kai conversations with... erica groussman, co-founder of TRUWOMEN

we are overjoyed to bring you this week's kai conversation with erica groussman, wife, mom, and co-founder of truwomen, a clean indulgent food brand which includes a line of super delicious 100% plant-based protein bars that not only taste amazing but use high quality, healthy, simple and wholesome ingredients that you can actually pronounce. as a female entrepreneur and kai devotee since her teenage years, erica has always wholeheartedly believed in living a clean, healthy lifestyle. her lifelong quest for clean snacks that satisfy her sweet tooth led to her creating truwomen. similar to kai, her products and the way she runs her company are all about empowering women and creating healthier products for a healthier world. we can attest from our own experience that the truwomen protein bars satisfy your sweet tooth, while also giving you sustained energy throughout the day. we applaud erica on this incredible brand she's founded and we encourage you to check out her products available at stores including target nationwide and on truwomen's e-commerce website. erica shares some wonderful insights on her lifestyle and company below. we hope you enjoy! 

xo,

gaye. 

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/inspiration? if so, please feel free to share.

entering change is most often always uncomfortable, unfamiliar and unknown. initially and maybe out of self-preservation, i carried on as if the pandemic would merely vanish as most suggested. about a month or so into quarantine, i hit an internal roadblock because i finally was forced to accept the severity of the virus. for a few days, i was plagued with fear and indulged in the daunting observations of my surroundings. i'm not sure the exact moment of change, but i do know that an internal shift took place. i acknowledged power over my thinking and my life, and decided that i was going to embrace the change. during the course of the last year, i have gotten to spend priceless time with my husband and our kids, and our new dog gigi. we cherished things that we often take for granted, like cooking together, watching movies, and playing games. we spent a lot more time sitting by each other, without needing to fill in space with updates on our day. we've all learned to slow down, to practice self-love on hard days, and to use gratitude as a force of momentum.

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow" lifestyle?

i really believe the most important relationship one has is the relationship with themself. over the years, i've really had to learn how to prioritize time with myself, carving out windows to get my body moving and slow my mind down. when i am my best self, i am a better leader, wife, and mother, so i actually don't have "time" to not take care of me. some days that looks like a nice walk around the neighborhood and others it is 60 seconds of breath work to get me realigned. 

what's the best advice you've ever received?

"don't argue with a ghost" - or in other words, don't waste good energy on someone's mind who cannot be changed! 

do you have a mantra you live by? 

i don't have a specific mantra, but i really try to stay positive. in the course of one day, we are processing so much information and it can be easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. i really focus on choosing to view things glass half full. it saves my sanity and makes me a more enjoyable person to be around!

what's your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?

eye cream! i swear it is the answer to avoid under eye wrinkles while keeping you glowy and awake. i carry eye cream with me at all times and reapply throughout the day, like some would with lip balm.

go-to lipstick color? 

it's a GEE thing by Gee Beauty. it's the perfect shade of nude pink! 

what color nail polish are you wearing right now? 

fun fact: i always wear a pale pink color on my nails. 

who is your role model? 

it's so hard to narrow down the many world-shakers out there, but i really admire Gwyneth Paltrow and her female-focused health and wellness company, Goop. i think it's so important that women have access to tools to live healthier lives, and i respect her for her dedication to offering resources that help readers and shoppers make better choices. 

ultimate getaway?

one of my favorite places in the world is Aspen, Colorado. i love the contrast of nature and outdoor activities, juxtaposed with world-renowned restaurants and retailers.

guilty pleasure?

my favorite not guilty "guilty pleasure" is when my sweet tooth kicks in late at night and i unwrap a TRUBAR. at this point, everyone else is asleep and it's just my dessert-inspired clean treat and me! 

kai obsession? 

i have been using kai products for well over 15 years, and am just as obsessed with them as ever. back when i had more time, i used to go through the ritual of spraying my pillows with the room-linen spray but once life got busy, i devoted myself to the diffusers. i love having the diffusers in rooms throughout the house to make each room feel welcoming and warm. i also have perfume oil in just about every handbag so that i can freshen up throughout the day! 

morning person or night owl? 

both! i'm not sure just how i got to be this way, but i wake up with tons of energy and yet can't seem to want to shut down before bed. it's awesome (until my lack of sleep catches up with me).

ideal way to relax/ unwind?

relax? what's that? haha. i try to meditate every day, although sometimes i only have five minutes and that's totally ok.

thank you... erica!