Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalia Orquera.
Nathalia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid function. Doctors told me that the reason I couldn’t get out of bed or function normally was that my thyroid had shut off and the only way for me to get better was to take medicine for life. I was in complete shock of the results, as I have been a pretty healthy person all my life. I ate mostly organic and ran marathons. I never took medicine, except for what I thought was safe for menstrual pain, ibuprofen. As I research about my condition, and with the help of a functional doctor, I realized I could cure myself with the help of the right foods and a change of a lifestyle. It was not easy, as I had to completely overhaul my life. There are toxins all around us that we are told are safe to eat or to apply on our skin. Unfortunately, as consumers, we believe the FDA protects us, but most conventional personal care products contain hormone disruptors.
I used to work as a brand manager for one of the major global cosmetics houses, so I had access to all the latest perfumes, cosmetics, skincare anyone can dream of. As I investigated and got savvy on ingredients, I cried on the bathroom floor as I picked up every Channel, Christian Dior, Cartier, Lancôme, and put them in a “to go” pile. They didn’t contribute to my condition but certainly didn’t help either. I gave myself a year to get better. Little by little I replaced all my personal care products, house linens from conventional to organic cotton, cleaning products transformed into one bottle of water with vinegar, and all my food was organic, gluten-free, and dairy and corn free. The diet was a nightmare, and a barely had a social life, as I needed to get adjusted to the change as well. Friends and family didn’t comprehend, but I was adamant in getting better without the help of medicine.
The year went by, and as I sat at the endocrinologist office, I thought I had a few days left to live. As he read the results he asked me several times; you never took the medicine? I said no. He told me to wait and left the room for what felt like a million years. He came back with three more doctors, and at that moment all I could think of is I’m going to die. He tells me, we can’t believe that your thyroid is working again. And you said you never took the medicine? What did you do? I told them I went completely gluten-free and changed my lifestyle. As I got better, my skin clear from acne, I had no more inflammation, I was energetic, and I never had again menstrual cramps, so goodbye ibuprofen. I mention this because many women suffer from many of these conditions and they are told that medicine is the solution. I believe that certain life events happen to you, so you can help and be an example to others.
That’s why through my blog and my company Ever Conscious, I want to educate and encourage women to make more conscious choices in order to alter, in a positive way, their lifestyles.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was certainly not an easy road to change my lifestyle. Although it was easier for me because I had led a healthier life compared to the average person and have always been a nature lover, it was challenging not to have a support system. My lifestyle change was viewed as a whim by close friends or family, and not as insurmountable effort to save my life. But the experience had made me more resilient and more empathetic to others. That’s is why I want to help or guide others to live their best life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Maria Loves Green – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
With Ever Conscious my goal is to create events that are both fun and educational. I know there is a lot of information out there, now more than ever, on how to live a Greener life, whether is eating organic or how to have an ethical closet. But I believe people feel more at ease learning from others in real life, and by being part of a group where they can share ideas and make changes for themselves or the community…but together, with a support group is much easier. What sets me apart is that I am 100% committed to this lifestyle and through my journey, I have learned a lot and met inspiring people that I want to be part of Ever Conscious and inspire other lead a greener life.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The future is so bright it gives me goosebumps! I have a series of events planned to educate and entertain guests at the same time. One of them coming up on how to shop and style pre-loved (second hand clothes) to dispel the stigma of buying second hand (53 million tonnes of clothes are produced globally each year, of which 87% ends up in landfills!) I’m planning the first ever plant-based skincare and cosmetics pop up here in Miami. The goal is to educate guests on using organic personal care, to learn to read labels, recognize toxic ingredients, and to show them first hand that green cosmetics do work!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mlovesgreen
- Facebook: Maria Loves Green
- Twitter: mlovesgreen
- Other: EverConscious.co
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
