She Took the Lead, She Found Relief, They’re Changing Lives in Salons

Debra’s daily red light ritual (and why she swears by it)

When I asked around to see if any of my friends had tried red light therapy, Debra responded in ALL CAPS.

She’s 36, runs her own business, and somehow still finds time for hiking and pickleball.

But all that movement caught up with her. Sore knees, tight shoulders, and that deep muscle fatigue no amount of stretching seems to fix.

Debra had tried just about every recovery product out there, including foam rollers, massage guns, creams, you name it. But a few months ago, she switched to the NovaaLab Deep Healing Pad, and she hasn’t looked back.

She uses it daily, wrapping it around her knees, back, and shoulders. Wherever needs attention. She told me:

“It’s become my reset button. I use it while I answer emails or wind down at night. My body just feels better. Less pain, more energy, even my skin looks healthier.”

Here’s why she’s obsessed:

🟢Pain relief without pills – eases muscle and joint aches naturally
🟢Full-body flexibility – drape it across your back, wrap your knees, shoulders, or hips
🟢Supports deep healing – red and near-infrared light penetrate tissue to improve circulation and cellular repair
🟢Bonus glow – stimulates collagen for smoother, brighter skin
🟢Effortless to use – just plug it in, press start, and relax for 15–20 minutes

If your body’s been quietly begging for some TLC, this is a simple, soothing way to give it what it needs... no appointments, no side effects, no drama.

You can check out the exact pad Debra uses here >>> Red Light Pad

​or browse NovaaLab’s full line of red light therapy tools to see what might work for you.

Who knew hairdressers could be mental health heroes?

Okay, I admit, most of us know our hairdressers are great listeners. This is so much more than that!Africa has the highest suicide rate in the world, but mental illness remains taboo.

A scheme that trains hairdressers across West Africa in counselling is shifting the narrative around mental health, one braid at a time.

In Ivory Coast, salons are turning into safe spaces where hairdressers lend not just their scissors but also their ears to support clients through emotional struggles. They’ve created a network that offers a listening ear and connects people to mental health resources.

​This community-driven movement shows the power of compassion and the impact of a simple, heartfelt conversation.

Marie-Alix de Putter founded Heal by Hair, an initiative that has trained around 150 hairdressers across Togo, Ivory Coast and Cameroon in west Africa to counsel their clients – all while getting their hair, nails and facials done.

Read this inspiring story here >> Ivory Coast Hairdressers Are Tackling Mental Health Issues

One Left Alive by Helen Phifer

If you love a gritty police procedural with heart, One Left Alive is one of those “just one more chapter” kind of reads that’ll have you turning pages into the night.

At least, it did that for me!

We’re dropped into the story with rookie detective Morgan Brookes, brand new to the force and already facing a nightmare. A woman is found hanged in her home, an apparent suicide. But something doesn’t sit right. And Morgan’s gut says to keep digging.

What does she find? A chilling discovery in the basement: the rest of the woman’s family. Murdered. And one daughter who is still barely breathing.

From that point on, the twists come fast and sharp. Morgan, truly brand new to being a detective (this is her first case!) is pulled into a case that has multiple suspects, a connection to family, and a killer who’s always one step ahead.

What I loved most?

Morgan isn’t your typical tough-girl detective. She’s real. Determined, yes, but unsure at times, emotional, even a little awkward. And that makes her so relatable. I was rooting for her not just to crack the case, but to find herself and gain the confidence to navigate life.

It’s fast-paced and completely absorbing.

​If thrillers are your thing, or if you're in the mood for a strong female lead who grows with every chapter, you’ll want to add this to your weekend reading stack.

Savor the Moment: Take a few deep breaths and find joy in something simple around you...a warm drink, the sound of birds, the feeling of soft socks. This moment matters.

Embrace Your Inner Trailblazer: Inspired by Katharine Graham? This week, say yes to something that stretches you. Speak up, take the lead, or lean into a challenge that’s calling your name.

Treat Your Body Like a Friend: Like Debra, give your hardworking muscles a little love. Whether it's red light therapy, a long soak, or just stretching with intention. Your body will thank you.

Be a Safe Space: Take a cue from the amazing hairdressers in West Africa and offer a kind ear to someone who might need it. Compassion is a powerful kind of beauty.

Hey, beautiful souls!

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