Embracing My True Self: A Journey of Self-Discovery
- Maria Nersi
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
My journey has been a winding path of self-discovery, healing, and growth. It's a journey that has inspired every aspect of my work at Bymnē, particularly in the creation of my distinct collections. Each collection represents a phase of my journey, a chapter in the story of my evolution.

Inspired by Cultural & Spiritual Heritage
Growing up, I was immersed in a rich cultural heritage, thanks to my grandfather, a renowned budayawan – a term that translates to 'cultural figure' or 'cultural expert' in English. As a lecturer at ASRI (now ISI Yogyakarta), he not only shared his knowledge with younger generations in our family but also taught students in formal settings. I vividly remember the way he would retell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, bringing ancient wisdom to life with his captivating narratives.
I was deeply influenced by his storytelling method, which I later adapted in my own way when creating my Heritage Collection. I drew inspiration from folklore and mythology, using the same techniques my grandfather used to weave tales that transported listeners to another world. His legacy lives on through my work, as I aim to preserve and share the cultural heritage that has been passed down to me.
My father, too, has been a significant influence in my life. As an artist, he has always been drawn to cultural studies, and his spirituality has been a driving force behind his creative work. Growing up surrounded by these two strong figures, I developed a deep appreciation for the richness of our cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations. This foundation has shaped my approach to creating fragrances that not only evoke a sense of tradition but also tell stories of their own.
Deepening my Spiritual Practice - Shadow Work
As I deepened my spiritual practice, I entered a second phase of healing, which inspired my Mystic Collection. This journey began in 2016 when I moved to Bali, an island that would prove to be a catalyst for my growth. As I landed on this enchanting island, I felt an intense energy that began to cleanse me, forcing me to confront my shadow self. My pride and ego, which had long driven me to prove myself, were humbled quickly. I was compelled to cut ties with my family back home, allowing myself to face the old wounds that had been hiding beneath the surface.
In Bali, I discovered a profound lesson: the coexistence of opposites. Through my journey, I learned that shadow and light aren't mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of our being, much like the Balinese concept of Rwa Bhineda or the ancient principle of Yin and Yang. This realization taught me that joy and sorrow, though seemingly disparate, are intertwined and inseparable.
As I settled in Gianyar, I delved deeper into self-discovery, embracing the mystical aura of Bali. The island's serene landscapes, ancient temples, and vibrant culture created the perfect backdrop for introspection and growth. Bali's spiritual energy is palpable, with yoga and meditation retreats offering a space to slow down, breathe, and focus on oneself. The healing process wasn't linear; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but ultimately, it led me to a place of acceptance and inner peace.
My Mystic Collection reflects this journey, with fragrances that evoke the mystical, the unknown, and the transformative.
Surrendering to Femininity
And finally, my Goddess Collection celebrates the divine feminine, as I've explored my own femininity and tapped into the power of female siddhis through my menstrual cycle and womanhood. Growing up, I was raised by my father to be strong and capable, like a man. As the firstborn, I had to excel in many things, and his spiritual teachings, though well-intentioned, made me feel like I had to conform to a more masculine approach to life. But as I embarked on my journey of self-discovery, I realized that being strong doesn't have to mean being masculine. I learned to surrender to my femininity, embracing my intuition, emotions, and unique rhythms.
Through this journey, I discovered the power of leaning back and allowing others to take charge, building relationships based on trust, and letting things unfold naturally. Understanding my hormonal cycle and embracing its dynamic nature was a game-changer. I realized that women aren't meant to operate at the same pace all the time; our strength lies in our ability to flow and adapt.
My mother, a midwife with a deep understanding of women's bodies and cycles, played a significant role in shaping this collection. Her insights and expertise helped me tap into the wisdom of the feminine body, and her experience supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth inspired me to create fragrances that honor the beauty and power of womanhood.
This collection reflects my growth and newfound appreciation for the feminine power that resides within me. Each fragrance is a testament to the beauty of surrendering to our natural rhythms and embracing our true selves. By honoring our cycles and intuition, we can tap into a deeper sense of power and connection to the world around us.
Through these collections, I aim to share my journey with others, and invite them to embark on their own path of self-discovery. The fragrances are not just scents, but gateways to different states of consciousness, and invitations to explore the depths of one's own soul.
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