LATINX SPOTLIGHT: JASMINE R. CASTILLO

Welcome to our series celebrating the Latinx healers, creators and wellness advocates making an impact in our communities. Wellness is multi-dimensional, as it consists beyond the physical, but also mental, spiritual, financial, environmental, and social aspects of our lives. 

It is important to share the stories of Latinx individuals beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, as it inspires others to create their own narratives. This series consists of real stories of inspirational Latinx individuals creating safe spaces for connection, community, and self-care through the power of wellness. This week we celebrate Jasmin Castillo founder.

What is unique about being Latina in the wellness space? 
I love connecting with folks of all backgrounds, there’s always something to learn/gain from various cultures. In essence, I feel that very much with myself. I have generations of warriors who utilized our culture to inspire, feed, connect and heal. From vaparub (pronounced vaparoo) to using sana sana, well into our adulthood. It creates a multi-faceted and deep connection among others who relate, and for those who can’t to learn through cultural appreciation. 

What inspired you to start your own business? 
What made me want to start Sana Sana was the realization that I can no longer receive sana sana from my mama, as she has transitioned, but maybe I can still create space for it. Technically, I’ve provided myself sana sana aka heal heal, since I was a child by the placing of hands on the part of my body that hurt most whether physically, emotionally or spiritually. I didn’t recognize this healing process until a few months after ma’s passing, as I would place my hand on my heart to give myself sana sana from an achy heart. Then I started to get deeper into several healing practices, still giving myself sana sana in various ways. And then I thought why not do it for others, create a wellness market focusing on healing tools, services, programs and practices all within one space. And so sana sana came to be and launched in the fall of 23’.

What is the best advice someone gave you when you started your business? 
To serve with purpose, but not to forget why I’m doing this. Running a business can be exhausting, lonely, financially sucking, so I must continue to remind myself of my why, and give myself sana sana first and foremost. If I’m burnt out, then how will I be of service? I make sure to give myself breaks, to partake during sana sana market and to attend other wellness circles, spaces and places. 

What is the best advice you would give another person who wanted to start their own small business? 
Build a team who knows more than you but will also balance out with you, respecting what you offer. You never want to be the smartest in the room, as you want to hold room for self-growth. Having a team has been not only supportive with event set ups, but more of a family that supports, learns and builds with each other.

Do you have a personal yoga/meditation practice? How has it helped you?
I remember learning about yoga in high school. Back then, I loved stretching and taking a nap. Then I started attending yoga for the people in my 20’s in the west village, to try it out seriously. It wasn’t till I hit my 30’s I began practicing at home and at various studios. But home is where it’s best served me. I find myself in my own comfort, sometimes hesitant to give myself time to move my body and aid in my physical needs. But once I start, it’s momentum and energy that sets my whole day into motion. By giving myself even just 10 minutes of yoga, pilates, dance or stretch, I’m aiding in supporting not just the physical facet, but the emotional and mental sides too.

Share your favorite yoga/wellness social media/web accounts that inspire you? 
My favorite accounts I follow online are Mitú, Ofrenda Yoga Studio, Chiquita Brujita, Everything Soulful, Rebecca Gitana, Bomba Yo, to name a few. They focus on sharing stories, creating space, celebrating tradition and creating community spaces.  

What does the future of wellness look like?
It looks diversified! I love seeing POC reclaim elements of our culture that have long been used as financial gains in the U.S., appropriated and price gauged.  Seeing people create healing spaces that are accessible, relatable and a reconnection to our roots, allows for deep healing.

The theme of our current issue is JOY, how do you inspire joy in your life and those around you? By celebrating the little things every day. Celebrating life. Breaking bread together. Being present. Enjoying the little things such as a walk during sunset, to a grand experience such as taking a group trip to the tropics. Every moment in every way counts and adds up to this life-long expedition called life.