Karen Bryant with Essentially Divine, one of our newest tenants, mentioned in passing that pineapples changed her life. We thought this might make a sweet story – and were not disappointed!

To start, there is a story about how pineapples changed your life. Would you mind sharing it?

Some years ago while managing a government mentor-protégé program, I worked with a small business owner who, in addition to running a janitorial company, had a side business importing spices from Ghana. Through that work relationship, I discovered pineapples grew there—something I’d never known, since I’d only associated them with Hawaii and Costa Rica. I didn’t know it then, but that connection set the stage to open me up to local and small businesses around the world.

 

A series of divine coincidences led me to travel to Ghana in September 2001 to explore export opportunities firsthand. Though my trip extended unexpectedly due to the 9/11 tragedy, I returned having secured relationships with major shippers and the first successful sea shipment of delicious West African pineapples to the U.S.

 

That achievement later positioned me to consult for USAID, helping women-owned businesses in Africa expand into U.S. markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). My work and counsel even contributed to a $547 million development compact between the U.S. and Ghana—helping the country rise from low-income to middle-income status.  Working with USAID positioned me to mentor and connect with businesses from around the world at U.S.-based and international handicraft (small producers of handmade crafts) trade shows.

 

It’s a story that reminds me how one small opportunity—and a little curiosity—can create ripple effects that change lives and economies.

How did you become interested in using skincare and rituals to heal?

I’ve always been drawn to natural healing. My grandmother introduced me to simple home remedies when I was little, and both of my parents shared their own traditions around wellness and self-care. Those early experiences planted the seed.

 

When I became a mother, that calling grew even stronger. Both of my children inherited asthma and related sensitivities from their father, and I wanted to create products and practices that didn’t rely on harsh drugs or chemicals. That became a turning point for me.

 

As I transitioned from my background in Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming—and integrated my Reiki Mastery into my intuitive counseling practice—I began to recognize a deeper connection between environmental stress and emotional well-being. I saw that healing isn’t just mental or physical—it’s sensory. Our skin, breath, and surroundings all respond to energy. Through skincare rituals, I discovered a beautiful way to help people relieve stress, restore balance, and reconnect with themselves on a soul level.

What was your professional background prior to starting Essentially Divine, and how does it shape your business?

My journey has been one of both strategy and spirit. For more than 30 years, I served as a government program manager, leading large-scale initiatives, negotiating international partnerships, and managing programs totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. That career taught me structure, accountability, and how to lead with integrity at a high level.

 

But alongside the spreadsheets and policies, there was always another calling—the desire to help people heal, grow, and reconnect with their true selves. My travels and international collaborations introduced me to nature and organic traditions from around the world, deepening my appreciation for natural wellness and holistic living.

 

That passion eventually led me to create NPower4Life, where I began offering energy healing, intuitive coaching, and transformational retreats. From there, I launched Red Tent Conversations, a sacred space for women to explore soft power, balance, and feminine leadership. These experiences naturally evolved into crafting reiki-infused products—bath soaks, oils, teas, and mists—that extended healing beyond the coaching or retreat setting.

 

The culmination of that evolution is Essentially Divine Boutique, a brick-and-mortar wellness space where my professional discipline meets my spiritual purpose. It’s more than a store—it’s a sensory experience and a community hub where guests can shop handcrafted products, attend workshops, enjoy tea tastings, and connect with others on their own healing journeys.

 

Essentially Divine brings together everything I’ve learned—psychology, energy work, leadership, and heart-centered entrepreneurship. It’s not just a business; it’s a legacy. Proof that when you honor both discipline and intuition, strategy and spirit, you create something that uplifts not only yourself but the entire community around you.

You have different product lines such as Elura and All Things Essential. What is the difference in the product lines?

“All Things Essential” was the first product line I created back in 2016. The name was a play on words—a reflection of my intention to bring all the essential things together in the experiences I offered. It began with bath salts, oils, sprays, and body care that focused on the essentials of wellness—natural ingredients, reiki-infused energy, and mindfulness in every step of self-care. It was the foundation of what would eventually grow into the Essentially Divine brand.

 

As I evolved personally and spiritually, so did the vision. When Essentially Divine was established, an elevated version of both myself and the product line emerged—this is how Elura was born. The name Elura means “God is my light,” symbolizing illumination, higher consciousness, and divine guidance. It represents the next level of the brand: products intentionally designed to support not just the body, but the energetic and emotional layers of healing as well.

 

Today, the remaining All Things Essential items—like the bath salts and aroma mists—serve as a beautiful reminder of where this journey began. Over time, all of our handcrafted offerings will transition under the Elura line, uniting the collection under one elevated identity that embodies the essence of divine light, balance, and intentional living.

How do you help a person decide which essential oil blend is the best for them?

Every product I create begins with a carefully chosen base—formulations designed to offer tremendous benefits on their own before I even add essential oils or herbs. From there, each blend is enhanced with essential oil and botanical combinations that reflect what I’ve learned over years of helping people navigate stress, emotional imbalances, and energetic blockages.

 

When I help someone choose a blend, I start by understanding how they hold, handle, and process stress. The body doesn’t lie—it gives us clear messages through tension, fatigue, and even the skin. By listening to those signals and observing how the body reacts, we can identify what it truly needs.

 

There’s also a psychological and emotional layer to scent. The aromas we’re drawn to often mirror what our spirit is seeking or where healing is needed. For example, someone attracted to citrus may crave upliftment and clarity, while someone soothed by lavender may be longing for peace and rest.

So, the process becomes very intuitive and personalized—we mix and match blends that align with both the body’s signals and the soul’s needs. It’s not just about choosing a fragrance; it’s about creating a sensory experience that supports emotional balance and overall well-being.

Which products do you prepare yourself and where do you prepare them?

I personally prepare all of our skincare and wellness products—everything from our bath salts and soaks to our soaps, body washes, body polishes (exfoliants/scrubs), body icings (butters/lotions), body oils, aroma mists/sprays, and tinctures. Each product is handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality, consistency, and energetic integrity.

 

For larger production runs or during high-demand periods, my daughter-in-law Paty joins me in the process. Her support has been such a blessing—she’s helped me keep up with demand surges while preserving the same level of care and craftsmanship that defines Essentially Divine.

 

All of our products are made in an industrial kitchen space that meets health and safety standards, allowing us to work with precision while maintaining the handcrafted essence that makes each item unique. Every batch is infused with Reiki energy and created with intention—so what begins as a formula becomes a ritual in itself.

 

For me, it’s not just about creating products—it’s about transferring energy, care, and consciousness into everything that touches your skin and spirit.

Some descriptors of the products are “reiki-infused” and “moon blessed”. Could you explain what that means?

Everything is energy—our thoughts, emotions, and even the things we touch carry vibration. The word Reiki is Japanese and translates to “universal life force energy.” It’s the same essence known by many names across cultures—the divine energy that flows through all living things. When I say a product is reiki-infused, it means I intentionally clear and center myself before creating, ensuring that only balanced, positive energy flows into the process. The goal is to help the body find restoration, balance, and harmony through the subtle energy that each product carries.

 

The phrase moon-blessed reflects another layer of intentionality. The moon influences the natural rhythms of life—our tides, our moods, even the cycles of planting and harvesting. Farmers have long followed these rhythms, planting during the new moon and harvesting during the full moon. I honor those same cycles when I create. I craft most products between the new and full moon phases, when the energy of growth, renewal, and illumination is at its peak.

 

Together, Reiki and moon energy infuse each blend with vibrational alignment—so the products you take home don’t just nourish your skin; they carry the energy of balance, intention, and natural harmony.

In addition to body care products, what other services do you offer?

Beyond skincare, Essentially Divine is a full wellness experience. In addition to our handcrafted body care line, I offer a variety of services designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. These include Reiki energy healing, intuitive coaching and counseling, guided meditations, and stretch therapy sessions conducted by trained practitioners.

 

We also host a range of wellness workshops and creative experiences under our Soulful Sessions series—such as Art Release, Jewelry with Intention, and DIY Ritual classes, where guests can craft their own bath salts, aroma mists, and other self-care blends.

 

For those seeking community and conversation, I facilitate Red Tent Conversations, a women’s circle series centered around feminine balance, emotional healing, and soft power, and co-host Lighthouse Convo, a safe space for men to explore emotional wellness, relationships, and self-awareness.

 

Many of these themes extend to my digital platforms as well. Through my YouTube channels—Red Tent Conversations and NPower4Life—I share guided meditations, soft power teachings, and wellness insights to inspire healing and connection beyond the boutique walls.

 

Altogether, these offerings make Essentially Divine more than a store—it’s a sanctuary for holistic healing, personal growth, and soulful transformation.

What changes do you notice in people as they slow down and begin to take in what you are offering?

I absolutely love witnessing the moment when that connection begins—when someone allows themselves to slow down and truly feel. We often talk about how few moments we get to be completely alone without the noise and demands of the world, and I remind people that shower or bath time is one of those sacred moments. It’s a time to release, to breathe, and to come home to yourself.

 

As we walk through the recommended steps and begin the sensory journey with the products, I can literally see their energy shift. Sometimes relaxation takes over, sometimes energy rises, and sometimes it’s a beautiful mix of both. I call this transformation the Total Experience—where body, mind, and spirit align through touch, scent, and stillness.

 

It’s not about me; it’s about what they begin to feel and notice within themselves. They see the difference in their skin, and I hope they feel that same renewal in their spirit. It brings me so much joy to watch people take deeper breaths the moment they walk into the boutique—and to see them leave carrying not just a product, but a piece of peace, joy, and hope as they reconnect to themselves.

What are some rewarding stories you’ve heard from people who’ve made use of your products and services?

Wow, that’s always a hard question—because there are so many powerful and personal stories. Every day brings something new, and I never take it for granted.

 

One that stands out came from a client who described her trauma release session as a defining moment in her spiritual awakening. She told me:

“I found Karen by fluke, through a family member. I’d been in therapy for almost three years, walking through religious trauma, family betrayal, and self-discovery. I was skeptical at first, but the session changed my life. Karen guided me through with patience, comfort, and deep knowledge. I connected with parts of myself I’d never met before. My life trajectory shifted—I found clarity, purpose, and healing I didn’t think was possible.”

 

Stories like that remind me why I do this work. Healing isn’t linear—it’s deeply personal—and when someone allows me to hold space for their transformation, it’s an honor.

 

There are also beautiful, everyday moments that touch my heart. A woman recently came in with a friend, and as we connected over the products, she shared that her son was getting married at The Great Room—just as my son had the year before. We ended up having this heartfelt conversation about the emotional shifts that come with becoming a mother-in-law—the joy, the pride, and even the bittersweet release. Together, we found blends that would help her breathe through this new chapter with grace.

 

I’ve had customers share how our talks about stress, relationships, menopause, and self-affirmation have changed the way they care for themselves. Many return or order from out of state—not just because they see a difference in their skin, but because they feel a difference in their energy and emotional well-being. Some have even requested customized affirmation-based products, designed to support their personal healing journey.

 

Each story, whether it’s a major breakthrough or a quiet moment of peace, is a reminder that what we create at Essentially Divine isn’t just skincare—it’s soul care.

What are some additional plans you have for your business?

My long-term vision has always been to create a full-service wellness spa—a space where mind, body, and spirit can find balance under one roof. I’m an experiential learner at heart, so I believe in curating as many holistic wellness options as possible to help people heal and thrive in ways that feel both personal and transformative.

 

We’re currently partnered with Dr. Tatyana Reznikov, an interventional pain management specialist based in Reisterstown, Maryland, who shares a holistic approach that blends science and mindfulness. Her practice focuses on customized treatment plans that include medication management, advanced interventional procedures, physical and strength conditioning, pelvic floor strengthening, body sculpting, and alternative therapies.

 

Our goal is to bring some of those services to Savage Mill, expanding Essentially Divine into a more comprehensive wellness destination—one that combines the trusted products and services I personally believe in for true wellness.

 

This next chapter is about bridging the gap between traditional care and holistic healing—offering guests a space where science, spirit, and sensory experience come together to nurture the whole being.

What else would you like us to know?

I’d love to share more about our new DIY classes at Essentially Divine—one of the most exciting additions to the boutique experience. These hands-on sessions invite guests to create their own bath salts, wellness, roller, aroma mists, and other self-care rituals using the same natural ingredients and essential oils found in our signature product lines. It’s a wonderful way for people to learn, connect, and craft something that supports their personal wellness journey.

 

We’re also expanding our Soulful Sessions experiences—creative, heart-centered workshops like Art Release and Jewelry with Intention that blend mindfulness, artistry, and healing. And soon, we’ll introduce tea flights and wellness tastings, designed to help guests explore herbal blends that nurture body and mind.

 

Each of these offerings reflects the same philosophy that guides everything we do here: that wellness should be experiential, empowering, and rooted in authenticity. Whether someone walks in to shop, to learn, or simply to breathe, my hope is that they leave feeling more connected—to themselves and to the divine essence within.