From Vision to Impact: What 5 Years of Building Mahara Mindfulness Taught Us
Five years ago, Mahara Mindfulness began with a simple belief: mindfulness has the power to transform how we live, lead, and connect with one another. What began with The Human Being Journal has evolved into a wellness movement inspiring individuals, teams, and organizations to live with greater awareness, compassion, and intention.
As we celebrate five incredible years, we’re reflecting on the lessons that have shaped us through every milestone, challenge, and moment of growth - lessons that continue to guide our work today.
1) Stay rooted in your mission and purpose
From day one, our mission has been our compass: to inspire humanity to live mindfully. Every design decision, partnership, workshop, and message has been guided by that intention.
Our core values around integrity, intention, impact, innovation, courage, compassion and curiosity have helped us grow consciously. They’ve carried us from an idea in a living room to being featured in The New York Times, Oprah Daily, and many others. Purpose has kept us grounded and allowed our work to feel meaningful, not just successful.
2) Authenticity attracts alignment
We've learned that staying true to who we are invites the right people and opportunities. Every product and collaboration has been rooted in what we believe in, not just what looks good on paper. This approach has led to partnerships with brands like Honest Company, Hello Sunshine, SoulCycle, goop, and The Jilly Box - relationships built on shared values, not just reach. When you create from the heart, the right people will feel it.
By leading with integrity and purpose, we’ve built relationships that amplify our mission - helping more people access tools that support their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3) Community is the real measure of impact
Mahara was never just about a journal. It has always been about connection and creating spaces where people can reflect together, share honestly, and feel less alone.
From day one, we set out to build community. From workshops and leadership retreats to our book clubs, panels, social challenges, and even joyful moments (yes, like our Taylor Swift ticket giveaway!), our community has reminded us that mindfulness is something we practice together. Every conversation, event, and product is designed to make people feel seen and supported.
4) Staying grounded in the relationships that matter
Building a business from the heart requires courage and humility. Despite all the media and celebrity endorsements, milestones, and high-profile collaborations, our greatest achievement has been staying grounded - both as founders and as friends.
We’ve learned that no achievement is worth sacrificing who you are. Our friendship and shared mission keep us steady and remind us daily that mindfulness begins with how we show up for ourselves and for one another.
5) Giving back is the truest form of success
Giving back is at the heart of who we are. A percentage of every purchase supports mental health organizations around the world, including CAMH (Canada) and NAMI (U.S.). We also donate copies of The Human Being Journal for fundraisers and to empower others to use reflection as a tool for healing and growth. Some of the organizations we’re proud to support through our products and funds include: Restorations Second Stage Homes, SickKids Hospital, United Way, Save the Children, and more. Our journals are also being used in leadership programs and curriculums worldwide as a reflective, action-based tool to help the next generation of mindful leaders.
Knowing that The Human Being Journal is helping others express, heal, lead, and grow has always been the deepest reward.
Looking ahead...
Five years in, our purpose has only deepened. As we look toward the next chapter, our promise remains the same: to help humanity live mindfully -one reflection, one journal and one mindfulness tool at a time (new products coming in early 2026 so stay tuned!).
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. As a small business with a big heart, we are just getting started! Here’s to the next five years of growth, gratitude, and impact.
Sheba Zaidi and Genevive Savundranayagam, Founders of Mahara and Creators of The Human Being Journal