Meet Rachel Gurovich!

Where is mental health taking a stance in the Beauty and Wellness industry? Rachel Gurovich, Founder of The Self-Care Seed Co raises awareness on mental health stigmas and encourages self-care through her messaging. She discusses the role of influence and how big brands have a responsibility to go beyond courtesies and incorporate all-encompassing health into their marketing strategies and practices. Learn more about the simple ways that businesses can improve their awareness and understanding of wellness in the workplace.

• My Name is: Rachel Gurovich
• My social handle is: @theselfcareseedco
• Find my website at theselfcareseedco.com

1. We’d love to get to know you! Have you always been interested in the wellness world? 

Growing up, I struggled with both my mental and physical health. At eleven years old, I began having chronic pain and inflammation in the body. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and an autoimmune arthritic condition. Also, I dealt with anxiety and depression at that age. As a result of continuous doctor visits with minimal improvement and low self-esteem, I realized that I had to become my own best friend and take matters into my own hands. I countlessly researched holistic ways that I could improve both my mental and physical state and realized that my state of mind interlinks with my pain management.

It became a priority for me to take care of my mental health for my chronic pain to be more manageable. I am now twenty-three and still on my personal wellness journey, but I am a huge advocate for mental health because I truly believe that self-love and care will lead you to a more balanced and healthy life filled with gratitude.

2. Can you tell us a little bit more about your brand, The Self-Care Seed Co?

The Self-Care Seed Co. is my passion project. Throughout my years of battling mental health conditions of generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder, I realized how isolating the healing journey can be. This is especially due to the stigmas surrounding mental health and how misunderstood this topic is in general because of generational and historical stigmas.

I did not want others to feel alone in their struggles and I realized throughout my journey that self-care is POWERFUL and HEALING. Thus, I created my mental health awareness brand to empower and educate people and created a wellness shop to continue this encouragement.

3. Who inspired you to be a part of the beauty and wellness industry?

Ariana Huffington is my inspiration. She has devoted her brand to normalizing wellness and the concept that resting is NEEDED to ultimately thrive and prevent burnout. Aside from promoting such important messages in the wellness world, she is also an inspiration in a professional sense and frankly, she is a boss lady.

4. What does a typical day with your wellness brand look like?

I typically do my morning meditation and gratitude journaling to begin my day with a fresh and positive perspective. I truly believe that it is important to take care of the self to help others. Throughout the day, I am active on social media to connect with my followers and post empowering content.

Moreover, I work on the inventory of my wellness shop through shipping out orders and working with various brands in terms of stocking items and networking. I utilize multiple graphic design platforms to create marketing and social media content.

5. Is it important for beauty brands to encourage self-care and mental health awareness?

Beauty brands NEED to encourage self-care and mental health awareness. Although not everyone has a diagnosed mental health condition, it is important to highlight that everyone still has mental health. Taking care of yourself is vital and will ultimately lead you to become your best self.

Brands and corporations need to be more understanding about mental health, especially since depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the workplace. We need to take care of our people, our team, and our staff. It will only result in a more successful business, and frankly, the health of your employees should be a top priority.

6. How can companies step up to the plate and incorporate mental health into their mission and messaging?

Companies should be transparent about incorporating wellness in the workplace and can improve awareness. Through education, there can be a greater understanding of mental health and an increase in productivity as a result. Companies need to have more empathy and compassion for their employees. We must take care of ourselves to avoid burnout and ultimately perform optimally.

Also, I believe companies should be honest and outright about committing to mental health in the workplace. Some ideas companies can incorporate are wellness classes, meditation rooms, mental health days, and gym/yoga memberships.

7. What is one thing that you have accomplished as a wellness influencer you are proud of?

As a wellness influencer, I am INFLUENCING and IMPACTING others. That is a privilege. I am proud of the community I have created because of my platform. Receiving messages daily where individuals share that my brand, content, and vulnerability has helped them through their recovery journey means the world to me. I am proud to be making a positive difference in the mental health space.

8. Why did you name your brand, The Self-Care Seed Co.?

I deliberately chose this name for two reasons. I wanted self-care to be a prominent aspect of my company and I added the term “seed” because seeds grow. This is essentially a metaphor that encompasses the notion that if we take care of ourselves, we have the capability of growing into the best and most healthy versions of ourselves mentally and physically.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Interested in learning more from professionals in the digital marketing and beauty industries? Check out the rest of our As Told By series.