals, and plastic-free packaging speak to a conscious approach that doesn’t sacrifice style.

Catbird NYC — Threadbare Gold Stacking Ring

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Delicate and hand-hammered from 100% recycled 14k gold, Catbird’s Threadbare ring is a whisper-thin staple that feels as good as it looks. Meghan Markle has worn it, and Phoebe Bridgers calls Catbird her go-to. Even Taylor Swift has been spotted in their collab pieces.

Made in a zero-waste Brooklyn studio, it’s minimalist, meaningful, and made to last.

 Aurate — Bold Diamond Baguette Ring

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Wrapped in ethically sourced baguette diamonds and forged from 100% recycled gold, Aurate’s bold band is the kind of ring that radiates confidence and sparkle in equal measure. It’s bold, brilliant, and entirely conscious.

Worn by Jessica Alba, Sofia Vergara, and Nina Dobrev, Aurate blends red carpet-worthy glam with meaningful craftsmanship, a win for both style and substance.

The Final Layer

Summer is the season of light. Longer days, bronzed skin, golden hour rituals. It’s also a time to simplify, pare back, and let the details speak. These pieces aren’t just beautiful, they’re wearable expressions of connection, craftsmanship, and care.

Whether it’s a thread of recycled gold or a sculptural bracelet rooted in Japanese tradition, the right jewelry becomes part of your story. Always moving forward, always evolving. These are the pieces that stay with you, long after the season fades.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

What Is Divine Union? 4 Tools for Creating a Conscious Relationship

Many of us have grown up with notions of finding ‘the one’, ‘the soul mate’ or ‘the twin flame’. But spiritual labels bring heavy expectations. This can be enough to break any relationship. So, where does divine union fit in?

Divine union is not about the person. It’s about the container. Your divine union is a portal to cosmic connection and sacred co-creation – two empowered souls choosing to share the journey.

Sia-Lanu Estrella, author of The Rainbow Tablets: Divine union, shares four tools for fostering this ultimate expression of a conscious relationship.

1. Create a shared vision

When partners don’t know what matters most for each other, it can lead to perceived shortfalls and unrealistic expectations. But a shared vision creates a sacred container for your divine union. First, set up sacred space. This might be coming into cacao ceremony together or going to a special spot in nature. Then explore your shared vision.

+ What do you want to feel in your divine union? For example, feeling loved, supported, safe and elevated.

+ What would help you feel that? To feel loved and supported, you might desire open communication, affection and someone who supports your dreams. 

+ What is important to you? This could include topics like monogamy, children, work ambitions and cosmic expansion.

+ What attributes do you value in your partner? For example, honesty, kindness, playfulness and collaboration.

+ What are you committing to together? Create a single sentence that captures the essence of your divine union and anchors your sacred container.

2 . ‘Meet’ each other at the end of the day

Too often in long-term relationships “life” gets in the way. This is even more so when work schedules ramp up or children join the equation. You end the day with your most important person. Yet that can be when you feel most drained.

Introducing this small practice completely transforms your time together. Firstly, tune into what each partner needs in order to realign. Extroverts recharge through time with people. Introverts recharge through time alone.

Then create a transition into your time together. Dedicate at least 15 minutes for whatever will help you re-centre. It might be meditation, a short run, calling a friend, or time in nature. If you have children, take turns watching the kids so you each have your 15-minute recharge.

Next, meet your partner. Stand before each other without speaking. Place the right hand on each other’s hearts. With eye contact, breathe in sync for one minute. This is about witnessing each other and reconnecting, so you can move beyond the “day to day” and back to your cosmic connection.

This still applies if both work from home. And when you are not together, you can do the practice on a video call with your hands on your own hearts. 

3. Hold space

While your divine union is a shared journey, each still needs to stand tall as a powerful cosmic being. Holding space in three keys ways will keep your divine union strong.

+ Hold space for yourself – Your commitment to self-growth and fulfilment is so important. At times, things will come up. It could be past trauma, insecurities or limiting beliefs. Your partner might be your best friend. But they are not your therapist, healer or saviour. Take responsibility for your triggers and shadow aspects. Draw on your toolkit for moving through sticky energy. This could be exercise, breathwork, journalling or meditation. Then, if conversations do need to happen, they will come from your heart rather than wounding. Most importantly, commit to a daily practice that keeps you in your highest frequency. The Rainbow Pyramid Sovereignty Practice is great for this.

+ Hold space for your partner – It can be hard to see someone you love going through challenges. Walking in divine union means honouring each other’s sovereignty. Be supportive, encouraging and compassionate. And when needed, be strong in your boundaries. Yet, remember you are not there to heal or “fix” your partner. They might need reassurances, a hug, or to know you believe in them. Be there for them. But also give them space for their own process.

+ Hold space for the divine union – Keep the container of your divine union clean. Many people use their relationships as a dumping ground. They vent about all sorts of things. And when they go through something themselves, they unload this onto their partner. This turns your cosmic divine union into a murky swamp. Yes, you want intimacy and honesty. But each must have their own support network. This could be a mentor or therapist. It could a self-empowerment program or retreat. That way, each partner can process the heaviness rather than dumping it. Then, what they bring into the container is the vulnerability, breakthroughs, insights and expansion.

4. Keep exploring the magic

 

We’ve all heard the old adage, “Relationships take hard work.” This is true for the old paradigm. When the focus is almost solely on what you want from the other person, this will devolve into power struggles. It becomes about being “right” rather than working together.

Divine union operates on a whole other dimensional plane. Yes, each partner still needs to show up for themselves and the other. But this is not “hard work”. You lift each other. So, how can you actively cultivate the magic?

Firstly, never stop being in love with life. See it as a huge cosmic adventure. As soon as life becomes purely functional, you are just surviving. That lowers your frequency and downgrades your divine union container. Some feel this naturally happens with kids. But it doesn’t have to. No matter how life changes, keep cultivating your soul’s highest expression. Maintain your embodiment through daily morning practice. Read books that awaken your cosmic nature , and visit new places.

Secondly, never stop dating. Too often, people start taking their partners for granted. Treat your divine union like a precious tree. Nourish it, water it, give it sunlight. The love flourished because each gave it energy at the start. To keep that frequency flowing:

+ Prioritize regular dates – Not from a sense of obligation, but a place of joy. It could be a day trip to a sacred site, such as Joshua Tree. Or visiting an art exhibition, getting a surf lesson, trying a new restaurant. If you have children, get a sitter and take your kids off the table as a conversation topic. This is your time.

+ Use your love language – Get to know how you express love. It might be through gifts, doing nice things for your partner, showing physical affection and so on. Consciously appreciate how wonderful your partner is and actively express your love.

+ Enjoy quality time – Falling into routine and “zoning out” is a fast track to a union’s demise. Turn off the television and explore different ways of being together. Go for an evening walk. Curl up together with good books. Sit outside under the stars. Foster fresh and conscious time together.

+ Keep the passion alive – Passion doesn’t fade over time, people do. In a conscious relationship, intimacy is cosmic connection. But even that can fizzle if you slip into “roommate” mode. Keep your bathroom time private. Get your hair done. Spoil yourself with sexy underwear and clothes that make you feel passionate about life. This is not about having to look good for your partner. It’s about yourself. When you feel sexy and vibrant, you exude that.

Take it to the stars

Your divine union is a powerful container that will elevate your relationship to cosmic levels. It is so far beyond the old paradigm of relationships. It empowers you to rise into your highest expression. Together, you will lift each other to phenomenal heights.

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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Addicted to Sugar? Dr. Gundry Explains the Gut-Brain Loop You Need to Know About

gundry

When we think about addiction, our minds often jump to alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. But what if the real story begins in your gut?

In The Gut-Brain Paradox, Dr. Steven Gundry explores a radical idea: that the trillions of microbes living in your gut might be the ones quietly pulling the strings behind your cravings—not just for substances, but for sugar, processed foods, and that extra slice of pizza you swore you didn’t need.

It’s not about willpower. It’s about biochemistry. And the more we understand the gut-brain connection, the better equipped we are to break the cycle for good.

1. Your Gut Bugs Have a Sweet Tooth (and a Taste for Trouble)

Let’s start with the bacteria in your gut. Not all of them are working in your favor. Some—what Dr. Gundry calls “bad gut bugs”—actually thrive on the very things you’re trying to avoid: sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, and even nicotine.

When these microbes dominate, they send chemical signals to your brain that feel a lot like cravings. In other words, when you reach for that afternoon croissant or glass of wine, it’s not just comfort you’re after—it’s microbial manipulation.

Research backs this up: individuals prone to food addiction often have distinct gut bacteria that influence both appetite and behavior. These aren’t just habits—they’re biological feedback loops.

2. Imbalanced Gut = Dopamine Drought


Ever wonder why certain foods make you feel amazing for a moment—and then leave you crashing, hungry, and wanting more? It may come down to
dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

When your gut microbiome is out of balance, dopamine production can plummet. The result? It takes more of that comfort food (or drink, or cigarette) to get the same satisfaction.

This isn’t just about emotional eating—it’s about a disrupted brain chemistry that starts in your belly.

3. The Addiction Cycle That Damages Your Gut


Here’s the kicker: the very foods (or substances) you crave can worsen the gut issues that caused the craving in the first place.
Processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and additives damage the gut lining, leading to leaky gut and chronic inflammation. That inflammation feeds the “bad” bacteria, increasing your cravings and damaging your body’s ability to self-regulate. It’s a loop—and it’s exhausting. Like substance abuse, food addiction can become both physical and emotional. And without healing the gut, the cycle is notoriously hard to break.

How to Break the Cycle (And Reclaim Your Cravings)


Healing starts with the gut. Dr. Gundry’s solution? A gut-focused lifestyle that supports brain health, nourishes the microbiome, and calms inflammation—without gimmicks or guilt.

Here’s what that might look like:

+ Add more polyphenols (think: olive oil, dark berries, and green tea)

+ Embrace prebiotic fiber to feed your good gut bacteria

+ Ditch the processed sugars and refined carbs that fuel the “bad bugs”

+ Avoid lectins if they irritate your gut lining

+ Manage stress, prioritize sleep, and move your body daily—even a walk counts

Food addiction, sugar cravings, and substance dependency might feel overwhelming—but if your gut is the missing link, then tending to it may just be your most powerful path forward.

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Friday, July 18, 2025

Living Well with Yasmin Sewell, Founder of Vyrao: On Energy, Intuition, and Scent Rituals

For Yasmin Sewell, the leap from fashion insider to wellness alchemist wasn’t so much a pivot as it was a long-overdue integration. After years shaping the creative vision at Browns, Liberty, and Farfetch, she found herself craving something more—something that spoke to the unseen. What emerged was Vyrao, a high-vibration fragrance brand rooted in energy, emotion, and the belief that scent can shift your entire state of being. In this Living Well interview, Yasmin opens up about her intuitive path to clean fragrance, why emotional resonance matters more than trends, and how she’s blending crystal healing, scent-emotion mapping, and intention into bottles that do more than just smell good, they help you feel good too.

Living Well with Yasmin Sewell

You had a celebrated career in fashion—working with Browns, Liberty, Farfetch—what inner shift or moment in 2018 sparked the move toward holistic wellness and Vyrao? Throughout my fashion career, I always nurtured a parallel passion for spirituality and holistic health, training in Reiki, Integrative Quantum Medicine™, and flower remedies. After leaving my last major fashion role in 2018 and going through significant personal changes, I felt it was time to bring together everything I loved and believed in. That became Vyrao.

How did your past career chapters inform what you didn’t want to do when launching Vyrao? Fashion for me was always inspiring, it was exciting, but it also made me realise what I didn’t want when creating Vyrao. I didn’t want to build something solely driven by external trends or seasons. Instead, I wanted to create something that would help people connect with themselves on a deeper level. Vyrao is about more than just how we look or what’s ‘in.’ It’s about how we feel and cultivating an emotional, almost spiritual connection to our sense of self through the senses. 

The term “clean fragrance” gets thrown around a lot—what does it actually mean to you, and how did you approach formulating Vyrao without compromising creativity or performance? For me, ‘clean fragrance’ means being incredibly mindful about the ingredients. The standards keep shifting and we continuously strive to better ourselves and our formulations. At Vyrao, this means carefully selecting ingredients that are safe, sustainable, and ethically sourced, while never compromising on creativity or the emotional impact of the scent. We are proud to say that all our latest fragrances are super clean and are as good for you as they smell. 

You’ve partnered with IFF's Science of Wellness program—how does research into scent-emotion mapping guide fragrance creation? Scent is a powerful tool for shifting mood and energy. Partnering with IFF’s Science of Wellness program allows us to combine time-honored and ancestral knowledge with modern research into scent-emotion mapping. Ingredients that have been used for centuries for their healing properties are now scientifically validated, bridging intuition and evidence. For me, intuition has always been a guiding force, but working with IFF helps refine that instinct through the lens of science. 

Each Vyrao fragrance starts with a mood—like mindfulness (The Sixth), joy (Sun Rae), grounding (Mamajuju). What’s your creative process when starting with an emotion and translating it into a scent? It always starts with an emotion or energy I want to convey, and I’m guided from there. Each fragrance I create feels like it has a purpose, a unique energy. With the launch of The Sixth, our first Neuroscent for mindfulness and intuition, we realised we needed to create a fragrance that would do the opposite: something that connects you to the earth, something that makes you feel more grounded and aware, that is Mamajuju. And now we have just launched our new Love Eight, which features all eight of our fragrances, so you can feel it all, designed to shift your energy whichever way you need, whenever and wherever you need it most. 

Every bottle has a Herkimer crystal, charged in Hawai‘i. How do you describe their energetic impact in combination with scent? How would you share that without losing people in the ‘woo’? Each of our 50ml fragrances contains a Herkimer diamond, a high-vibrational crystal known for clarity and deflecting negativity. Paired with ingredients chosen for their specific energetic benefits, the crystal amplifies the intention behind each scent. While not everyone may connect with crystal healing, it’s a meaningful added layer for those who do, enhancing the overall experience of the fragrance.

Do you have a mantra, affirmation, or phrase that’s been living rent-free in your head lately? Energy is Everything. Always.

What five items are always in your hand-luggage when you travel—and which Vyrao scent earns a seat next to them? Definitely the Love Eight - it’s the ultimate travel companion. If I had to pick one scent for now, it would be Sun Rae. It’s so refreshing for summer and scientifically backed to promote joy and happiness. 

Are there any wellness trends you’re loving right now? My Helsi sauna that I just got in my home - they’re incredible for relaxation, red light and detox.

What’s one clean beauty or wellness brand you deeply admire right now? I love my friend Cynthia Sakai’s brand Evolve Together

What’s a podcast you return to when you need a mindset reset or creative inspiration? Anytime I listen to Tara Brach’s voice

What advice would you give to other women wanting to build a brand that feels deeply personal, spiritual, and still commercially strong? Build something that resonates deeply with you and has a clear, unique perspective. Focus on what you do best, and don’t hesitate to bring in the right people. Surround yourself with those who share your vision and want to join you on the journey.

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Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Red Light Therapy Devices Our Editors Swear By—Now 25% Off

You’ve probably heard about red light therapy by now. Maybe you’ve seen it all over social media, spotted it in your favorite spa, or had a friend swear it helped improve their sleep, skin, or energy. If you’ve been curious about trying it for yourself, consider this your sign.

The BON CHARGE Mid-Year Sale is officially on, offering 25% off sitewide—no code needed. Whether you’ve had your eye on a red light therapy device, a PEMF tool, or one of their blackout sleep essentials, now is the time to shop.

Backed by a wellness roster that includes Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Stephen Guidry, and Dr. David Jockers, BON CHARGE is one of the most trusted names in wellness tech and a favorite of our editors here at The Chalkboard Mag. We’ve tested their top devices ourselves and can confirm they’re the real deal.

Below, we’re sharing our top editor picks for what to grab before the sale ends, plus the three favorite wellness tools that BON CHARGE founder Katie Mant uses daily.

Our Editors’ Top Picks

Red Light Therapy Blanket

BON CHARGE was one of the first brands to launch a red light therapy blanket and they’ve absolutely nailed it. After testing dozens of red light mats and devices, this is the one we keep coming back to for total-body support.

Why we love it:

+ Full-body 360-degree coverage with lab-grade 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light

+Unzips into two mats for shared use or targeted sessions

+ Adjustable intensity, timer settings, and pulsed mode

+ Portable, lightweight, and travel-friendly

+ Supports muscle recovery, skin health, and relaxation

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Red Light Face Mask
Woman holding BON CHARGE red light therapy mask close to her face, soft red glow illuminating her skin.This isn’t your average skincare tool—it’s an advanced LED light therapy device that fits comfortably into your routine. The BON CHARGE Red Light Face Mask delivers professional-grade light wavelengths to help you achieve smoother, firmer, more radiant skin in just minutes a day.

Why we love it:

+ 630nm red + 850nm near-infrared light for clinically backed results

+ Lightweight, cordless, and designed for multitasking

+ Reduces fine lines, inflammation, and uneven tone

+ Easy to use, gentle on all skin types

+ Ideal for daily glow rituals or nighttime wind-downs

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Super MAX Red Light Therapy Panel
Super Max Red Light Therapy Device
This is the red light panel for those who want it all. The Super Max Red Light Therapy Device offers unmatched full-body coverage, making it the most powerful and expansive panel in the lineup. Designed for deep cellular support and serious wellness optimization, this panel delivers professional-grade red and near-infrared wavelengths that help reset, restore, and revitalize from head to toe.

Why we love it:

+Offers the largest surface area of all BON CHARGE red light therapy devices for true full-body coverage

+ Emits 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light at a high-powered >162 mw/cm²

+ Supports the body’s natural recovery process, boosts skin appearance, and helps promote deeper, more restful sleep

+ Choose red, near-infrared, or both wavelengths during your session, with a built-in timer for up to 20 minutes

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Classic Blackout Sleep Mask
Sleep is everything and this mask helps you protect it. BON CHARGE’s sleep mask fully blocks light while keeping pressure off your eyes and lashes.

Why we love it:

+ Hollow eye cups for zero-pressure comfort

+ Total blackout even in bright rooms

+ Adjustable strap with soft memory foam cushioning

+ Promotes deeper sleep + melatonin production

+ Great for travel, naps, or light-sensitive sleepers

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Founder Favorites: What BON CHARGE’s Founder Swears By

When it comes to investing in red light therapy and wellness tech, we always want to know what the experts actually use. Katie Mant, the founder of BON CHARGE, has personally tested and refined every product the brand offers and her personal picks reflect what really works.

These are the three tools Katie uses in her own daily routine to stay grounded, energized, and glowing:

PEMF Wrap

Katie uses this compact, versatile PEMF tool while meditating, working at her desk, or winding down at night. It features four PEMF frequency settings for sleep, grounding, calm, and creativity.

She especially loves the 30Hz setting when she wants to boost focus and flow making it an everyday essential for nervous system support and mental clarity.

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PEMF Sauna Dome
PEMF Sauna DomeThis is Katie’s latest obsession and it’s not hard to see why. Combining PEMF, red light, and both near and far infrared heat, the Sauna Dome offers a spa-grade sweat session with full-body therapeutic benefits.

Reaching up to 90°C, this dome helps relax tight muscles, boost detox, support recovery, and create a powerful at-home escape. Katie loves using it post-workout or at the end of a long day. 

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Red Light Face Mask + Neck & Chest Mask
Woman relaxing with BON CHARGE red light face mask and neck and chest mask while reading, showing at-home skincare routine.Yes, it’s two products but Katie insists they’re better together. This pairing delivers targeted red and near-infrared therapy to the most delicate, age-prone areas: your face, neck, and chest.

Just 10–20 minutes a day can help support firmer skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and restore radiance from the inside out.

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Shop Smart While It Lasts

With 25% off sitewide, the BON CHARGE Mid-Year Sale is the perfect time to invest in wellness tech that supports your body, skin, and sleep from the inside out. These tools are smart, effective, and built to last.

Whether you’re starting your red light journey or upgrading your self-care ritual, now’s the time to shop.


The post The Red Light Therapy Devices Our Editors Swear By—Now 25% Off appeared first on The Chalkboard.



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