Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Perea.
Hi Alejandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Colombia and migrated to the States at seven years of age with my mom. My school years were spent between the creative scenes of Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles. Frequently moving locations as a child brought with it all the challenges of incorporating & adapting to new environments. However, hope is an eternal flame in the soul and I remember always anchoring to two constants during those defining years: 1. dancing and 2. reading books.
I danced jazz and ballet through school and extracurricular programs. Despite the chaos, I was fortunate to be exposed to cities that value and encourage creativity. The instructors in these communities were extremely focused on and instilled within me the concept of living with a passion for health. Extending beyond the therapy that is body movement, my mentors highlighted a life philosophy of holistic self-care and nutrition during the classes I attended. Emphasizing the idea that the mind and body connection of all beings is very important and must be nourished equally and daily.
Today, I am at a point where I am ready to share all the knowledge I’ve acquired, at the young age of 28, with my community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Unfortunately, my life has not been a smooth path, and instead presented me with a series of traumatic & grave experiences from which I developed post-traumatic stress disorder and other correlated mental health conditions. Refusing to allow those conditions to set me back, I have focused on my lifelong quest for health, healing, and caring for the self. The best coping skill I have found for my mental and overall health has been my self-care habits. This journey ignited and inspired Zer Naturals in my mind.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Zer Naturals?
Zer Naturals is truly a creative project of self-expression in which I can embody & share my passion for health with my community. Zer products are aimed to promote a zen state of being or “ser zen” which means “to be zen” in Spanish. As a proud member of the immigrant community, I want to give a voice to all the Dreamers who have felt unheard and like they do not belong. Zer products are reflective of what is possible to all members of society who cherish dreams and want to prioritize self-love as well as compassion for both your being and those around you. The company is still in the early stages of launching but I am very excited for what the future holds with Zer. I feel very optimistic and confident that my hard work will pay off.
What were you like growing up?
I am/was very introverted, solitary, and observant. I have always been a studious person, a reader. Dancing was great for me because it allowed me to express myself in a way I was never able to with words. I was always very independent and went against what most of the other kids did. I loved spending time with my dogs and taking them to the local parks.
Contact Info:
- Email: glow@zernaturals.com
- Instagram: @zernaturals
- Facebook: @zernaturals
Image Credits
Jack Opatrny
