TREAT your skin right - Introducing Bija Essence
Drumrolls... May I please introduce you to the Founder of the best essential oils company out there that will change the way you take care of your skin Evelyn Subramaniam.
Her products entered my life (and skin) at exactly the right moment a couple years ago. Oils were absolutely not part of my beauty regimen back then and I knew nothing about awakening the senses through scents. But I knew I wanted to create a more meaningful life, down to the daily rituals like nourishing my skin with natural ingredients and not purchasing plastic containers any longer for beauty.
We were sitting across from each other at a fashion luncheon and our table was lucky enough to receive a small glass vile of her elixir that day. Right there and then, I got hooked. I don't know anyone who's tried her oils who doesn't fall in love with the smell and their skin all over again after applying this luxurious, magical potion. My children ask me every evening to massage them with her oils. They choose between RISE, REVIVE, REJOICE, REST. I love how simple and elegant the product is.
It was clear to me from the beginning of my Blog that I needed to share her products with you. I'm so happy to be selling her oils here as part of the first products we sell on our website. I use them every single day so it only made sense to have them on our Shop. RISE and REST have already SOLD OUT so hurry on to get the other ones. And thank me later:-)
ML: You introduced me to Ayurveda with your pure enthusiasm for it. Where did this passion for this healing method come from and how come it has become your mission to share with the world its benefits?
E: Bija was born of a personal journey. Growing up in Mexico, I watched my grandmother, mother and aunts use traditional plants, herbs and flowers to beautify and to heal, without fully understanding why. When I got older, I traveled the globe as a model and broadcaster and I tried every of-the-moment product out there—cosmetic, nutritional and supplement-based—to support my vitality, skin, and mood, often swayed by big promises and fancy packaging, yet unaware of the hazardous ingredients these things often contained.
When I married and became a mother, I was welcomed into my husband’s Southern Indian family. They passed down traditions of touch, massaging my infant children’s tiny feet with oil freshly harvested from the groves to soothe and nurture them naturally. I was impressed at how many beautiful rituals and traditions people, primarily females, practiced in India and wondered if these were the keys to happiness and calm I found in their faces. This was the beginning of my voyage of discovery into the ancient art and science of applying pure and unadulterated therapeutic oils to the body. It’s where I learned to create a daily ritual of clean, safe well-being for my family and myself. My children have grown now, and so has my passion and understanding of the power of therapeutic oils and the crucial importance of clean and toxin-free skincare products. I created Bija Essence to share the products I use everyday—anti-aging plant oils infused with proprietary blends of the highest-grade essential oils, selected to balance and support areas of vulnerability. After becoming certified in Ayurveda, understanding the value of using nature to support one’s health and mental wellbeing and experiencing the positive results it has offered my family, friends and myself, I now want to share it with the world.
ML: There are so many rituals in Ayurveda, but what would be your top 5 rituals for any given day?
E: Rituals are a lovely practice to have in life. When we practice rituals that support physical and mental health then it is a win-win situation. I'll give you 6 rituals.
1. I begin my day by practicing coconut oil pulling.
2. I thank my body every morning followed by a brief self-touch by applying BIJA ESSENCE Rise Oil to my décolleté area including my neck and shoulders. It's a nice way to start off my day. Additionally, RISE is my topical vitamin, supercharged with immune boosting benefits.
3. I have a warm cup of water with turmeric, pepper and lemon to activate my digestive system.
4. I meditate either early in the morning or before I go to bed. My meditation consists of deep breathing exercises and thanking my organs and body for supporting me everyday.
5. I exercise everyday and keep it fun, exciting and different which include yoga, jog in the park, swimming, spinning or dancing.
6. I try to massage a family member at some point during the day with BIJA ESSENCE.
ML: You have the most beautiful skin on the planet, no kidding. Your short videos on your social media are a well of information on how to nourish it (outside and in!). What do you see for Bija Essence in 2020 in terms of communication and experience? I personally would LOVE to travel with you on an Ayurvedic Retreat that you’ve mentioned on your Socials.
E: I absolutely see BIJA ESSENCE expanding the product line. I maintain a close relationship with customers and love to listen to their suggestions. For months, clients requested to buy the #BIJADRESS, I listened and delivered and now the dress is made-to- order. One size fits all. I also launched #BIJACANDLE Red Rose last holiday season. Our customers wanted to offer a gift set of an oil with a lovely candle and I delivered the candle too. Besides products, I see many collaborations with big brands that do good, either socially or environmentally. I am hosting an event with one of my idols Diane Von Furstenberg this month. Also, I'm hosting many shows and fundraisers that support some non-profit organizations that I have been supporting from the inception of BIJA ESSENCE, Nov 2018. I’m organizing wellness events with BIJA ESSENCE and wellness professionals to offer advice, practices and lifestyle demonstrations that will enhance everyone's lives. I just completed one in NYC in February. It was also a lot of fun. Yes, yes , yes, I would like to take a group of BIJA ESSENCE followers to India to a simple, yet, unforgettable retreat near our special yellow house where my story began. I am working on that. BIJA ESSENCE is about giving back to the community and mother nature...similar to the circle of life.
ML: At 5’10" you are the tallest Mexican lady I’ve met:-) Can you briefly tell us about your experience with your height and how you’ve mastered this confidence about you that has everyone in the room turning their head to see you radiance?
E: AHHHH You are too kind. Im actually 5, 91/2 “ but with heels I am 6 ft tall. My family is average and above average in height so being tall is very normal to me. I never felt awkwardly tall. Being tall brought me many advantages in life. I was able to play many sports in high school including baseball and I was the only girl on the team. I modeled internationally and hosted multiple Spanish speaking TV programs including working with UNIVISION. I think my height besides talent, preparation and passion helped. Confidence comes from within; respecting and believing in yourself and feeling content in your own skin. I believe my family gave me so much love, attention, security and positive reinforcement that I had no choice but to be confident.
ML: And lastly, you have 4 oily babies, any favorite?!?!!?
E: Marieline, how can I choose between my babies. Just like yours, mine and everyone’s on this planet. I can tell you that they are all different yet very special in their own way. Immune booster, soreness alleviator, firming/toning chief , and calming master; I use them in different ways each day. Without fail, I use RISE every AM as my topical immunity helper and in the evening after my shower, I apply REST to help me reach a peaceful sleep. Of course, I love all their unique aromas. Thank you Marieline for your time and attention. Best wishes always.
