Sheena Mannina is one busy gal. As the owner of Raw Republic juice bar in New Orleans and its sister business, The Space, as well as the creator of the Raw Talk With Sheena podcast, it’s safe to say that she wears a lot of different hats. But she always seems extraordinarily calm and centered. We couldn’t help but wonder how she maintains that mindful presence while juggling multiple businesses and projects. 

So we asked Sheena all about her own personal meditation and wellness practices, and we love what she shared…

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WELLNESS-BASED BUSINESSES.

I created and own Louisiana’s first cold-pressed, organic juice brand, Raw Republic. I also expanded this company to include a wellness component, which we call The Space, to provide additional support to our clients who want more personalized assistance to healing via coaching, nutritional support, Eastern medicine, meditation and all-natural self-care products. Raw Talk With Sheena is a podcast I created to share what I’ve learned through creating these businesses and through my own journey of healing and the discovery of wellness.

HOW DID YOU COME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH WELLNESS, SPECIFICALLY AROUND HEALTHY MIND/BODY/SPIRIT?

I fall in love with wellness over and over again, as every new day is an opportunity to learn more. Wellness, to me, is the discovery of that which makes one whole and functioning well, and there is no conversation of that without addressing our needs of all facets from the mental, to the physical, energetic and everything in between and beyond.

My journey began in my attempts to heal – separate and aside from the traditional medical routes that did not improve my conditions, which were hormonal imbalances, acne and irregular menstrual cycles. In conjunction with that, a small voice inside of me directed my attention to what made me perform well and feel good emotionally. These motivations are still present today with the accompanying purpose of sharing what I learn along the way through my businesses and podcast.

WHAT DOES YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LOOK LIKE?

A traditional Leo at heart, I am not inclined to be very disciplined or regimented. Therefore, my mornings change continuously. Some things that remain the same are that I use Living Libations skin care as a self-care treatment on my face and body. I use either essential oils as perfumes and sometimes meditation agents. I love writing the fragments or emotions I remember from my dreams, and I love sitting in peaceful silence, staring out of the window or with eyes closed to be in the presence of nothing and everything. I’ll never turn down one of my boyfriend’s delicious Bulletproof lattes or fatty smoothies for a quick breakfast, so many of my mornings are topped with one of these delicious additions.

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The best part about what I do is getting to play with the many different aspects of life and business that call my attention. Sometimes I love creating through marketing, photography, social media and podcasting. Other times, I like strategizing and working with employees. Also, having to show up for all of the aspects that require my attention encourage me to learn more about my strengths and to face my greatest mental fears. I enjoy using my life and businesses as discovery tools of the universe, and I enjoy sharing what I discover.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR OWN DAILY WELLNESS PRACTICE?

My best wellness ‘practice’ is tuning in: that internal guidance leads me to working with new mindsets, new herbs, new foods, different healers, different perspectives. This openminded approach keeps me well, in this moment, but I am open to that changing to a more rigid approach, should I discover or feel called to something more protocoled. 

I do consume an almost entirely organic diet, though the particulars of the foods I choose do change depending on what my body is calling for. I have eliminated almost all chemicals from my skincare, makeup, haircare and home cleaning products. And I do use essential oils daily for their subtle emotional and vibrational attainments. I incorporate body work and coaching weekly as a practice, as well as some type of exercise, and ideally, a few infrared sauna sessions, for good measure. 

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO JUICE?

For me, this is like choosing a favorite baby…but if I’m being honest, I most drink Raw Republic’s All Greens + Lemon juice. The recipe is so balanced and refreshing: kale, collard, mint, parsley, cucumber and lemon. I also love Carrot Coco juice: carrot, apple, lemon, ginger and coconut water.

WHAT DOES YOUR OWN MEDITATION PRACTICE LOOK LIKE, WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?

Any and all kinds! I have completed a 10-day silent Vippassanna Meditation retreat/course and do lean on the basis of that practice when I am meditating alone or in contemplative prayer. I write quite a lot to work through emotions, and I practice meditation in a group setting when I am leading or attending another’s meditation class. I think individual and group practice is essential and helpful for different purposes.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU, YOUR BUSINESSES AND YOUR PODCAST?

Who knows?! I can have goals and visions, but if the universe does not support that plan, I have to be okay with the direction in which I am being guided. I try to be unattached to the outcomes and to trust my work. So, I’ll continue to create, and Universe, you continue to show me where you would like me to place that creation. I’ll do my best to listen.

Photo Credit: Sheena Mannina