Self-Care is an aspect that most women neglect, it’s a necessary regulatory  function to stay healthy — both emotionally and physically. We live in a fast-paced world, so it’s essential to slow down and take time for yourself. “Dose of Om” created by entrepreneur Shawntell White, is a monthly special box curated with products and activities to jump-start your well-deserved downtime. White, a business woman and event-planner, crafted this service with hopes to normalize the conversation around self-care by building a positive community for women of color. EBONY.com spoke with White about her inspiration behind the box, her process for product selection and tips for self- care.  

EBONY.com: What inspired you to create “Dose of Om”?

Shawntel White: I had an idea to create a “boxed experience” for something like 5 years, but couldn’t figure out or decide what it was going to be. Without knowing the what, I spent those years developing the why. One day, as I was soaking in a detox bath to help with the anxiety I was feeling, I remember saying to myself, “Everyone deserves to have their own “me” time. Everyone deserves to have their own Dose of Om.” As I was quickly rinsing off, I ran out of the tub to start taking notes and doing research. One month later, I launched Dose of Om with the hopes that I could create something for girls that looked like me that also needed something to help them find their Om and define their me time.

EBONY.com: How do you select the monthly products for the box?

Shawntel White: The boxes have products that are provided by vendors, but we are also developing a limited edition line of products as well. I search for companies that are eco-friendly and organic, owned and operated by women with an emphasis on companies owned by women of color. I also look for things that are fun and unconventional that can be gifted to others or activities that can be done solo or with a partner. Though Dose of Om is geared towards women of color, I love learning about mainstream products that women of color don’t normally have access to and want to build partnerships to include those products in future boxes.

 

Dose of Om Self-Care Beauty Box
Dose of Om Self-Care Beauty Box

EBONY.com: What are some simple ways we can slow down and make time for ourselves?

Shawntel White: Naps are the key to preserving your sexy. Whenever I have a hectic day or week, I take a 30-45 minute nap. If my schedule is really crazy, I will schedule it in my calendar and put my phone on silent as if I’m in a meeting. We will schedule all the meetings with all the people in the world, but we don’t schedule time for ourselves. Make yourself a priority and put it in your calendar.

Another way we can make time for ourselves is appreciating bath time. Whether you love the shower or the tub, pause and take a moment to reflect. Bath time is so much more than getting clean, it’s about rejuvenation as well. Find simple things you can do a few days a week to recenter your mind: taking a 30-minute walk, enjoying some feel good music, or even meditating will really help you center and refocus.

EBONY.com: Why do you think so many women neglect self-care?

Shawntel White: I think so many women neglect self-care because we spend most of our time taking care of others. Being a woman, we are bred to be nurturers and caregivers. Being a black woman we are cultivated to put ourselves last. Society will have us believe that self-care is selfish, but you have to take care of self before you can take care of anyone else. I think we need to open up and normalize the conversation about self-care and mental health in order for us as a society to get to our higher selves. The better we take care of our hearts and minds, the better equipped we will be at taking care of others as well as understanding each other better.

EBONY.com: What is your personal mantra?

Shawntel White: My personal mantra is “Relax and Be Grateful.” When I suffer from anxiety, my mind tells me “I have to do this, this and this, in order to take control of what I can’t control.” By telling myself to relax, it forces me to slow down and change my thoughts. Remembering to be grateful, helps me to have faith that God and the Universe is always working in my favor and that I should get out of my own way. It has helped to prevent many a panic attack!

To learn more about Dose of Om, join the community and activate your membership visit https://www.doseofom.com