Makaaina LLC

Sometimes, your future is hidden in the things you do effortlessly. This picture is from 2018. At that time, I was simply teaching about essential oils. Something I had loved and used all my life, literally since I was a baby. I wasn’t focused on building a business or thinking about branding, marketing, or sales. I was just sharing my knowledge. While I was still working full-time at that time, I blended oils and shared them with my coworkers—because I truly believed in their benefits. I had no idea that six years later, I would be creating and running my own company, Makaaina.com, centered around what I was already doing without realizing its full potential. Looking back now, it all makes sense. + My passion was there. + My knowledge was there. + My calling was there. I just didn’t see it as a business because when something comes from your heart, it doesn’t feel like a business. I’ve even explored/drawn my IKIGAI before (and multiple times), and each time, it pointed to the same things: TEACHING, PLANTS, and NATURE. And here I am, years later, doing just that. So, here’s a friendly reminder for you. + Notice the things you do effortlessly. + The things you’d do for free. + The things that bring you joy. + Sometimes, your purpose isn’t something you need to chase. + It’s something you’ve been living all along. Have you ever looked back and realized you were already on your path before you knew it? So, what's YOUR STORY? #passion #purpose #ikigai #madagascar #entrepreneurship #essentialoils #findingyourpath #Makaaina

The key question I regularly ask my Chemistry & Aromatherapy students: "How much sleep do you get?" or "How did you sleep?" Why is this important? Each time I inquire, I discover students are not getting enough sleep. Yet, we expect them to learn, focus, retain information, perform at their best, and have good grades! The impact of sleep deprivation on learning: 1?? Memory is affected – Sleep is essential for the brain to consolidate new information. Insufficient sleep leads to poor retention. 2?? Focus diminishes – Have you ever tried to concentrate on a lecture while feeling exhausted? Sleep-deprived minds struggle to stay engaged. 3?? Mood worsens – Lack of sleep increases anxiety and stress, making it more challenging to process and absorb new concepts. 4?? Reaction time slows – In labs and hands-on activities, slow cognitive responses can result in errors and dangers. 5?? Creativity and problem-solving decline – Critical thinking suffers, making complex subjects more difficult to understand. So, should we really be surprised when students face challenges? NOT AT ALL. Insights from my students + I once received a thoughtful email from a student detailing their personal struggles after I told them about the importance of health and fitness and self-care that very first day of class. While there is rarely a single solution to improving well-being, I genuinely believe better sleep could make a difference. This is why I consistently emphasize health and wellness. Students often overlook how significantly their energy, focus, and long-term success rely on it. + Recently, one of my students stayed after class for 30 minutes to discuss all things wellness: sleep, resting heart rate, VO2 max, vision boards, manifestation, and more. I shared my wellness routine and experience with tracking my sleep using a ōURA ring, and after learning about its benefits, she decided to purchase one as well. ōURA! Students could use a GREAT discount! Some students juggle many things in life: being a student, a mother, a woman, and more. They may take their health for granted now, but these are the years when lifelong habits are established. Better sleep leads to better learning, improved focus, and enhanced performance. Let’s empower them to take charge of their health early on. To my fellow educators, employers, and leaders: Begin asking about sleep. Not just as a casual conversation but as a genuine inquiry. "How did you sleep?" You might be surprised by the responses. Because success isn’t solely about intelligence or hard work. It’s about being your best self. And that begins with quality sleep. #BetterSleep #PeakPerformance #WellnessInEducation #Students #HealthMatters #AskAboutSleep #OuraRing #Makaaina