An interview series spotlighting global tech influencers, disruptors, visionaries, and of course, innovators.
It comes as no surprise that during the last year the Health & Wellness sector has experienced a boom. We all needed and continue to need a break. Now that we’re inching into the different stages of a post-pandemic reality, many of us have hit a wall or are experiencing “pandemic burnout.” While many leaders, teams and businesses deftly pivoted during the pandemic, many now feel exhausted by the looming and heightened responsibilities linked with segueing into the “next” normal. Vaccines are slowly becoming more readily available, live visits with friends and family are returning, and the economy is starting to look more promising... but questions remain about how will we go back to work. Optimism finally feels possible, but also feels like it may come at a higher price.
As we move into these next stages of normalcy, empathetic leadership and mindfulness will take on new urgency and become even more important given the past year’s trauma. The recent McKinsey report “Out of the shadows: Sustainably improving workplace mental health” notes the importance of identifying individuals as “whole” people, co-designing change and maximizing the engagement and performance of one’s employees as some examples of workplace mental health best practices.
Companies have emerged during the pandemic anticipating this new niche, including Take Haven, a wellness startup rooted in wholistic self-care practices. Founded in 2020 by artist / entrepreneur Sara Tuminello, Take Haven’s products are crafted to nourish the body, mind, and soul, weaving together the healing properties found in nature to deliver sublime yet potent self-care experiences that not only reduce stress, but also shift energy and empower potential. Take Haven’s tools, techniques and products can be found across the US and can also be ordered online. Never underestimate the nourishing power of a good soak!
After attending Brown University and graduating from RISD, Tuminello became a multidisciplinary artist, yoga instructor, designer and creative consultant specializing in identity design, brand development and visual communications. I caught up with Sara via WhatsApp and email to learn about her newest startup venture, career transitions and her experiences as a founder. Our conversations covered the gamut of topics including entrepreneurship, career advice, work / life balance, wellness products that support emotional well-being, Haven’s instagram, sustainable practices and mindful leadership choices. Our interview follows.
EKMH: What led to your founding Take Haven? What advice do you have for future founders taking the leap to launch a business?
Sara Tuminello: Take Haven is taking shape on its own time frame. We are a wholistic wellness company whose foundation derives from the residual effects of ancient practices such as yoga, Ayurveda, breathwork and meditation. As we grow, our mission is to provide simple yet powerful tools, products and techniques that harmonize and nourish the body and mind so that people can savor their soul.
It all began with the Haven Oracle Affirmation Deck, which offers universal messages and wisdom synthesized with simple paintings. The result is potent and empowering reminders of our innate wholeness and connection to our inner truth. The Haven Deck has been a transformative tool and daily go-to for many women.
From there, we launched Take Haven Soaking Salts. They are thoughtfully crafted and in alignment with the healing properties offered by nature, using the highest quality ingredients to offer simply sublime experiences. In yoga, we often use the body to shift the mind and our state of being. This concept is the premise behind our soaks and our upcoming body products.
My advice thus far for those starting out is to keep going. Keep moving forward even in the face of fear or doubt. Keep picking yourself up, keep showing up. Take one step at a time and keep believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world.
EKMH: Where do you see possibilities and opportunities to increase sustainability and mindfulness in the health and self-care sector through your work at Take Haven?
Sara Tuminello: One of our main focuses, as we launch new products, is sustainability and reducing waste. There is an exorbitant amount of excess in product packaging. So much of this is superficial and is avoidable. We are trying to be responsible by moving into 'light weight' recyclable packaging and using only what we need. For Take Haven, this means keeping packaging simple and staying away from plastics.
We are careful to work in alignment with nature – our products are all-natural, non-toxic, pure, and organic, which you'll see reflected in our simple and clean ingredient lists. The simplicity and the synergy between herbs, botanicals, and oils have an energy and quality that is alive and pure.
EKMH: How did you build your own brand identity? What are your plans for growth?
Sara Tuminello: Our brand is ever-evolving as we grow, fine-tune, and distill our messaging. Ultimately though, Take Haven is founded on wholistic practices, and we hope that our products and branding reflect this. Whether they be bath soaks, the oracle deck, or future offerings, our products are intended to offer powerful healing experiences that are genuinely supportive and regenerative.
Our initial product packaging is clean and spacious to allow a reprieve from the busyness of the external world. Take Haven products are simple and luxurious. They go beyond self-care, tapping into the sublime nature of the soul. We want our packaging and messaging to communicate this as well.
We will launch flower essences to support emotional well-being, herbal infused lotion bars, healing salves, and a CBD line soon. I also hope to offer wholistic workshops that teach people how to align and support themselves throughout the seasons.
EKMH: How do emotional intelligence, resilience and an agile mindset play important roles for entrepreneurs and their teams?
Sara Tuminello: Emotional intelligence, resilience, and an agile mindset are crucial. Starting and running a business takes a tremendous amount of fortitude and the aptitude to keep going despite challenges and setbacks - especially hearing "no" in the early stages.
Self-awareness and an open mind are crucial, too. Fear and doubt can creep in, but you don't want them to stop you. Readjusting expectations and being able to pivot quickly is also essential. You are often walking a path that hasn't yet been trodden, and this requires perseverance and belief.
EKMH: How have you pivoted and dovetailed your own business, art, community outreach and multiple careers before and during the pandemic while maintaining a work/life balance?
Sara Tuminello: The only certain thing right now is uncertainty. Pivoting and juggling life has been a theme this past year. Practicing non-attachment has been critical to traversing life and business before and during a pandemic.
It's been intense — community has dissolved, my profession has morphed and home life is more demanding as we try to grow Take Haven, do work, and meet the needs of our children and ourselves. I'm constantly pivoting and realigning. It's never-ending. I keep showing up and trusting my inner guide — trusting that I am on the right path and hope that what I have to share is also meaningful and supportive for others.
Regarding balance, I think balance is an unattainable illusion. We swing on a pendulum and are constantly mediating this swing. The key, however, is to tune in and listen to your inner compass so that the adjustments aren’t dramatic but effortless and “easy.”
I juggle all of the above (business, art, multiple careers/jobs and community connection), and I simply do my best. I notice that when I "surrender" and stay aware, life flows more easily, and tasks get completed effortlessly and with more joy. When I resist, I know it's time to pause to let projects and ideas marinate. In the end, everything necessary gets done.
EKMH: What personal qualities have enabled you both to lead, collaborate and transition well?
Sara Tuminello: My practices in yoga, breathwork, and meditation are the foundation of all that I do. These practices allow me to stay grounded, recenter and ride the ups and downs of an early-stage business. I also rely on my experience as a teacher and community leader — genuine connection and seeing others is essential. Take Haven's relationships and collaborations must be mutually beneficial. We try to work with people and companies that are gentler and kinder to themselves, people, and the earth. In a way, it's a paradigm shift. Rather than forcing, we are allowing Take Haven to bloom through proper alignment. It feels healthy and vibrant this way.
EKMH: And last but not least, which books, podcasts and/or films are among your favorites?
Sara Tuminello: Lately, I've enjoyed listening to This Jungian Life podcast and lectures by Sharon Salzberg and Eckhart Tolle. I'm often making or creating, so films and books have taken a back seat these days.
*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
Search below and read more interviews in the EKMH Innovators Interview Archive or via MuckRack… Don’t miss an interview or prediction! Be a part of the conversation.