Turning bad times into an opportunity for self-love and care

IT was during a period in her life marked by multiple emotionally scarring events that Shivana Persaud made one of her best decisions – one that allows her to lead a life of bliss that obviously radiates in her beaming smile.

It was a decision to start Lure by Shiv – a wellness lifestyle brand that inspires the care of every aspect of one’s being and that was born in celebration of self-love, self-care, empowerment, gratitude, motherhood, womanhood and body positivity.

At just 28 years old, Shivana is well on her way to solidifying and expanding her brand that has already been making waves in the beauty and wellness industry.
“I refuse to settle for less; not in life, work, social responsibility, and not in the products I choose to create and the tools I choose to share,” Shivana shared during an interview with Pepperpot Magazine lately, adding, “This is why it has taken me months and years to carefully design the line of products we have today.”

As a career-driven woman, Shivana experienced episodes of burnout that resulted from spending long hours at work, a lack of proper sleep, anxiety and not being able to effectively balance work and leisure.

Realising that her pregnancy in 2018 was high-risk propelled her to take better care of herself, although she was at the same time dealing with mountainous challenges. “Consistent disrespect, deep manipulation, blatant betrayal, heart-wrenching neglect and bullyism impacted me emotionally, mentally and physically,” she admitted.

As life got extremely rough, Shivana made a conscious, empowering decision to focus all energies on herself and the things she loves to do. “I had a lot of free time and a file of pipeline projects. I believe God showed me a sign and I accepted it wholeheartedly.”

As she started to focus on her business, Shivana went after products that are handmade intentionally with natural, super ingredients to target skin impurities, everyday hair and lip issues, and most recently, nail and cuticle health.

Lure by Shiv offers soy candles, facial tools, body tools, gifts, gift cards, floral arrangements and other services. Since she believes that sustainability is important, she and her team make it a point to source the highest quality of ingredients and packaging options to meet the golden standards of health and wellness.

“We’re here to inspire you to join this lifestyle; to continue raising the bar and making conscious choices for yourself, your loved ones, the environment and the products you choose to use in your self-care rituals. We listen; we pay attention to our customers,” she offered.

With her love for Guyana’s natural resources intact, Shivana is quite passionate about sustainable living and luxury. “I always envisioned myself developing our local communities and industries from the grassroots level,” she said.

Shivana said once Lure by Shiv meets its local targets, it will embark on another phase of the brand. “We intend to meet our objective of inspiring as many persons as we can to take charge; to take care of their mind, body and spirit. I will take this opportunity to thank you for all your support and for sharing this homegrown brand.”

Lure by Shiv is online, is operated within the country and products are available at retail shops including Babe Cave, Glo Guyana, Smart Aid Pharmacy, and Hello Sexy. The business can also facilitate those overseas-based Guyanese wishing to send gifts to their loved ones in Guyana.