Shanaya harnesses the healing power of sage and crystals

Today, many people choose to burn sage to cleanse the air of harmful bacteria or any negative energies that might be in the space and to promote relaxation.

There have also been studies that have suggested it can help with focus and combating daily stress and frustrations.

Shanaya Evans, from Wolverhampton, turned to the herb to help her cope with grief and stress during the Covid lockdown.

"We were all stuck at home, we couldn't go out or see our friends, we couldn't do the things we would normally do," she says.

"During lockdown I also lost someone very close to me. I had never really lost someone close to me before and I didn't know how to deal with it, especially when I couldn't do the things I would normally do like see my friends.

"I started using sage, crystals and sound healing and found it really helped me as a healthy outlet for stress and it brought me peace."

Shanaya, who works in retail, will burn sage in each corner of the room while repeating positive affirmations as part of her regular meditation practice.

To clear her mind before meditating, she uses singing bowls to help her to relax.

Singing bowls usually have different frequencies that are aligned to one of the chakras in the human body.

There are said to be seven main chakras, which are focal points of energy, and when these become blocked, it is believed this can affect people’s emotions and wellbeing.

When played, the bowls vibrate and produce a rich, deep tone.

"Singing bowls help me to get into a peaceful state of mind so I'm not thinking too much.

"I find it hard to meditate in complete silence because I over think things. With sound healing, I can focus on the sound of the bowls and it helps me to switch off," explains Shanaya.

Alongside sage and sound healing, the 26-year-old also uses crystals to give herself a boost.

Since as long ago as the ancient Greeks, crystals have been used to achieve physical, emotional and spiritual balance.

And many people today swear by their power and turn to them to help ease their stress and anxiety worries.

Among the crystals Shanaya uses is amethyst, which is associated with feelings of peace, calm and spiritual awareness, and rose quartz, which is said to represent friendship, trust and unconditional love.

"You can never have too much love in your life," she says.

Spending time meditating and focussing on her wellbeing has been very beneficial for Shanaya.

"It's helped me to become a more peaceful person and it's helped to realise that not everything has to be over-thought and stressed about.

"It's not been an overnight thing, it's been a journey," she explains.

In June 2020, Shanaya founded The Th3rdBrand, with the intention of spreading positivity and encouraging mental wellbeing.

"When I realised how much it was helping me, I wanted to bring that to other people, who might not be aware of it.

"I started by giving sage to my family and friends for them to use," she explains.

The online business sells products such as ethically-sourced singing bowls, crystals, incense, sage and crystal jewellery, and Shanaya is also on hand to share her knowledge and experience.

"It can get confusing so I want to educate people too and offer them a community where if they are questioning where they are going in life they can have these conversations with each other," she adds.

Over the past three years, Shanaya has built a strong supportive community and has been noticed by UK and USA celebrities such as television and radio presenter Yasmin Evans and singer Jill Scott.

"Yasmin was the first person to buy a singing bowl from me and she said it was one of her most treasured things. Jill hasn't bought anything but she did send me an email and told me to continue spreading love and light," explains Shanaya.

"When I started, I didn't expect it to become a business, it's just ended up that way. It's really nice being able to help people. It truly makes me happy."

In the wake of the pandemic, she believes a lot more people are looking for ways to rewind from their busy lives and improve their mental health and wellbeing

"With social media and how fast-paced this world is today, people are trying to slow down and reconnect with themselves. It's so hard to do that when you're always on the go. My business and other businesses like it offer ways to that. I think it intrigues people and makes them want to try it out."

Shanaya's ultimate ambition is to set up a charity to bring people together and provide support.

"One of my biggest goals is to open a charity where we get together who can't afford to access these products and provide a safe space for them to heal, talk and be part of a physical community of people," she explains.

For more information, visit theth3rdbrand.com or follow @theth3rdbrand on Instagram.