How My Journey Began

Let’s face it. The skin is our largest organ and we aren’t always aware of the ingredients in the products we use. And don’t even get me started on whether we look at the expiration dates of our lotions and potions. It’s so interesting, prior to my awakening, I would easily have used my body lotion until it was empty and not even given a thought of when it went bad, yet you couldn’t pay me to eat a 12 month old tomato. But I digress. In 2008, I was a planner: I had the two kids, the two dogs, the 750 square foot greenhouse where I grew starter plants and edible flowers for our local Whole Foods. What I didn’t realize is that I had completely forgot to actually live my life - with passion, with purpose, and with full awareness.

Then, everything changed: I had been having some headaches, my peripheral vision was starting to be affected on my left side, I was in menopause at 36, and I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in July. What the heck was going on with me?

On November 4, 2008, I had an MRI. The results came back and I found myself diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. After speaking with numerous specialists, I was told I could have as little as six months to live.

When I went to my doctor and asked how this was even possible, he pointed out it could be environmental. “What? I eat organic and grow produce in my own greenhouse for God’s sake!” I replied. That’s when he asked me my life changing question: “What do you put on your skin?”

The truth was I had no idea what I was putting on my skin - but it was the aha moment - my awakening. I had found my purpose; I knew if I survived this surgery (which the odds were against), my legacy would be to create change and empower others to live their healthiest life.

When I woke up from surgery on April 22, 2009 (also Earth Day, which I took as a good sign), I was able to see completely out of my eye. The surgeon took my hand and said “We were able to get everything. Welcome to the rest of your life.”

I am sure now more than ever that what we put in and on our bodies, what we clean and fragrance our homes with, and how we recycle these products has so much to do with the decline in health and wellness these days. Autism, cancer, ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, tumors, asthma, autoimmune disorders – you name it, the statistics are there. The question is: what are we going to do to create change?

So readers, that is where the inspiration and the drive to create a platform for Indie Lee was born. This brand is about empowerment, education and healthy living; creating a community of like minded individuals on the same journey of change.

Xx, Indie