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The Wellness Questionnaire with Anna Ayers, Co-founder and CEO of Rahua

Discover how this founder was inspired to create a brand that helps people reconnect with nature.
Heather Mikesell

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Anna Ayers co-founded Rahua, a plant-powered haircare and bodycare line, with her husband, Fabian Lliguin, a renowned stylist and colorist in New York City. The couple share a great love for nature and were inspired to create their brand after a visit to the Amazon rainforest. After seeing how the land was being ravaged, they knew they needed to act. “It really hit my heart and made me want to do something,” says Ayers. “We need people to know how beautiful, precious, and important this place is.”

She and her husband also created Ecoagents, a nonprofit organization that creates awareness about the Amazon Rainforest and the importance of protecting it. Today, nature remains an essential element to Ayers as it relates to health and wellness. Here, she shares some of the ways she stays well.

What does wellness mean to you?

For me, wellness means taking time to do the things that feed and nourish the mind, soul, and body.

What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?

Slowing down the pace and being present is the most beneficial. I love to do that with a relaxing bath, reading an inspiring book, or a walk outside in nature.

Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?

I choose yoga, because it feels so good, and I learn so much about my body and what it needs through yoga. It is detoxifying, invigorating, and mentally grounding. It leaves me in a state of gratitude. I also love nature hikes upstate where I can feel the wind on my skin and in my hair and watch the seasons change. I love birdwatching and find lots of inspiration in the plants and flowers I see along the way.

What is your favorite healthy beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and do you have any insider tips for preparing it?

I love to make my favorite banana shake. I use a frozen banana, milk, a little vanilla, yogurt, ice, and blend. Add more ice to thicken, and it is the perfect ice cream replacement.

What is your greatest wellness achievement?

I believe my greatest achievement in wellness has been taking care of my body in the special way that it requires during pregnancy. I am fascinated by the female body and the journey it goes through during pregnancy to ultimately give birth to a new life. I feel very honored and grateful for this opportunity to bring life into the world, and I have enjoyed taking care of my body with more focus during this time.

What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?

My travels to South America have been wonderful and illuminating experiences. I do not look at these travels so much as a vacation or an escape, but they’ve given purpose to my life. I love to travel, as it helps me redefine and rediscover my purpose of being in this world. Having the opportunity to go to the Amazon rainforest many times, I’ve found a greater respect for the lifestyle there. It has changed my perspective. My initial visits revealed my purpose: to help protect traditional lifestyle and ancient cultures in the rainforest, and ultimately, the beautiful, majestic jungle that gives us all so much. One other special place I’ve traveled and where my partner and I do more environmental work is the Galapagos Islands. This place is truly paradise on earth with the abundant endemic species and beautiful waters. I always find great adventures there, such as swimming with giant sea turtles, caving, and diving into the open ocean. These are some of the most memorable.

What is your favorite self-care routine?

My favorite self-care rituals are a relaxing massage or a bath with candles.

What is your go-to for de-stressing?

I do yoga and meditation to de-stress. Yoga physically detoxes the body and brings goodness back into the body, and meditation helps me detox mentally and restore focus and balanced thinking.

What brings you joy?

My family is my joy. Their light and laughs inspire me and keep me grounded. That is what is important in life.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.