Out with the old and in with the new—year, that is. The beginning of the year is often paired by the notion of starting fresh. However, a lot of us still haven’t recovered from the previous year (we're speaking of course of 2020), let alone even begun to process the ups and copious downs of 2021. Still, time does march on, so may we suggest prioritizing self-care as you prepare to take on 2022? Here are six fresh, Portland-based brands to help kickstart your wellness routine.   

Aesthete Tea

Reaching for a cup of tea for its healing properties is no secret—next to water, it’s the most widely consumed beverage in the world. Portland might be a coffee city, but Briana Thornton bucked that trend when she started Aesthete Tea in 2017 alongside her mother Maggie Cassidy, who is also an herbalist. From its start in a 200-square-foot kitchen, to a physical location in the Multnomah French Quarter food cart pod in SW Portland, Aesthete Tea has become a cornerstone community brand, providing options including herbal chai, an anti-inflammatory blend, and "Holy Basil," which supports brain function and sleep.  3530 SW Multnomah Blvd,@aesthetetea

Blithe and Bonny

Another mother/daughter owned business, Blithe and Bonny is a local, small-batch bath and body company. Despite having to close their brick and mortar storefront due to COVID-19, the Happy Valley-based brand is selling their goods online and in stores in Portland and beyond. Their line includes vegan bar soap, botanical bath salts, and room and linen sprays, sourced from ethanol- and phthalate-free ingredients. Find them in local shops like Cargo, Broadway Floral, SymbiOp Garden Shop, or online. @blitheandbonny_pdx  

Drink Mamey 

Self-care in the form of juice is never a bad idea. Drink Mamey, a Black-owned juice bar on NE Killingsworth was founded by Cydnie Smith-McCarthy, who honed in on her passion for wellness around the time her father passed away from an undiagnosed health condition. Drink Mamey's juice choices include "Let it Glow," with cucumber, kale, apple, lemon and spinach, and the "Twenty Four Carrot," with carrots, pineapple, and lime. 1615 NE Killingsworth St, @drinkmamey 

Light and Glow Candle Company

Whether it’s your morning ritual or a way to wind down after a long day, lighting a candle is a legit form of self-care that’s too easily overlooked. Portland-based Light and Glow Candle Company makes coconut creme wax candles that are vegan and free of toxins, parabens, and phthalates. Bonus: the candle-holders are reusable. Find them online, or arrange for a local pick-up. @lightandglow.candleco

Plants by People

When Jing DiPiero was younger, she had first-hand experiences with the benefits of herbs after suffering from an illness that western medicine made worse; she had the same experience when her grandmother got sick. In both instances, herbal prescriptions made a miraculous change in the trajectory of their health. Fast-forward to 2020, when DiPiero created Plants by People, herbal supplements made entirely from plants. The brand offers six different tonics, each one aimed at providing a different benefit, ranging from digestive to immune system support. @plants_by_people 

Seagrape Apothecary

This Alberta Arts District space is a sanctuary aiming to, as their tagline states, help you “transform self-care into a love affair.” And they’re doing it in multiple ways. Aside from offering a slew of retail items, like bath soaks, oils, and crystals, Seagrape Apothecary hosts digital workshops with topics ranging from herbal care, financial healing, and dream divination with tarot. 319 NE Wygant St, @seagrapeapothecary