Behind the Scenes: Growing a Heart-Centered Brand from Scratch
As I sit here, sipping my morning cacao, having just come in from a walk in my garden, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude. Life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths, doesn't it?
Today, I find myself reflecting on one such journey – the creation and growth of my brand Living LUNA.
But let me back up a bit. For the past few weeks, my partner Ikenna Lughna has hunched over their computer, brow furrowed in concentration as they navigate the intricacies of video editing software. It’s a reality that fills me with both pride and a touch of amusement. You see, just a few weeks ago, Ikenna had only dabbled with video editors. Now, they're starting to craft beautiful visual stories for our brand!
This scenario – of diving headfirst into the unknown, of learning on the fly – has become a familiar dance for us over the past few years. And its got me thinking about how far we've come and the winding road that led us here.
Our booth during Pride in 2023! “We are Living LUNAs: A Community, Podcast, and Social Movement. We stand united in “Uplifting the Others” of our world through joy, compassion, and curiosity.” LOVE WHO YOU ARE!
Flashback
It's 2020, and the world has just turned upside down. Like many of you, I found myself reevaluating everything – my career, my purpose, my dreams. I had spent years as a mental health therapist and trauma specialist, pouring my heart into helping others heal. It was rewarding work, but something was missing. Due to the strict clinical nature of therapy, I felt powerless whenever a client would share with me that what they needed more than ever was a social community…
The spark was born in me. I’d built communities many times in the past, from spiritual groups to online gaming guilds. But, there was a bigger vision brewing inside me, a desire to create a space where people could truly embrace their authenticity without shame. A social space. A social movement! That’s what I believed in!
Enter Living LUNA.
I'll be honest with you — when we first conceived of Living LUNA (which stands for Loving Unashamed and Nurturing Authenticity), I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Starting a brand from scratch? With no outside funding, no family support, and the ever-present weight of student loan debt that seems to be the Millennial rite of passage? It seemed daunting, to say the least.
But here's the thing about dreams – they have a way of pushing you forward, even when the path isn't clear.
So, we started learning. And when I say learning, I mean we dove into the deep end of every pool we could find.
Business management? Check.
Marketing strategies? Check.
SEO, podcast production, course creation, web design? Check, check, check, and check.
There were nights when I found myself bleary-eyed at 10PM, watching yet another YouTube tutorial on how to optimize blog posts or edit reels. There were moments of frustration when technology seemed determined to thwart our every move. (Let's just say that our first AND second attempt at recording Seasons 3 of our podcast involved laughter, a few tears, and many lesson in the importance of quality technology.)
Our core podcast has two full seasons with over 30 episodes. We also have several “spin-off” podcasts hosted by me!
But with each challenge, each new skill acquired, we grew. Not just in our capabilities, but in our conviction that what we were building was truly needed in the world. Us vs. Them mentality is at an all time high, and we’re here to change that.
Living LUNA isn't just a brand or a podcast. It's a movement. It's a declaration that it's okay to be exactly who you are, in all your beautiful, messy, complex glory. It's a space where we can abolish the "us vs. them" mentality and instead celebrate the unique light that each person brings to the world.
As we've grown over the past two years, I've had the privilege of witnessing this vision come to life in ways I never could have imagined.
Since launching our podcast in March 2022, we've:
Recorded over 200 pieces of content for our YouTube channel, covering topics from mental health and personal growth to spirituality and social justice.
Filled our blog with meaningful articles that dive deep into the human experience.
Built an active Discord community where genuine friendships have formed and people support each other in their journeys of self-discovery.
Spoken on podcasts and appeared in guest features, spreading our message of authenticity and self-love far and wide.
But perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey has been the people we've met along the way. The stories we've heard, the transformations we've witnessed – they're a constant reminder of why we do what we do. I’ve heard from so many people that our community is what was missing for them, that we are their anchor on hard days, and that our discussions of taboo or otherwise swept-under-the-rug topics have given people the inspiration they needed to pursue a dream.
These moments, these connections – they're the fuel that keeps us going, even on the toughest days as a small, startup company!
And now, as I watch Ikenna take off on this new adventure in video editing, I'm reminded once again of the power of embracing challenges and continual growth. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
Speaking of which, I'd love to share with you the fruits of Ikenna's labor!
Check out this video they created for our Butterfly Immersion experience:
Pretty impressive for someone who's only been learning video editing for a few weeks, right? It's a perfect example of what we stand for at Living LUNA – embracing new challenges, learning as we go, and creating beauty in the process.
Now, I know I've shared a lot about our journey, but the truth is, Living LUNA isn't just about us. It's about you. It's about all of us, coming together to create a world where authenticity is celebrated and every voice is valued.
So, here's my invitation to you: Come join us!
If you're curious about what we do and want to dip your toes in, here are a few ways you can connect with us:
Join our Discord community: This is where the magic happens. It's a safe space to share, learn, and grow alongside like-minded individuals. We have channels for everything from mental health support to creative projects to casual chit-chat. It's a judgment-free zone where you can truly be yourself.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: If you enjoy audio/visual content, this is the place for you. We cover a wide range of topics, all aimed at helping you live a more authentic, fulfilling life. From practical tips on self-care to deep dives into psychological concepts, there's something for everyone.
Follow me on Facebook: This is where I share more personal insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Living LUNA, and doses of inspiration. It's a great way to stay connected and join in on real-time discussions.
Check out our blog: If you prefer reading, our blog is filled with in-depth articles on personal growth, mental health, spirituality, and more. It's a treasure trove of information and inspiration.
Listen to our podcast: Available on all major platforms, our podcast, Living LUNA, is perfect for those who like to learn on the go. We cover a wide range of topics and often feature guest experts who bring unique perspectives to the table. (Apple, Spotify)
And if none of those options feel quite right for you at the moment, that's okay too. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply to carry the message of self-love and authenticity into your own life and interactions.
Remember, we believe your unique light makes the world brighter. Every time you choose authenticity over conformity, every time you extend compassion to yourself or others, you're contributing to a more loving, understanding world.
As we continue to grow and evolve at Living LUNA, we're excited to develop new offerings and resources. We're currently working on more online courses, ebooks, and even planning some in-person events for the future. So stay tuned – there's always something new on the horizon!
I want to sign off today by expressing my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has supported us on this journey so far, including those who have stuck around through the July Ultimate Blog Challenge. Whether you've listened to a podcast episode, read a blog post, or simply sent a kind thought our way, you're part of the Living LUNA family. Thank you.
Together, we're creating ripples of change that have the power to transform lives. And in a world that often feels divided, I truly believe that this work – this commitment to authenticity, compassion, and connection – is more important than ever.
So keep shining your light, keep embracing your unique journey, and know that we're here, cheering you on every step of the way. Because at Living LUNA, our mission is simple but powerful: we're here to “Uplift the Others,” to celebrate the beautiful diversity of human experience, and to create a world where everyone feels free to be unapologetically, authentically themselves.
Until next time, may you walk in authenticity and love!
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
Visionary CEO of Living LUNA
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
Want to chat with me directly? Join the LivingLUNAs Discord: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp
