Help Zenit Reach More People
Zenit supports people in their healing journeys with customized wellness journals. Help us gain the equipment and space needed to grow!
Project Description
"It's always been a struggle for me to keep a daily journal going, but I can proudly say it's been almost two months of checking in on paper and I look forward to it every day."- M.P.
Yessss...This is what we're about!
I started Zenit two years ago. It wasn't planned. I was deep in my depression. My therapist and coach recommended I journal. I knew journaling would be good for me, but I always struggled to keep it up. With a blank page, I never knew where to start. The idea of writing everything in my head down was overwhelming.
But, one day, I came up with a few prompts specific to me. They were, "What serves me today?" "How am I honoring what I want?" "What am I learning?" I wrote them down. Having them in my journal made a world of difference. Journaling went from impossible to easy. Soon, I was feeling the transformation from journaling to my prompts.
I started Zenit to empower others to experience the healing power of journaling. Healing is such a PERSONAL journey. So with Zenit, ANYONE can customize their journal with prompts and affirmations that speak to them. Every Zenit is unique to the individual.
Over the past two years, I've seen how people are using their personalized Zenit Journals to support their healing and wellness. As Zenit grows, I want to make sure anyone who wants a Zenit can get one. I've been making every Zenit by hand, which is a very time and labor-intensive process. So now, it's time to start moving to the next phase.
My dream is to have a manufacturing space here in DC, where we can make our journals, create local jobs, and contribute to the wellness of communities here.
Help me raise $50,000 to get the equipment and space I need to build a team, reach more people, and bring our dream to reality.
Also, I'm super excited and proud to feature the amazing businesses providing our rewards - all lovingly created products that go hand-in-hand with journaling. All our rewards providers are BIPOC businesses, many in the DC area where we are located. As we grow, I'm committed to supporting the growth of other fellow BIPOC, local entrepreneurs!
Thank you for support!
Sending peace & love,
Alina
Watch our campaign video here.
Huge thank you to Ground Up Media ([email protected]) for making my campaign video!
Check out this video featuring three different customized Zenit Journals to see how each one is truly unique to each person's wellness journey! See below for snapshots of our journey to date :)
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Customized journal with fun mood tracker and prompt, "What can I let go of?" Imagine if you reflected on a regular basis what you can let go of, to make more room for things that matter to you... How would you feel? How would your life be different...?
A customized Zenit Journal with different wellness prompts. I love seeing the different prompts people choose for themselves.
We make customized wellness planners too - making it easier for people to fit wellness into their daily planning and daily life. Like our customized journals, you can choose the prompts that go in your planner. You can even choose the time your daily agenda starts, and your end-of-week reflection prompts!
One of my favorite things about Zenit is seeing the personal affirmations people add to their Zenit Journal title pages. It's truly you in the pages!
Starting and building Zenit has been part of my personal healing journal - healing from trauma, depression, anxiety... I've developed my personal mantras for my own Zenit Journal from what I've learned about myself journaling in my Zenit.
We use vibrant fabric prints to build or pride and joy in journaling! Because what we put in our journals is real work, and we deserve to feel pride and joy for the work we do for our mental health <3
A huge joy in my journey so far has been partnering with mission-aligned, values-aligned entrepreneurs. This is a customized Centered Self Planner, designed in partnership with clinical social worker and mental health expert Tia Marie Brumsted, who had her private practice Centered Self (www.mycenteredself.com).
Learn more at https://www.zenitjournals.com/collections/racial-healing-journals
I also have had the honor and joy of partnering with activists and DEI coaches to create our Journals for Racial Healing, with our BIPOC Journal for Healing & Liberation and our Journal for Aspiring White Anti-Racists. These were lovingly designed in collaboration with Tracey L. Rogers, an activist and professional astrologer and life coach (https://www.traceylrogers.com/) and with the co-founders of oneTILT, Kimberly Díaz and Andrew Daub, a non-profit helping organizations become more inclusive one tiny little thing at a time (oneTILT) (https://www.onetilt.org/) Learn more at https://www.zenitjournals.com/collections/racial-healing-journals
All our journals are shipped off with a bookmark with a mindful deep breathing exercise! I chose to do this instead of using packaging to reduce waste and further support the well-being of our customers. That's one decision that came out of viewing Zenit as a radical wellness company - I'm pushing myself to view all decisions with a lens of wellness for all.
It's been inspiring and humbling to get validation from others! This was a large order of our Lil Gratitude Journals shipped off to a yoga teacher for her class :)
A prompt that I've kept across all FOUR of my Zenit Journals has been one for me to check in with what I want in my heart. This prompt has helped me make tremendous strides in letting go of the belief I long held for most of my life that my needs and my desires don't matter. Journaling to this prompt has helped me leave toxic relationships, build healthy relationships, and take time for my mental health, my passions, and the people I love.
I have been making ALL our journals by hand - every step of the process, including binding the journals with needle and thread. This is a labor, time-intensive process. But to me, it's worth it, because it allows me to actually make customized journals, where every one is different, and to product high-quality journals that lay flat. This lay-flat quality is important to me and our customers, because journals are meant for writing! One of my core values for Zenit is "Made with Love." That means investing in the details that make for a joyful journaling experience that supports our customers' wellness and healing.
That's why I'm doing this crowdfunding campaign! The funds will help me get more specialized equipment, space, and start hiring people to help me make our journals. This will allow us to reach more people while staying true to our Made With Love value, keeping our customized journals, and keeping the quality of our journals. I appreciate any contribution you can make!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does Zenit work?
On my website, when you customize your journal, you'll see a menu of journaling prompts. Unlike other journals that are blank or have pre-set prompts, with Zenit, you get to choose the prompts that go in your journal. You make your selections on our website, and then we make and deliver your customized journal.
Why have you been making your journals by hand?
I make them by hand so that they can be customized to each individual. I also bind them by hand so that they can lay flat, since journals, unlike books that are bound by glue, are meant for writing!
What will you do with the funds raised?
My dream is to have a space here in DC, where I live, where we manufacture and sell our journals. I see it as being a beautiful community space. I will use the funds to help get the very specialized equipment needed to continue making customized journals that also lay flat, so that we can make more journals and reach more people, and build up to having this local manufacturing space.
Self-love gift box of pen by Paper & Stylo, Us Two Tea Night & Day tea pack, a We L.I.T. or Designed by Ashley Scales scented candle, Sparkle My Aroma Essential Oil roller, and body butter from Efua's Baby. A truly full-sensory experience of zen and self-love to go with your journaling!
Just Because I Care
High quality, Chocolate Candy style ball point pen for your journal by Paper and Stylo. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Essential oil rollers by Sparkle My Aroma, founded by Whitney Coleman. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Sparkle My Aroma makes crystal infused essential oil products in easy to carry rollers, sprays, and bars. Each essential oil product is all natural and handmade! It is with these products that we strive to promote self-care and overall wellness.
What inspired you to start Sparkle My Aroma?
Over the past year and a half, I have been on a fitness journey in order to better myself physically. Within the last 6 months I have started a yoga and meditation journey which has heightened my self care routine tremendously! Sparkle My Aroma crystal infused essential oil products have been a great addition to my daily wellness routine. It is my pleasure to share with the world many products that have such a special meaning to myself. When you are able to pour into yourself and manifest your intentions, well...YOU SPARKLE!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
Our mission is to promote on the go wellness crystal infused essential oil products. What is a better way to practice this than to have these unique products by your side to help you SPARKLE! Our products are great to pair with journaling, meditation, exercise, while you are working...any self-care practice is a great way to include these oils in your day. If you are feeling anxious, feeling down, feeling unfocused, or just need positive vibes throughout your day...there is a product for YOU!
What do your customers love about your essential oils?
Our customers love how convenient these products are and that they can be taken on the go! They love how each scent targets a different form of self care and that each product is infused with specific crystals to target certain healing properties!
4 oz Scented Candles by We L.I.T.! founded by DREAM. Perfect to go with your journaling!
We L.I.T! is a one-person candle company started by DREAM with a joined effort and support of Black queer artists in the community. We L.I.T! stands for "We Live In Truth", the goal of which is to affirm Black trans and nonbinary individuals in their gender identity and expression. This company focuses on the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their community, and healing through one candle at a time! We are vegan friendly and use 100% organic waxes and raw materials.
What inspired you to start We L.I.T.?
I Started We L.I.T because I wanted to show the trans community that they can be seen, and celebrated while they are alive and not only when we die. After experiencing work discrimation, I knew it was my time to be my own boss and show my community it is important to put your mental and emotional health first.
How do you see your products and company supporting wellness?
I see my product and company supporting wellness because not only do we give products that are made with positive intention but we also make sure we give support and affirmations of one's identity.
A booklet of 52 happy face stickers with fun affirmations. Mark and celebrate your progress as you journal!
All Natural Body Butters by Efua's Baby, 8oz, founded by Nandi Gebremedhin. Perfect to go with your wellness journey!
Efua’s Baby is a Washington, DC woman-owned business offering high quality unique handmade products that include 100% all natural soy & coconut oil candles, body butters, soaps, and dope tees!
What inspired you to start Efua's Baby?
I was inspired to create Efua’s Baby out of the need to honor my ancestors. The story is way deeper than I can share, however I can tell you when I was pointed in the direction of venerating my ancestors starting with my mother and grandmother I took it seriously and even further took it in a creative business direction. We started with soy candles first to make people aware of the dangers in paraffin wax and low quality wicks. Two years later we added our skin care by request of our buyers. They loved the fragrances so much they wanted something they could wear!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
I believe our products support wellness because they are made with care using all organic natural materials, that are in eco friendly packaging which is both safe for the planet and the user. Our products support a clean and beautiful healthy lifestyle providing lasting deep moisture for its users.
What do your customers love about your body butters?
I believe our customers come back again, again for the quality, unique fragrances they love so much and most of all how well and consistently the product works for them. This has been evident for a while. We have long standing returning customers we met at events up and down the East Coast, They continue to spread the word and our Efua’s Baby butter and candle lovers grow and spread! We are truly grateful.
Day & Night Tea Pack (5 tea bags each), Black Tea & Jasmin Tea by Us Two Tea, founded by Maggie (Ranmu) Xue. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Us Two Tea provides high-quality Asian loose leaf teas made simple. We source directly from small, family-owned farms in Taiwan that process the tea on-site using natural and traditional practices. Our bleach-free corn fiber sachets are biodegradable and don’t release microplastics in your cup like other tea bags do. We use the whole loose leaf instead of chopped tea, so each sachet can be steeped three times without losing flavor.
What inspired you to start Us Two Tea?
Tea is at the heart of Asian culture and it has always been a part of my life. Yet the tea brands we know and love are not Asian. I couldn’t help but wonder why. I have lived in the US for 10 years now and I have realized that we cannot just wonder. It is our generation’s responsibility to claim our culture and create a brand that represents us. I hope this brand encourages our next generation to be more confident about our culture and stay true and authentic to who they are - to be proud of being Asian American.
How do you view your work as advancing wellness in our society?
Us Two Tea is all about bringing people together over the common love of tea. We want to make Asian tea culture more accessible to people in the U.S and to speak to them in a way that coffee connects people here: inclusive, welcoming, and accessible. A lot of folks in the U.S are not familiar with Asian tea or how beneficial tea is for our body in general. By creating this brand, I hope more people will learn about our culture and the values of tea.
90's R&B Inspired Scented Candle (8oz) by Designed by Ashley Scales. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Designed by Ashley Scales Candles are 90’s Hip Hop + R&B inspired clean scented candles that transform the atmosphere of any room. These hand-poured luxury artisan candles are made with a premium coconut wax blend and cotton wicks for a clean burn.
What inspired you to start Designed by Ashley Scales?
What inspired me to start making candles, was that I was not seeing enough of the scents that I desired on the shelves. Whenever I would find one.. it seemed like it would always be sold out or no longer in production. A friend of mine recommended me to try and make them myself and the rest was history!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
DBA Candles are made with love and happiness. Candles make me happy, and the music to match my mood allows me to vibe even more. In return, my customers have that same feeling. Scent is your strongest scent...creating candles that are clean and bright and brighten up your mood instantly. And adding music is like the cherry on top.
What do your customers love about your candles+playlists?
I have heard from my customers that they LOVE the candle...that it lasts so long, and that the smell can fill up the room without feeling suffocating. I have also heard that the playlist is very authentic, the variety of music and moods that are provided are an amazing touch.
Get a text message from Zenit with an affirming quote once a week for 3 months. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Get a fun, curated gift box with the Day & Night tea bundle from Us Two Tea, a high-quality pen by Paper & Stylo, and our pack of 52 happy face stickers with affirmations. Perfect to go with your journaling!
A one-year membership to our live monthly journaling mini-retreats.
A Zenit journal or planner of your choosing, and as a thank you for supporting our mission to close the funding gap, we will add your name to a dedicated page on ZenitJournals.com
Three private group journaling min-retreats custom designed for you and your friends, team, or group, for up to 20 people.
6 private group journaling mini-retreats for you and your friends, team, or group, for up to 20 people
Rewards
Self-love gift box of pen by Paper & Stylo, Us Two Tea Night & Day tea pack, a We L.I.T. or Designed by Ashley Scales scented candle, Sparkle My Aroma Essential Oil roller, and body butter from Efua's Baby. A truly full-sensory experience of zen and self-love to go with your journaling!
Just Because I Care
High quality, Chocolate Candy style ball point pen for your journal by Paper and Stylo. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Essential oil rollers by Sparkle My Aroma, founded by Whitney Coleman. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Sparkle My Aroma makes crystal infused essential oil products in easy to carry rollers, sprays, and bars. Each essential oil product is all natural and handmade! It is with these products that we strive to promote self-care and overall wellness.
What inspired you to start Sparkle My Aroma?
Over the past year and a half, I have been on a fitness journey in order to better myself physically. Within the last 6 months I have started a yoga and meditation journey which has heightened my self care routine tremendously! Sparkle My Aroma crystal infused essential oil products have been a great addition to my daily wellness routine. It is my pleasure to share with the world many products that have such a special meaning to myself. When you are able to pour into yourself and manifest your intentions, well...YOU SPARKLE!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
Our mission is to promote on the go wellness crystal infused essential oil products. What is a better way to practice this than to have these unique products by your side to help you SPARKLE! Our products are great to pair with journaling, meditation, exercise, while you are working...any self-care practice is a great way to include these oils in your day. If you are feeling anxious, feeling down, feeling unfocused, or just need positive vibes throughout your day...there is a product for YOU!
What do your customers love about your essential oils?
Our customers love how convenient these products are and that they can be taken on the go! They love how each scent targets a different form of self care and that each product is infused with specific crystals to target certain healing properties!
4 oz Scented Candles by We L.I.T.! founded by DREAM. Perfect to go with your journaling!
We L.I.T! is a one-person candle company started by DREAM with a joined effort and support of Black queer artists in the community. We L.I.T! stands for "We Live In Truth", the goal of which is to affirm Black trans and nonbinary individuals in their gender identity and expression. This company focuses on the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of their community, and healing through one candle at a time! We are vegan friendly and use 100% organic waxes and raw materials.
What inspired you to start We L.I.T.?
I Started We L.I.T because I wanted to show the trans community that they can be seen, and celebrated while they are alive and not only when we die. After experiencing work discrimation, I knew it was my time to be my own boss and show my community it is important to put your mental and emotional health first.
How do you see your products and company supporting wellness?
I see my product and company supporting wellness because not only do we give products that are made with positive intention but we also make sure we give support and affirmations of one's identity.
A booklet of 52 happy face stickers with fun affirmations. Mark and celebrate your progress as you journal!
All Natural Body Butters by Efua's Baby, 8oz, founded by Nandi Gebremedhin. Perfect to go with your wellness journey!
Efua’s Baby is a Washington, DC woman-owned business offering high quality unique handmade products that include 100% all natural soy & coconut oil candles, body butters, soaps, and dope tees!
What inspired you to start Efua's Baby?
I was inspired to create Efua’s Baby out of the need to honor my ancestors. The story is way deeper than I can share, however I can tell you when I was pointed in the direction of venerating my ancestors starting with my mother and grandmother I took it seriously and even further took it in a creative business direction. We started with soy candles first to make people aware of the dangers in paraffin wax and low quality wicks. Two years later we added our skin care by request of our buyers. They loved the fragrances so much they wanted something they could wear!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
I believe our products support wellness because they are made with care using all organic natural materials, that are in eco friendly packaging which is both safe for the planet and the user. Our products support a clean and beautiful healthy lifestyle providing lasting deep moisture for its users.
What do your customers love about your body butters?
I believe our customers come back again, again for the quality, unique fragrances they love so much and most of all how well and consistently the product works for them. This has been evident for a while. We have long standing returning customers we met at events up and down the East Coast, They continue to spread the word and our Efua’s Baby butter and candle lovers grow and spread! We are truly grateful.
Day & Night Tea Pack (5 tea bags each), Black Tea & Jasmin Tea by Us Two Tea, founded by Maggie (Ranmu) Xue. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Us Two Tea provides high-quality Asian loose leaf teas made simple. We source directly from small, family-owned farms in Taiwan that process the tea on-site using natural and traditional practices. Our bleach-free corn fiber sachets are biodegradable and don’t release microplastics in your cup like other tea bags do. We use the whole loose leaf instead of chopped tea, so each sachet can be steeped three times without losing flavor.
What inspired you to start Us Two Tea?
Tea is at the heart of Asian culture and it has always been a part of my life. Yet the tea brands we know and love are not Asian. I couldn’t help but wonder why. I have lived in the US for 10 years now and I have realized that we cannot just wonder. It is our generation’s responsibility to claim our culture and create a brand that represents us. I hope this brand encourages our next generation to be more confident about our culture and stay true and authentic to who they are - to be proud of being Asian American.
How do you view your work as advancing wellness in our society?
Us Two Tea is all about bringing people together over the common love of tea. We want to make Asian tea culture more accessible to people in the U.S and to speak to them in a way that coffee connects people here: inclusive, welcoming, and accessible. A lot of folks in the U.S are not familiar with Asian tea or how beneficial tea is for our body in general. By creating this brand, I hope more people will learn about our culture and the values of tea.
90's R&B Inspired Scented Candle (8oz) by Designed by Ashley Scales. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Designed by Ashley Scales Candles are 90’s Hip Hop + R&B inspired clean scented candles that transform the atmosphere of any room. These hand-poured luxury artisan candles are made with a premium coconut wax blend and cotton wicks for a clean burn.
What inspired you to start Designed by Ashley Scales?
What inspired me to start making candles, was that I was not seeing enough of the scents that I desired on the shelves. Whenever I would find one.. it seemed like it would always be sold out or no longer in production. A friend of mine recommended me to try and make them myself and the rest was history!
How do you see your products supporting wellness?
DBA Candles are made with love and happiness. Candles make me happy, and the music to match my mood allows me to vibe even more. In return, my customers have that same feeling. Scent is your strongest scent...creating candles that are clean and bright and brighten up your mood instantly. And adding music is like the cherry on top.
What do your customers love about your candles+playlists?
I have heard from my customers that they LOVE the candle...that it lasts so long, and that the smell can fill up the room without feeling suffocating. I have also heard that the playlist is very authentic, the variety of music and moods that are provided are an amazing touch.
Get a text message from Zenit with an affirming quote once a week for 3 months. Perfect to go with your journaling!
Get a fun, curated gift box with the Day & Night tea bundle from Us Two Tea, a high-quality pen by Paper & Stylo, and our pack of 52 happy face stickers with affirmations. Perfect to go with your journaling!
A one-year membership to our live monthly journaling mini-retreats.
A Zenit journal or planner of your choosing, and as a thank you for supporting our mission to close the funding gap, we will add your name to a dedicated page on ZenitJournals.com
Three private group journaling min-retreats custom designed for you and your friends, team, or group, for up to 20 people.
6 private group journaling mini-retreats for you and your friends, team, or group, for up to 20 people