Meet Dina Gosselin | Founder, Be The Light Malas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Gosselin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all started with the desire to calm my anxious mind and facilitate meditation and mindfulness. I looked for a mala that could help me recite a mantra to calm my “monkey mind” while also matching my modern spirituality and style. After shopping around unsuccessfully, I decided to make my own. The feel and healing properties of real gemstones are utterly magical. While my fingers knot each stone to create each Be The Light Mala, it’s our journeys symbolically weaving us together that I see as a privilege of a lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worn many different hats in my professional career, and I believe this thankfully, in large part, aids to the success Be The Light Malas has experienced. I’ve been a high school teacher and I’ve started numerous businesses in the field of education, which taught me leadership, entrepreneurship, and patience. My passions have also undoubtedly allowed me to shine as a creative person. I was passionate about oil painting for many years, as well as horseback riding. Nine years ago, I dived deeper into the practice of hot yoga and fell in love with it. It sparked a spiritual element and connection I missed in my life. This then brought me towards meditation which eventually led me to make my first hand-knotted mala back in 2018. Mala means “garland” in Sanskrit. This string of 108 prayer beads helps to focus one’s awareness and concentration during meditation. What makes Be The Light jewelry unique is that each piece is carefully designed and handcrafted here in South Florida with authentic semi-precious gemstones and high-quality materials. We honor the integrity of our pieces while constantly developing new trending styles. In the last 6 months, my eldest daughter has joined me and we’ve been able to double in growth! What started as a passion project at my dining table has grown into a serious business. We’re very fortunate to be featured in hotels and spas across the US, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and the W, to name a few.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have to take them to my favorite açai bowl spot in Fort Lauderdale, Sarava! I’ve been going there almost every weekend for years, and when I miss a week, I crave it! I also love going to the Yoga Joint for hot yoga or FIIT45 classes. A perfect day for me ends at the beach with a glass of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many wonderful people have helped me along my journey, however, Be The Light Malas certainly wouldn’t exist without my husband, Marc. Being an entrepreneur for much of his professional career, he’s been my right hand and has supported me throughout every single new opportunity. His knowledge, experience, and perspective have allowed me to keep going through low moments when I felt lost and discouraged. He has taught me a lot about what it takes to keep pushing through and thriving.

Website: https://bethelightmalas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethelightmalas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/be-the-light-malas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethelightmalas

Image Credits
Katie Doyle @mermaidandmephoto