Finding Sanctuary: The Story Behind Damara Brand

 

My name is Mara Behrens. I'm a Silicon Valley executive who has spent much of my career in the fast-paced world of startups. I love my work and connecting with people; I adore my family, friends, art, good food, and travel. Yet, despite a rich life, I found myself yearning for a space to breathe, reflect, and simply be.

This is a mother-daughter project born from deeply personal journeys and a shared commitment to intentional living despite the miles between my mom and me. While I’m immersed in the fast-paced rhythm of innovation and progress in Silicon Valley, my mom lives in Mexico City—a vibrant, beautiful, artistic city that magnifies both beauty and chaos, a place she returned to later in life.

For me, years of high-pressure roles left me craving a space to pause and reconnect with myself and my roots. I realized I was constantly in "doing" mode, chasing deadlines and accomplishments without ever stopping. It was through meditation, journaling, being with my loved ones, creating small peaceful spaces at home, and connecting with nature—essentially through being, not doing—that I began to improve my life. Embracing small, meaningful moments of peace became my anchor, helping me restore balance and clarity.

For my mom, a life shaped by challenges taught her to find joy in the small, intentional moments that bring peace. After facing health struggles, political upheaval in Venezuela, and leaving behind the familiar, she created a life where even the simplest acts became sources of strength. Her resilience and ability to cultivate comfort wherever she was inspired me to prioritize intentionality in my own life.

Though we live worlds apart, our connection has only deepened through these shared values. Intentional living—whether it's finding beauty in stillness, honoring daily rituals, or creating a sense of home no matter where you are—has become the bridge that keeps us close. This philosophy inspired Damara, a reflection of the spaces and practices that bring us back to ourselves.

A Philosophy Rooted in Real Life

Damara was born from these shared experiences: a mother and daughter finding refuge in their self-care rituals, which ultimately help us create the space to care for others. At its core, Damara is about simplifying comfort and care for ourselves and each other. It’s about curating meaningful moments of stillness through thoughtful products designed to help you create a peaceful space at home.

We’ve spent countless hours curating products that we know will bring you comfort and a sense of care. Every piece in our collection is carefully chosen—from cozy loungewear made with premium materials to soy candles and journals for your reflections to throw blankets that wrap you in warmth. These aren’t just items; they’re tools to help you honor your well-being and reconnect with yourself, all with quality materials and affordable prices.

An important note I want to add... As a growing brand, we know there’s room for improvement. Our current packaging, while protective, is not yet compostable, but we’re working on more sustainable options. We’re also expanding our collection to include unique, handcrafted items from artisans around the world. We are going to be collaborating with women we admire to bring out the best in all of us. We’d love to hear from you—email us at info@damarabrand.com or DM us on Instagram with your ideas. Your feedback helps us grow together.

Final Notes & The Power of Small Rituals

As women, we carry so much: navigating careers, families, friendships, goals, dreams, and a world that constantly demands more without ever asking how we feel. At Damara, we’re here to flip that narrative.

We believe self-care isn’t selfish—it’s an essential step toward giving more to others. The rituals we create—whether it’s curling up in your favorite pajamas at the end of a long day or lighting a candle for your evening meditation—are what keep us grounded. They remind us that peaceful living isn’t out of reach; it’s something we can create every day. These are tools to help you give a little more love to your everyday life.

 

Personally, I use a satin eye mask to improve my sleep. I drink tea every night in my favorite cup. I’ve created peaceful corners in my home filled with candles and items that make me smile. I cherish cozy pajamas and beautiful loungewear. I wake up early to meditate and do pilates. Over time, I’ve made small but impactful changes in my daily routine. My self-care rituals—these small anchors of joy and love—have transformed my life, helping me stay grounded amidst the chaos.

We’ve read incredible books, listened to insightful talks, and practiced meditation—all of which have profoundly influenced our philosophy. We share these insights and tips on our blog. I learned that true strength doesn't come from how much we can accomplish but from how deeply we nurture ourselves so we can give to others.

We’re here to remind you that peaceful living is within reach. Through our products, blog, and community, we hope to inspire you to embrace the power of small, intentional rituals that bring comfort and clarity.

This is our story, but it’s also yours.
Welcome to Damara—where your sanctuary begins.
With love,
Mara

PS: Thanks, Toni Zernik, for my portrait, and Myles Zernik, for introducing me to this world. To Pexel for the amazing photographers willing to share content for small brands like ours!