Welcoming gorgeous mermaid Kira to share her story and words of wisdom. Growing up in the Bahamas provided a dreamy start to life, with banana trees in the back yard and a herb garden of basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender. This exposure to nature shaped a love for the healing properties of plants. Trails that lead to secluded beaches forged an appreciation for the gifts of the sea. Kira created the website “The Ocean Native” which was inspired from her love for the ocean, marine life, and the healing it offers us all.
Kira Where did your journey with the healing properties of nature begin?
My family moved to the Bahamas when I was in 3rd grade and it was around this time that I began to appreciate the fruitfulness of nature. We had banana trees in our backyard, they were tiny but amazingly sweet. My mom planted a garden of cayenne pepper, broccoli, and tomatoes. In our herb garden, you could find basil, mint, rosemary, and lavender. I don’t know of a plant that would not thrive on the island. Once, my brother and I were sick and my mom made a tea of a vine commonly known in the Caribbean as Cerasee (aka Bitter Melon). There was a huge Sycamore Tree across the street from our house that I would climb and watch the sunset. There were many trails that my family and I would walk and emerge onto a secluded beach where color fish would swim around you. When the tides were low we could walk to an uninhabited island for the day. I am truly grateful for the experience and how it has shaped me as a person.
What does ‘holistic’ skincare mean to you?
Holistic skincare is about addressing much more than what meets the eye. It means treating the top layer of skin -the epidermis and correcting lifestyle habits that lead to skin reactions. Skin comes first, makeup is for when you want to enhance a feature, like using highlighter to bring attention to your cheekbones and clavicles.
How do you stay well in mind, body and spirit?
Through prayer and journaling, I am able to get my thoughts out of my head. They allow me to take a step back and look at the situation as a whole. I love laughing at past entries or realizing that I didn’t see it then, but everything would work out in the end.
As a student of Naturopathic Medicine, where is your path leading?
I am interested in skincare and aesthetics. Holistic skincare consultations and treatments that incorporate Gua sha, cosmetic acupuncture, and botanical recommendations. Aesthetics such as cosmetic neuromodulators like botox, and microneedling. I will address my client’s skincare concerns by focusing on overall health and wellness. My treatments will include diet and lifestyle changes that will allow my client to achieve lasting results.
How do you relax?
My methods of relaxation have definitely changed since entering the pandemic. Pre-COVID, a day at the spa that included a massage and/or facial would do the trick. Honestly, the healing power of touch is highly underutilized and underrated. The silent transfer of energy is sometimes all that is needed. During the pandemic, I’ve found myself finding comfort in stretching. Taking 15 minutes out of my day to simply stretch or engage my body in Yin Yoga. Working from home can lead to a sedentary lifestyle which can wreak havoc on our bodies. Occasionally, I will go as far as to set a reminder to drink water and stand up every 30 minutes to an hour.
What inspired your website the ocean native and what is the main message you wish to share there?
The Ocean Native is based on my love for the ocean, ocean life, and the healing it offers us. I intend on educating my readers on holistic skin health. I want to introduce my readers to natural and sustainable products made from the ocean and the earth. As technology and research advances, I see the growing potential of marine actives, especially those derived from seaweed, kelp, phytoplankton, and algae for treating chronic and acute skincare concerns. The Beauty portion of the website focuses on green beauty products and skincare. The Wellness section focuses on healthy practices that aid in skin healing, there you will find food and drink recipes that benefit skin health, and mindfulness practices to prevent breakouts due to stress like journaling and breathwork. I am excited to see how The Ocean Native evolves as it continues to grow within the clean beauty community.
What is the magic of the sea?
The ocean literally brings us together by serving as a channel between countries. It provides us with food and medicine. Scientifically we are tied to the ocean as the human body is made up of ~60% water and requires minerals like sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium all of which can be found in ocean water. I am an advocate for ocean conservation, preserving coral reefs by applying reef safe sunscreens, reducing the use of plastic by investing in reusable and recyclable materials, and supporting companies that value sustainable and reusable energy sources.
Do you resonate with mermaid spirit and how does that look and feel?
Mermaid spirit is curious, confident, and free. It feels like the sun’s rays warming your face, toasty sand between your toes, the smell of sea salt in the air, the sound of crashing waves, seagulls floating in the cool breeze, and the water gliding across your skin like silk, it is all very therapeutic. It looks like buying a reusable water bottle like a Hydroflask, wearing reef-safe sunscreen, and carrying reusable shopping bags.
How do you stay upbeat and positive? Do you have some tips for our mermaid community on staying positive?
Working out the frustration can be helpful, I love a good Kickboxing or Dance session. Gentle exercises like Yoga, Barre, and Pilates can be just as effective–holding each pose or increasing the reps can be just as challenging as a cardio workout. Taking a walk in nature or finding a scenic trail to hike can help clear your mind and give you a new perspective. I use the app Insight Timer for meditation, but I’m more consistent when it comes to journaling. I find these practices to be great ways to center yourself and get out of your head. That being said, some days you just need to get dolled up and remind yourself of who you are.
If you could change anything what would it be?
I would change the way we treat each other. This world could use more kindness, compassion, and empathy. Going to boarding school was an invaluable experience that taught me the importance of diversity and inclusion. I am privileged to have gained lifelong friends from different backgrounds and cultures like Korea, Japan, Spain, France, and England.
As soon as we can travel again, where are you headed?
Internationally, flying home to France to visit my mom. Hi, mom! Nationally, traveling home to Michigan to visit family and friends. I’m excited to see the updates that my dad has added to the house. He has had multiple built-in saltwater fish tanks and I’m always amazed at how much maintenance goes into supporting that hobby. Locally, planning a camping trip, and without a doubt heading to Sedona, Arizona to escape the heat of the Valley during the summer months.
Where is your spiritual home?
When I am with my husband, I am at home. His smile easily uplifts my spirit and fills my whole heart. He is my lighthouse, I feel safe with him and at peace. I am able to share my aspirations and my fears and he supports and encourages me to strive for what I want and deserve. He is an engineer and has a few projects in the works. I really love hearing the enthusiasm in his voice when he talks about them. We feed off of each other’s energy and determination.
https://theoceannative.com
