My name is Kietah Martens-Shaw and I am the CEO & Founder of B.OKideas. A wellness platform designed to support people going through significant personal or professional change. It could be something difficult such as losing their job or going through a break-up. Or it could be something more positive, but equally challenging, such as becoming a parent for the first time, or a career promotion.
B.OKideas goal is to promote positivity and wellness through community events and involvement, workplace wellness initiatives and unique gift ideas like our B.OK Boxes.
Opportunities are often born from the darkest of places
I was inspired to start B.OK after experiencing a major physical, mental and emotional challenge with my health when I was just 22 years old. My doctor told me I needed an operation to remove cancerous cells from my cervix.
I spent an extended period in hospital following the surgery, with kidney problems and other complications. It meant living in a world of uncertainty for 4 years, and subsequently faced a second cervical cancer surgery in 2017.
I considered myself a strong, independent young woman but my strength was tested following my second surgery, and I fell into a depression. Not a day would go by without me crying, feeling lonely, lost and incapable of doing any normal day-to-day activities.
The situation was also challenging for my friends and family. It was difficult for them to see the extraverted, energetic and sporty young girl fade and fall into a heap. In most cases they didn’t know what to say, what to do or how to help.
Flowers and chocolates did not have the desired effect
Flowers and chocolates were the common gift of choice. I could not eat chocolate, and I often did not have the energy to clean-up which meant I was surrounded by dead flowers.
It was in this dark place that I found my purpose, to help others who might be in a similar situation. By creating a more appropriate gift that promoted wellness, and provided lasting and long term support.
B.OK Box
A B.OK Box is filled with items and messages to help people embrace change for the positive.
What’s inside the box:
- Tropical coconut scented candle
- Affirmation Socks
- B.OK Bliss Essence essential oil
- B.OK Hand Cream
- Wellness Soak (epsom bath salts)
- Origami Pack
- Sunflower Seeds
- Puzzle
- Lush Cosmetics surprise gift
- A bonus ‘pass on’ method to express unconditional support
- Weekly surprise envelopes with a new gift, quote and concept to promote a positive mindset over 2 months.
By sending a B.OK Box you are enabling someone you care about to take control of their own positive change. It educates them about how self-care, goal-setting, sleep and other techniques can improve mental and physical wellbeing.
We have been endorsed by leading wellness experts such as Tim Sharp (Dr Happy from the Happiness Institute), and sleep expert Dr Mark Levi who have verified the benefits of our B.OK Boxes.
We’ve found people using them at times of positive change as well. For example, to congratulate, thank or reward individuals for any personal or professional achievements.
Workplace Wellness Initiatives
I had little to no support in the workplace. This expanded our mission to include workplace wellness initiatives to educate and inspire employees, clients and key stakeholders through customised experiential events.
We work with businesses to create an experience that combines their people strategies with our mission of supporting others to lead a happier and healthier life.
Our workplace wellness initiatives include:
- Hosting a B.OK Workplace Wellness Event with experts on happiness, mental health, mindfulness, goal setting and fitness
- Positivity Corner
- Wish it box
- Temporary tattoos with positive affirmations
- Massages
- Corporate Snuggle Corner – pet hugs
- B.OK Boxes
B.OK Buddy Community
We have created a Facebook Community with people from around the world who are engaged and motivated to support others.
Asking for help is hard and that’s what the B.OK Buddy Community can help with. It allows people to take that first step and ask questions, or verbalise feelings with an open and supportive community of people.
It’s support for the people, by the people – something my 22 year old self needed.
Find out more at https://bokideas.com/
