By Jayce Tyler
Holistic wellness is a journey—one that Donavyn Hightower knows well. Born and (mostly) raised in Houston, Hightower, a proud pansexual, Black woman and psychology major at the University of Houston, has long been passionate about spirituality and astrology. She is now seeking to help guide others toward better mental health and healing through her new online wellness shop, Earth Toned, whose slogan is “Bigger, Brighter, Inclusive.”
“What influenced my decision to make my store a wellness shop is my goal of helping others with their mental health, and I myself have recently decided to get more serious about my journey in spirituality,” Hightower says. “Not only do I want people to focus on all aspects of wellness (spiritual, emotional, physical, environmental, intellectual, social, etc.), but I also want to promote a more substantial/eco-friendly lifestyle as well.”
Hightower hopes to reach a diverse customer base with her store, which offers a variety of products from crystals, to sage, to incense sticks. Many product descriptions also include “how-tos” for those who may need guidance on their use. “My number one tip for my customers is ‘enjoy yourself,’” Hightower says. “Not everything in life has to be done a certain way, but I would advise any and everyone to be respectful and use their items wisely. If you know it’s not for you, don’t stretch yourself thin, but still do as you please.”
When asked where she sees herself in five years, Hightower remarks, “I feel like where people fail in life [in terms of] visualizing their future is having a conservative thought process. They set a goal and think ‘This is what I want in life.’ However, they lack the ability to see alternatives that can still make them happy. For years, I said I wanted to be a psychiatrist until I got to college. My dream of doing so became smaller as I sat in STEM classes. I began to get discouraged until I realized that there is not one path into what I want to do. In five to ten years, I see myself helping marginalized individuals and finding ways for people to improve their mental health, just as I’ve always wanted. I know what path I want to take, and I am content with whatever I do in life as long as it doesn’t feel like a job.”
Besides astrology and spirituality, Hightower’s interests include yoga, social justice, and fashion. She attributes much of her passion and inspiration to the Black women who have come before her, as well as those who have personally touched her life. “I closely identify with my Cajun heritage and I am proud to be a Black, queer woman,” Hightower says. “My momma worked hard for what she and her kids have today, and I will forever be grateful. She has shown me what it takes to be a hardworking Black woman in America firsthand.”
“Beyoncé is and will always be my favorite musician,” Hightower adds. “From her songs to her creative ability, she made me realize that I should not let society label me as one thing and put me in a box. In fact, she is more than a musician and I admire her for every title she decides to pick up. Last but not least, Maya Angelou is my favorite poetess of all time. When I was young, I stumbled upon her work and was excited to find we shared the same birthday. I consider one of her most famous lines to be my life’s motto: ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.’”
