Inside NOVA Essence: The Wellness Brand ReImagining Self-Care Through Creativity and Community

In 2017, Google Trends showed a consistent upward rise in searches for self-care, signaling the early stages of growing public interest. As of 2026, the term creative self-care has surged in visibility, with an estimated 14.8 billion related videos on YouTube alone and hundreds of thousands of watch hours across platforms like TikTok. The hashtag #selfcompassion has amassed roughly 150,000 videos as of 2022. Despite these numbers, creative self-care is not a modern trend. It predates psychology, capitalism, and the wellness industry itself. These practices emerged as survival tools, emotional regulators, and rituals that strengthened community bonds.

Alyssa Chambers, Founder and CEO of NOVA Essence Inside Out, a wellness brand reimagining self-care through creativity, shares: “A few years ago, I survived a suicide attempt, a trauma that completely changed my relationship with myself and the world. My journey has been marked by both trauma and transformation. In the quiet, difficult days that followed, I realized healing isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of small, intentional acts. Pouring candles, writing affirmations, and creating moments of calm became my way to process grief and rediscover my worth.”

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Candle making dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome around 3000 BCE. Originally used as practical tools for light and timekeeping, candles were often crafted communally and closely tied to women’s domestic labor. Today, repetitive handwork combined with low light helps reduce sensory overload and encourages a meditative state. As Chambers noted, candle pouring has long offered people a sense of control during uncertain or dangerous times, a benefit that remains just as relevant today.

Journaling and affirmation writing trace their roots to ancient Mesopotamia and Rome. Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations from the second century stands as one of the earliest known examples of reflective journaling. Modern psychology now confirms what history has long suggested: expressive writing reduces stress, improves emotional regulation, and enhances cognitive processing. Historically, journaling helped individuals externalize fear, grief, and uncertainty. As we highlight brands that are modernizing and evolving these practices, it is important to recognize Chambers as a leader within this space and acknowledge her impact on the community.

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NOVA Essence Inside Out teaches us to use creative expression as a primary wellness tool rather than focusing solely on passive consumption or productivity. One of the ways this approach is encouraged is through workshops. “Our workshops are intentionally designed to be safe, creative spaces where people can explore their feelings, share their stories, and build community. Whether you’re blending a custom candle, journaling, or taking part in a group affirmation, you’re not just doing an activity. You are creating a pocket of peace for yourself, a safe space,” says Chambers. “Traditional wellness products can be soothing, but at NOVA Essence, we offer a path to deeper self-discovery and genuine belonging because healing is easier when we do it together. Two is better than one.”

What does it mean to reimagine self-care through creativity and community? It means releasing tension through expression, healing out loud, and processing emotions rather than suppressing them. While the internet can be a helpful resource for discovering creative practices, it is not always reliable or accessible. One of the most important aspects of creative self-care is consistency, and that often requires community. Like-minded individuals help us reclaim our time and autonomy, reconnect with intuition, and slow down in a culture obsessed with speed.

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Traditional luxury self-care has begun to feel performative, and in some online spaces, it can leave people feeling behind rather than aligned. Alyssa Chambers challenges this by centering connection in every NOVA Essence product and event. “Our Pocket of Peace kits, mobile candle café, and workshops are all designed to bring people together. At NOVA Essence Inside Out, we ask ourselves how a product or event can help someone feel less alone. Even our packaging and playlists are crafted to spark gratitude and mindfulness, so every interaction with NOVA feels like a warm embrace.”

In a world where social media dominates attention and attention has become a form of currency, it is fair to wonder what life beyond doomscrolling might look like. Building real-world community can feel like relief in a digital culture that often encourages parasocial connections over meaningful relationships. Reclaiming our lives, time, and attention requires intention. Words of affirmation are a powerful place to start, especially in the morning, by speaking kindly and confidently to yourself before the day begins.

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One of the collections Alyssa Chambers offers to support creative self-care is the “I AM” affirmation candle line. “Each scent is paired with a powerful affirmation: ‘I am LOVED,’ ‘I am BLESSED,’ ‘I am CONFIDENT,’ and ‘I am ENOUGH.’ Our newest edition, ‘I Am HEALED,’ is especially meaningful,” says the creative wellness founder. “It represents the closing of a chapter of personal transformation. These small daily acts help rebuild confidence and rediscover joy. They turn everyday routines into moments of affirmation, gratitude, and gentle transformation, reminding us that we are beautifully inspired, inside and out.”

As the year continues and many begin seeking ways to regulate their nervous systems and move out of stress or survival mode, brands like NOVA Essence Inside Out are worth considering. Not only for their creative self-care offerings, but because founder-led brands with leaders who can genuinely relate to their audience are essential in this space. We encourage you to explore NOVA Essence Inside Out, connect with Alyssa Chambers, and embrace this next chapter of self-love and self-discovery.

by Harley Miller
Images courtesy of Alyssa Chambers, NOVA Essence Inside Out