January is a month of detoxes, crash diets, and resolving to make up for the indulgences of the holidays. But what if we swapped the never successful quick fixes for a more sustainable approach to cleansing body and mind? After all, it’s the small habit changes that have the most powerful impact on our health.

Today, we speak with Anit Hora, the founder of organic skincare company Mullein & Sparrow, about how cleansing can become a mindful self-care ritual.

Splendid Spoon: What does holistic beauty and wellness mean to you?

Anit Hora: It means taking your entire lifestyle into account when thinking about beauty and wellness. You can’t isolate your skincare routine or your workout regimen, you have to consider everything: your friends, work-life balance, sleep schedule…everything.

SS: How do Mullein & Sparrow products help us connect mind, body, and spirit?

AH: We stress the importance of self-care and creating rituals for yourself in this modern (and often chaotic and disconnected) age. Using organic products with essential oils helps you connect to nature and the purity of what it offers.

All our products create a very sensual experience — they help you reconnect with yourself using every sense — which helps you sink even deeper into your connection to yourself.

SS: How can we use some of the basic principles of Ayurveda (the Indian system of traditional medicine) to create nourishing rituals for ourselves?

AH: I was born in India and raised in NYC: the principles of Ayurveda were always known and important to me. At its core, Ayurveda is about re-establishing balance. By increasing self-awareness, listening to what your body needs, and then giving your body what it asks for, you come back into balance.

For example, if you’re like me and have a lot of vata (air) energy — that is, if you’re often restless and a little unfocused — it’s important to eat grounding foods [Grounding foods are predominantly cooked, warm foods, including lots of root veggies. — Ed.], practice grounding activities like meditation, and incorporate grounding rituals like nightly baths or essential oils.

SS: What self-care practices help you stay grounded?

AH: I keep it simple: movement. Whether I turn to something more restorative like yoga or meditation, or seek out something a little more fiery like pilates or a bootcamp class, I find that movement reconnects me with my body and breath. I always feel more grounded and centered after a good sweat.

SS: What’s the best way to cleanse and rediscover our best self as we step into the new year?

AH: I think one of the best practices for the new year is to set intentions. I feel it’s imperative to get clear with where you are and where you want to be — only then can you manifest a better self and successful future.

SS: What are your favorite guilt-free indulgences that raise your vibration?

AH: Well, to be honest, I don’t believe in guilt like that. I truly believe in listening to my body. If it wants chocolate and wine, totally fine! Being in touch with myself and knowing I’m honoring myself with every choice, keeps my vibration high.

SS: What nourishing, plant-based ingredients can we use to keep our skin glowing throughout winter?

AH: My favorite DIY ritual is a simple facial scrub. I make it by combining organic brown sugar, a little avocado, and a few drops of an essential oil. The exfoliation clears off dead skin cells, and the avocado and oil moisturize, giving you a perfectly new, refreshed glow.

SS: What’s your go-to talisman that you use as a reminder to stay grounded and true to yourself?

AH: I’m not very religious, but I always wear a kara, which is part of the Sikh faith I was raised by. It’s a simple, unadorned steel bracelet that reminds me of my strength and warrior spirit. My mom gave it to me when I first started Mullein and Sparrow, and I’ve worn it every day since.