In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s talk about that feeling. The one where you’re moving through your days, showing up, doing all the things—but somewhere deep down, you wonder... Is this it?

I know that feeling.

Years ago, I was a concert pianist—traveling nonstop, practicing for hours, chasing perfection. While I loved the piano and the connection with an audience, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be more.

But the idea of walking away felt impossible. My whole identity was wrapped up in being an artist, and the fear of disappointing others kept me from making a change... Until an unexpected moment changed my entire trajectory.

One night, while performing on stage in front of hundreds of people, I had an allergic reaction to a so-called "natural" lotion. Aside from the embarrassment, it could have been a relatively insignificant moment. Instead, it awakened a curiosity within me. I began researching the ins and outs of natural skincare and creating formulas of my own that worked wonders on myself, and my family. With that, a new passion was born.

That tiny moment cracked something open.

It was a quiet kind of healing—for both my skin and soul. It gave me the permission to step away from outside expectations and pressures, finding joy and creativity in something small, just for myself.

I thought about that recently when Ava booked one of my private Mask + Manifest sessions—a space where she could pause, breathe, and start to find her way back to herself.

She called me from her car—the only quiet space she could find—exhausted from running two businesses, raising a family, holding everything together.

After reading my book Radical Radiance, she was inspired to pick up a 90 Day Planner along with the Savor Korean Beauty Ritual. She was determined to start caring for herself after years of neglect.

“I don’t even know where to start,” she admitted, her voice shaking. “I’ve completely lost myself. And I don’t think this is what I’m meant to do with my life.”

I understood that feeling. I also knew that real change rarely happens in an instant—it’s the small shifts that add up.

So I asked her: What’s one small thing you can do just for you?

She paused, “… a weekly blowout?”

A blowout is a perfect example. It isn’t about the hair; It's about creating space for yourself again. This small act of self-love would allow Ava to look in the mirror and see someone she recognized—not just a business owner, or a mother, or a wife, but Ava.

As we kept exploring, she committed to a creative writing class to explore her love for storytelling and a half marathon at Disney—something that felt both exciting and just for her.

So, I’ll ask you the same thing:

What’s one small self-care ritual you can commit to this week?

• A clean Korean beauty ritual —take a moment to slow down with natural skincare: a double cleanse, a hydrating mask, or a soothing facial massage to reconnect with yourself through natural skincare.
• A mindful morning routine—whether it’s a morning walk, a few deep breaths, or journaling with your coffee, carve out space before the day begins.
• A cup of tea, sipped slowly—without answering an email or planning the next thing.
• A simple nighttime ritual—swap doom-scrolling for a natural skincare routine that nourishes your skin and your mind before bed.

This Women’s History Month , remember this: Your purpose isn’t something you chase. It’s something you notice.

It lives in the small moments where you feel most like yourself.

That’s where the answers are.

xx

AJK