Walking Boldly: The Spiritual Journey to Authenticity (and the Power of a Parasol to Guide You)

I used to think authenticity was something you either had or didn't have, like a switch you could flip on and suddenly become your "real" self. But walking this spiritual path has taught me something different: authenticity isn't a destination; it's a daily practice of showing up exactly as you are, even when the world wants you to be someone else.

The journey started six years ago, at an African Arts Festival when I found myself standing at my booth, holding a beautiful hand painted parasol I'd bought in a fishing village during my travels to Hong Kong. I was looking up at the Asian parasol on this particularly hot day, surrounded by this African art and wondered, "What would happen if I put these two cultures together?"

What an inspiring thought. However, the thought terrified and thrilled me at the same time.

That parasol became my first intentional accessory, not just something pretty to carry, but a symbol of protection for my curiosity and expansion into my authentic self as I learned to walk boldly in the world.

What Does Authenticity Actually Look Like?

You've probably heard the word "authenticity" thrown around so much it's lost meaning. I know I had. But here's what I've discovered through my own stumbling, growing, and yes, sometimes failing: authenticity isn't about being perfect or having it all figured out.

Authenticity is about alignment. It's when your thoughts, words, and actions flow from the same source, your true self, not the version you think others want to see.

For me, this realization hit hard during a particularly challenging season. I was saying yes to every thing, wearing myself thin, and feeling completely disconnected from my purpose. You know that feeling when you're busy but not fulfilled? When you're productive but not passionate?

I started asking myself uncomfortable questions: When do I feel most alive? What would I do if I knew no one was watching? What would I create if failure wasn't an option?

The answers surprised me. They had nothing to do with the path I was on and everything to do with the creative, spiritual calling I'd been ignoring. But knowing what felt authentic was only half the battle, learning to walk boldly in that truth was where the real work began.

The Courage to Stand Out

Here's what they don't tell you about authenticity: it requires an enormous amount of courage. Be cause when you start showing up as your real self, you realize how much energy you've been spending on performance.

I remember the first time I walked the streets of New York with a parasol. The attention and the awe was intriguing. And when I realized it wasn't judgment but curiosity I was receiving, I felt relieved. People asked about it. We had real conversations. The parasol had become a bridge to genuine connection.

What would happen if you stopped hiding? It's a question I ask myself regularly, and one I'd love for you to consider too.

The Spiritual Power of Intentional Accessories

I know it might sound strange to talk about parasols and spiritual growth in the same breath, but hear me out. Throughout history, humans have used objects to connect with their inner wisdom, to remind themselves of their intentions, to feel protected and empowered. 

Think about it, prayer beads, crystals, sacred jewelry, talismans. These aren't just pretty things; they're anchors for our spiritual practice. 

When I began approaching my accessories with intention, everything changed. That parasol became a reminder to stay protected energetically, to create beauty wherever I went, and to carry myself with the dignity and grace I'd witness from my mother and grandmother.

You can transform any accessory into a spiritual tool by infusing it with meaning. Here's how I approach it: 

Setting Intention: Before I choose what to wear or carry, I pause and ask, What energy do I want to embody today? What protection or empowerment do I need? (This will become instinctive)

Choosing Symbols: Colors, stones, patterns, they all carry energy. When I select a Crown Inspired parasol, I'm not just picking something beautiful; I'm choosing to align with the meaning of that energy throughout my day. 

Creating Rituals: Sometimes I hold my parasol and take three deep breaths before entering into the outside world, using it as a moment to center myself and remember who I am.

Walking Your Own Path (Even When Others Don't Understand) 

The hardest part about living authentically? Other people's opinions. I've lost count of the times someone has made a comment about my "unique" style or questioned why I would need an 'umbrel la' when it's not raining. 

But here's what I've learned: when you're walking boldly in your truth, not everyone will understand your path, and that's perfectly okay. 

Your spiritual journey isn't about getting approval from others, it's about honoring the calling within you. Sometimes that means standing out. Sometimes that means making choices that seem unconventional.

I think about the lessons I've learned about protecting your crown, how essential it is to guard not just your physical self, but your energy, your creativity, your dreams. When you carry something that represents your values and intentions, you're making a statement: I am worth protecting. My authentic self deserves to be seen and honored.

The Ripple Effect of Bold Authenticity 

Here's something beautiful that happens when you start showing up authentically: you give others permission to do the same. 
I can't tell you how many conversations have started because someone saw my parasol and said,

"You look absolutely gorgeous today." "I love free expression" or "I wish I felt brave enough to have a parasol." 

You already are brave enough. You just need to start where you are, with what you have. 
Your authenticity becomes a light for others who are still finding their way. When you walk boldly in your truth, you create space for others to explore theirs. 

Practical Steps to Begin Your Journey 

If you're ready to start walking more boldly in your authenticity, here are some gentle ways to begin:

Start with one intentional choice: Maybe it's wearing a piece of jewelry that has meaning for you, or choosing colors that reflect your true energy. Small shifts create big changes over time. 

Create a daily check-in ritual: Ask yourself, How am I feeling right now? What do I need? How can I honor my authentic self today? 

Choose one area to experiment: Perhaps it's in how you dress, how you decorate your space, or how you express your creativity. Pick one area and play with showing up more authentically there. 

Find your symbolic accessories: What objects make you feel protected, empowered, or connected to your higher self? It might be a special necklace, a meaningful ring, or yes, even a beautiful parasol.

Practice saying no: Authenticity often requires releasing what isn't aligned with your truth. Start small, but start somewhere. 

Your Crown Awaits 

Walking boldly toward authenticity isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. Every step you take in your truth creates more space for joy, creativity, and genuine connection in your life. 
The parasol that started my journey now reminds me daily that protection and beauty can coexist, that standing out is often exactly what the world needs from us, and that our authentic selves deserve to be celebrated, not hidden. 

What will be your first bold step?
What accessory, intention, or action will you choose to support your journey toward authentic living? 

Your crown: that beautiful, unique, irreplaceable essence of who you are: is ready to be worn boldly.
The world is waiting to see what you'll create when you stop hiding and start shining. 

The journey continues, and I'm walking it alongside you, one intentional step at a time. 

Explore the current collection to protect your crown and honoring your authentic journey as you continue walking boldly in your truth.