When you value money over pursuing your passion, you will find yourself chasing the dollar instead of embracing the journey. The journey will feel much rewarding when you are passionate, and the grind won't feel like a burden. Sakiyna Jones founder of ZIVA US a wellness brand. Her brand offers products such as jewelry, candles, and herbal tea that are made from pure and fresh ingredients. Sakiyna is a huge advocate for mental health, which is why she decided to create her brand. She is a hustler and person that moves with intention. I've watched her pour into her business while still working full-time with no excuses. Today she will be sharing her story to inspire you to put your mental health first while going after the things that bring you peace and happiness. 

Tell us about yourself. What inspired you to start ZIVA?

 I am Sakiyna Jones, Founder of ZIVA. ZIVA meaning: light of God. ZIVA was inspired by the importance of mental health. During 2020, I've connected with so many people that were hurting behind closed doors and I knew that I had to do something about it - wanted to create a space so that people can openly speak about their internal struggles. Some of ours may be tucked away but we all have them. Helping people is where my passion lies.

ZIVA used to be an online jewelry line, but you rebranded ZIVA to become a wellness brand. Can you explain that process and what inspired you to make that shift?

 When God tells me to jump, I jump and I don't think twice or ask questions about it (his plan is always the best plan). ZIVA was rebranded due to the fact that I lost purpose in only offering jewelry. Meeting people at Pop-Up events was cool, and it was great that people loved my product, but they weren't leaving with a deeper message from me. 2020 was a crazy year, but I remember praying to God and telling him that I am putting my business on a standstill until I hear from him on what he wants me to do. Whew, it took him two months to respond and for crazy life events to happen, but six months after that - ZIVA relaunched into a Wellness Brand.

What is a typical workday for you? I know you wear many hats, which is always so inspiring to see you chasing your dreams and never settling for anything that doesn't make you happy. 

I am a busy bee - but being an advocate of mental health, I make sure to get my 7-8 hours of sleep each day, exercise and make time for myself (even if that means telling people "no"). I am a full time Marketing Coordinator - so that is what I am doing Monday - Friday. I completely love my job - its so inspiring each day I go to work and to work with some of the most amazing individuals in life is a dream. Outside of work, no day is typical. A day could range from me; making more inventory (candles, teas, linen sprays), packing orders, having a ton of meetings, planning social media calendar with my Social Media Manager or shooting content for the website. 

Lastly, film is opening back up again and thank God I have worked on 3 different projects within the last 2 months, so working on film sets (typically on weekends and evenings) keeps my inspirational juices flowing.

How has social media affected your career as an entrepreneur?

 It affected my career positively in the sense of meeting new people, sliding in DM's to connect and cultivate true relationships with people, and it helps me push my brand. However, I've recently deleted my personal social media accounts about two months ago because social media negatively affecting my mental. Constantly feeling lost when in reality, I was always where I needed to be. I love flawed, raw humans, and I wasn't seeing that on social media but were meeting them in real life.

What is the most difficult challenge you've ever had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Losing a close parent. Not to say that I've overcame it, because I still have nights and days where I just can't keep it together. However, I lost my Dad (I was a complete daddy's girl) in 2007. My Dad had quit his job to become an entrepreneur (herbalist, selling herbs to heal people). True moment: memories of my Dad telling me to "never dream small, you can do whatever you put your mind to" is one of the only reasons I can continue to push through my dreams. He distilled that in me as a young girl. Those memories still continues to stick even when people with small dreams tried to crush mine.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting your own business?

Before starting a business, i've worked for several other entrepreneurs full time - so I had seen it all behind-the-scenes and learning what it takes. However, I wish I had known to stay away from all of the people and posts that had spoken about "how to sell out your first month" or "How to make over $10,000 your first month". Running a business is not like that at all. So now, as much as I would love those consistent numbers - it's about the message. If you plan on having a business around for 10+ years, you can't be so caught on the fast success but focus how to make your business sustain for the future also. How are you going to connect with other people? How are people going to remember your brand when businesses are starting up everyday?

If you had one piece of advice for someone starting, what would it be?

Never give up. Literally! Research some of the richest people's stories BEFORE they've reached their level of success. Ava Duvernay directed her first film at age 39. Fashion Nova started in 2006 by a man and 7 years later started its first online store. Jeff Bezos started Amazon in his garage as an online book store (even though his parents gave him a loan). Kendra Scott (richer than Beyonce) owns a jewelry company and started by making jewelry in her home and walking from store to store to carry her pieces in her store. My favorite girl boss, Sophia Armoruso, started Nasty Gal in 2006 by finding vintage clothing and reselling it. Steve Harvey was homeless, living in his car - pushing his comedy career before his life changed. I've spent so many hours watching documentaries and researching successful people lives before they've reached their level of success and learned how they were able to obtain it.

Lastly, this 'rich culture' that is going on and everyone thinks it's so easy to get rich. There are 328 million people in the US, and 12 million people have a net worth of $1 million - 316 million people don't. Please don't believe that it's easy to obtain, and don't let social media fool you into believing that it is. It fooled me.

How do you de-stress after a long day and find a balance between working and creating space for self-care?

I drink my Calming Mint tea, light my Citrus Garden candle, turn my phone on silent and watch a movie or catch up on a show. Depending on how stressed I am, I'll also attend a hot yoga class or go roller skating somewhere outside.

What is your favorite product from ZIVA, and why?

I love all of my products. However, my favorite product is the Calming Mint Tea just due to a personal experience. My dad was a herbalist, and watching him heal us when we were sick was a common thing growing up. When I was experiencing anxiety in 2019, this heart doctor prescribed me medication. After refusing, he told me to just take the prescription just in case. I took it and tore it up as soon as I got into the car + I was on a mission to find herb(s) to help my anxiety. Calming Mint has gotten me through.

Where can we find and learn more about your business and products?

You can find my products on our website at www.zivaus.com and on our Instagram @zivaus. You'll also be able to shop our items on the shelves soon - but make sure to follow us to stay updated on that.