Today we’d like to introduce you to Petra Neiger.
Hi Petra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a board-certified ayurvedic medicine practitioner, have a Master’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine, serve on the board of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), and am the founder of Red Pantz to help people live well. Just before the pandemic, I launched MY24/7, a premium ayurveda-inspired self-care collection for skin, body and mind. How did I get here?
There are two threads that have created the perfect storm to get me where I am today.
1. My body shutting down due to sustained stress and burnout.
Earlier in my career as a high-tech marketer, I was experiencing sustained levels of stress, which led to a job-related burnout. In allopathic medicine terms, my blood work was “fine”, my vitals were “fine”, except I wasn’t fine. Despite symptoms that were affecting my daily life, the only thing allopathic medicine could put a label on was the unexpected, weird occurrence of skin cancer—twice within a few months.
I wanted to understand what was happening and help myself. And one day, I found myself behind a school desk studying ayurvedic medicine. I wrote my master’s thesis on “Stress in Corporate America”, its effects on the body, mind and spirit, and how you can build healthy work- and lifestyle habits, performance, and resilience.
2. Lifelong skin struggles.
I’ve always struggled with my skin from eczema and skin cancers to hyper-sensitivity and irritations. Growing up, we tried many things to make my skin “better”, “stronger”—from standing in front of a UV light to a custom-made, chemical-packed medicinal cream (which was later linked to kidney damage as a possible side effect). But my skin was just doing its thing and on its own time.
It wasn’t until I discovered ayurveda that I understood that my skin was a map of what was happening on the inside, and how my environment, lifestyle, stress and diet were affecting it.
So, I called on my training in ayurvedic medicine and herbology, and my quest began. I started looking at skin as part of a system; from the outside in as well as from the inside out. Since everything is connected (skin-nervous system-digestion-liver-blood-lymphatic system), I wanted a self-care approach that helped me from the outside as well as from the inside. That helped my body and my mind.
My personal health journey was the catalyst for my company, Red Pantz. And the MY24/7™ product line was born out of the idea that life flows better when you follow the wisdom of the circadian rhythm and nature’s health benefits. These products are here to support a bigger mission: helping people live better.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many challenges along the way, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. These obstacles were lessons in disguise. I came to LA as an immigrant with 2 suitcases and built a life from nothing. Of all the challenges though, I’d say, there are 3 that stand out.
1. My brother’s near-fatal accident.
I was never someone who took things or people for granted, but coming so close to losing him so young taught me how precious and fragile life can be and that you can’t control everything. I needed to quickly learn to focus on what was within my sphere of control and influence, and make the most of the situation.
2. The burnout.
It opened my eyes to unhealthy, abusive behaviors at work, and taught me about boundaries and advocating for myself.
3. Becoming my own safety net.
My parents (and brother) are the most resilient people I know. I have the utmost admiration for them and for teaching me the lessons they did so I could thrive as an adult, thank you. Because of my life circumstances, I’ve had to rely on myself to find financial, legal and other solutions to my challenges. For example, I’ve lost 5 jobs in my marketing career for various reasons, and each time, I’ve bounced back stronger. Now I just know that I need to trust myself, have faith and keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Red Pantz is a health and wellness destination with a focus on self-care. My approach is based on time-tested, ancient ayurvedic teachings mixed with research-backed modern science, and decades of learning and iterating in corporate Silicon Valley. I apply the wisdom of the circadian rhythm and nature’s health benefits to help people live better.
Three things that set me apart:
1. Been there, lived it.
Everything my company is about is deeply personal to me. I’ve experienced sustained levels of stress and burnout. I’ve struggled with my skin my entire life. And I’ve dedicated my life to learning better, healthier ways through formal education and continuous learning.
2. I look at wellness as a system.
Everything is connected so I look at things together as one thing influences another. Not just within the physical body.
3. Products for a better you, a better community, a better planet.
My skin care and teas are USDA certified organic (yes, skincare too) and made with premium ingredients. I use responsibly-sourced ingredients, and prioritize partners that use fair trade practices and are sustainability conscious. I don’t test the products on our furry friends. I always look for ways to use packaging that not only helps keep the integrity of what’s inside, but is also better for the planet. And I don’t use fillers in my products, which means that a little goes a long way.
But it’s more than that. The MY24/7 line started with a fundraiser. At the end of 2018, I posted a message on Facebook, asking friends and family if they would consider donating to the Paradise fire victims in exchange for a facial toner and spray and/or post-workout smoothie. This was the cause that lit the fire in my belly and the positive response put me on the path to create the MY24/7 brand a year later.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
To continue the previous thought, giving back. I’ve donated MY24/7 face, lip and body butters to firefighters, doctors and nurses caring for COVID-19 patients and others in need since they were the first ones that had to use PPE and constantly sanitize their hands.
Without a doubt, relationships, building memories and health are at the very top of my list. So is never taking anything or anyone for granted. I have this thing where I double tap the roof of my car or the sky when something good happens. Even if it’s just finding a parking spot quickly.
Why? We’re all connected. Life is precious.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.redpantz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redpantzcompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redpantzcompany
Image Credits
The images with the teas, red dress on the beach and the one looking into the mirror were taken by Xiomara Bustamante.
