Born of a Wish: A Sister's Journey to Self-Discovery

March 1979

Ryan was a vibrant 5-year-old boy, brimming with curiosity, creativity, and an infectious spirit. Whether he was sketching his next masterpiece, embarking on duck hunting expeditions with his dad, or savoring delicious meals, Ryan's zest for life was unmistakable.

One day, with a heart full of hope and innocence, Ryan approached his parents Jacquelyn and John with a special request—a baby sister. This plea was both unusual and challenging, not only because  Ryan was not one to make demands but also because his parents were separated. However, there was an urgency to his request. Since birth, Ryan had been living with a rare heart condition, and doctors had given him a few months to live. Each day was a miracle, a precious gift that no one could predict the duration of.

Recognizing the significance of Ryan's wish, his parents set aside their differences and came together to grant him his heartfelt desire.

Two years later, Ryan's dreams became reality as his adorable baby sister entered the world. She was everything Ryan had envisioned. She was named Jyoti, a name meaning "light" in Sanskrit. True to her name, she radiated positivity and joy, illuminating the lives of everyone around her.

Soon after Jyoti's birth, Jacquelyn and John separated but remained strong pillars in their children's lives. Their wisdom guided them in nurturing Jyoti's unique identity, beyond being just a gift to her brother, Ryan.

 

Jacquelyn curated a blend of Eastern philosophies and religious practices, forging her own spiritual path to navigate life’s challenges. She instilled these teachings in her children from a young age, providing a guiding light for the challenges ahead. 

Jyoti's earliest memories include lessons from her parents on Jesus and Buddha as kindred spirits, attending meditation and health retreats, and cultivating organic meals together. At a young age, she was introduced to Eastern energy healing techniques.

Jacquelyn's teachings equipped her children with the tools to tap into their inner wisdom during times of adversity, fostering calm and stability. John instilled in them a sense of strength and confidence, reminding them that anything they wanted to achieve was possible and encouraging them to always follow their hearts.

Jacquelyn, though deeply devoted to her children, never neglected her own well-being. She taught Jyoti the importance of self-nurturing. Jyoti witnessed her mother prioritize self-care amidst life's demands. This invaluable lesson—prioritizing inner happiness—became the cornerstone of Jyoti's understanding, recognizing that true joy radiates from within, nurturing a lasting sense of fulfillment and harmony.

 

Ryan and Jyoti shared a sweet bond. Jyoti remembers

"He was always my protector, my hero, and my closest confidant. Despite the seven-year age gap between us, he was not just my brother; he was my best friend. Every night, I would drag my mattress into his room to sleep on his floor, just so we could talk until the early hours of the morning and feel close to each other."

These beautiful evenings, however, were short-lived. In March 1994, Ryan ( now 20 years old) left for his heavenly abode,  casting a heavy weight upon Jyoti’s heart. Despite meticulous preparations, the void his absence would bring felt insurmountable to Jyoti. As time passed, the healing process began, aided by the tools imparted by Jacqulyn and John. Slowly but surely, Ryan's unmatched light started to fill the void within Jyoti's heart. She learned to cherish his memory while staying rooted and strong, finding balance in her inner light.

Through the tumultuous journey of grief, Jyoti discovered how to reconnect with her inner essence, silencing the noise around her and finding solace in her mother's teachings. Grateful for the lessons learned, she embraced each moment with a newfound sense of resilience, forever carrying Ryan's light within her soul.

2000

Jyoti was now a beautiful, talented and grounded young lady. Her love for art and beauty took her to travel around the world. She went to Paris to pursue her love of fashion and turned it into a  thriving career in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

While journeying through various parts of the world and engaging with women from diverse backgrounds, Jyoti came to a poignant realization. Her personal narrative of self-care and prioritizing oneself stood in stark contrast to the prevailing societal expectation for women to sacrifice their dreams in service of others, often neglecting their own fulfillment in the process.

Jyoti noticed, Despite fulfilling societal roles, many women felt a profound disconnection from their true selves, their innate gifts suppressed by societal expectations. They were confined to the roles of givers and caretakers, their potential untapped and unfulfilled.

Inspired to share her own narrative, Jyoti wanted to convey the message that by quieting the external noise and tuning in to their souls, women could unleash their full potential and contribute even more meaningfully to the world.

2022

Jyoti is now happily married with two kids, a beautiful house, loving husband and as the society would say “everything a girl can ask for”. Yet, she found something was missing inside her. She knew it was time to silence the noise and roles around her and tune into her true self. 

Drawing upon her passion for design, her deep knowledge and love for natural ingredients, and the self-care teachings instilled by her mother, Jyoti found her calling: to share the gift of self-care with the world. With dedication and love, she crafted a line of clean body care products, meticulously selecting earth-friendly and effective ingredients, using sustainable packaging, and adorning each product with self-care mantras that had illuminated her own path.

Jyoti envisioned women immersing themselves in moments of self-care, cocooned in the comforting touch of her products, reciting affirmations that reaffirmed their value and inner worth.

With each product that would leave her hands, Jyoti hoped to ignite a spark of self-love and empowerment in every woman who embraced her creations. For her, it wasn't just about skin care—it was about fostering a culture of self-care, acceptance, and inner peace that resonated far beyond the surface.

With a mission in her mind and Ryan’s love in her heart, She created “the beauty way”!

Author's thoughts: My reflection on Jyoti's story and my own experiences growing up in India sheds light on a pervasive issue faced by many women around the world. The cultural expectation for women to prioritize selflessness and sacrifice over their own aspirations is deeply ingrained. 

It's disheartening to witness how this narrative perpetuates itself, with daughters inheriting the burden of caregiving and self-sacrifice without questioning its fairness or considering their own dreams and desires. 

Jyoti's story serves as a reminder that each woman deserves the opportunity to define her own path and prioritize her own happiness, free from the constraints of outdated expectations.

 

Q&A with Jyoti

What are some of the ways you suggest for a woman to connect with her inner voice?

It can be anything she enjoys, gardening, a walk in nature, meditation, journaling,  or simply sitting by herself in silence. Anything that quiets the noise and expectations around her. That’s when her inner intelligence will start talking to her.

You are into self care products, what are your thoughts about people obsessing over make up

I'm all for embracing fashion, enjoying yourself, and if makeup uplifts you, go for it, girlfriend! Just remember, makeup shouldn't become your definition. If you find your worth tied to an outer appearance, it's time to reconnect with your inner voice. 

What is your mantra when you encounter a tough situation

I remind myself “ every detour is an upgrade!”

What do you love about Paisley Affair?
I love the traditional Indian prints in beautifully saturated yet soft  colors,, the most luxurious cotton, the way it gently drapes and makes me feel  beautiful and comfortable all at once.