Our Story

Definition of Zen:

2) zen : "a state of calm attentiveness in which one's actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort "

I am Wen, native to Saigon, Vietnam. I attended the University of Texas at Austin and received my degree in Textiles and Apparel.  It was during college that I began my spiritual journey with a fascination of anything that represented beauty, love, goodness, and all things metaphysical. 

Years ago, I started practicing yoga regularly in the Hatha and Kundalini traditions.  My practice opened up spiritual doors for me, and I believe this gave me the courage to move from Austin to North Carolina.  At the time, my soul was yearning for something unfamiliar and unknown.  I went to explore the Triangle area and discovered Duke University’s Sarah P. Duke Gardens.  After returning home, I kept hearing the flowers and trees calling me back to them and feeling the promise of more things beautiful in my near future.  I packed all my belongings into a U-Haul, headed east, and landed in Durham, NC.

Shortly thereafter, I met Bryan, the director of Patanjali’s Place Yoga & Meditation Center, and found that we shared many values.  It was this meeting that prompted the start of my first shop, The Lotus Leaf.  I believed in the cause of Patanjali’s Place, to help students find a mind-body-spirit connection through a regular yoga practice.  I, too, wanted to assist others in finding their inner balance, and I found that I could do this by providing tools for inner transformation.

In 2016, we made the conscious choice to travel to Nepal and Japan to study and meditate in the Tibetan monasteries and historical Zen temples. Bryan and I became so inspired by the profound peace and beauty we experienced in these places, we wanted to take a little bit back to share with others.  And it was through this experience that I was inspired to create & establish "EVERYDAY ZEN"

It is our mission to provide products and services designed to nourish & relax, empower, and to help cultivate heart-centered connections with others.

It is our “hope” that you can experience a little “Zen” in your "Everyday" life through our selections.

In Gratitude,

Wen Carey

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