Born in Tehran and raised in Western Germany, Bernak Kharabi brings a global perspective to everything she does. With a background in art, culture, and media—including a stint at VICE Media—she’s now the founder of Mind Muse, a wellness brand creating tools for everyday mindfulness. Based in Berlin, Bernak’s mission is simple: to help people grow, reflect, and reconnect in a fast-moving world. We sat down with Bernak to learn all about her brand new mission and to discuss the art of self discovery:
1. What’s the story behind your wellness brand, and what personally inspired you to start it?
Mind Muse started from my own journey of personal growth. Self-awareness and honest reflection have been essential, and over time, I explored many ways to connect with myself. I found that some of the most powerful tools to do that were quite simple – like taking a moment to write, reflect, set an intention, or speak a kind word to myself. I wanted tools that I could actually use. But I couldn’t find a brand that truly felt like me. So I created what I needed: Mind Muse.
Mind Muse is about deep reflection and conscious living. It’s about strengthening the most important relationship you have: the one with yourself.
2. Was there a turning point that led you to explore mindfulness and personal growth?
A few years ago, I hit a point where I had no choice but to face myself. I had spent years numbing and escaping – through work, partying, focusing on others – anything to avoid what needed healing. I was personally struggling, surrounded by unhealthy environments, and feeling deeply disconnected from myself. That was a hard wake-up call. I started therapy and immersed myself in yoga, workshops, self-help books, podcasts, journaling – anything that helped me heal and connect. I also rediscovered creativity as a way to alchemize pain into power: dancing, writing, creating. And I found that sometimes, a single moment of reflection can shift everything. That became the foundation for everything I now create.
3. Self-discovery can be messy—how do you embrace trial and error in your own journey?
Self-discovery is not a destination but an ongoing process, a lifelong journey that uncovers who we are, and who want to become. The art of self-discovery is about peeling back layers – layers of experiences, beliefs, and conditioning that shape how we see ourselves and the world. Growth isn’t linear. As we evolve, we continue to learn new things about ourselves, uncover new desires, and refine goals, and sometimes even reinvent who we are. I try to embrace every part of my journey, knowing that it’s all part of the process.
4. How do beauty, and aesthetics, and sensory experiences shape your path to healing and self-awareness?
Beauty is everywhere, and it’s a crucial part of my life. Creating aesthetically pleasing settings can play a significant role in cultivating spaces for self-reflection. Whether it’s a journal, a candle, or even the way a space is arranged, beauty sets the tone for deeper moments with ourselves. The design, colours, and visual elements of Mind Muse – from our products to our mood boards or brand video – all contribute to this experience. When we embrace beauty in everyday life and surround ourselves with it, it becomes a tool for reflection, helping to make moments of self-awareness more powerful and meaningful.
5. Where do you see wellness and self-discovery heading in an ever-changing world?
In my opinion, people are increasingly craving more depth, honesty, and genuine connection. While some may still find these topics “cringey,” it might come from fear or misunderstanding. If we can reframe self-work as an act of strength, it becomes more accessible and empowering.
6. For someone new to mindfulness or journaling, where’s a good place to start?
Start small. A walk without your phone. A moment of stillness. A deep breath. And journaling doesn’t need to be perfect – it’s about your truth. Sit down with your journal and a pen, and write whatever comes to your mind. It could be emotions, dreams, goals, memories – it could be anything that resonates with you. If you need guidance, start with simple questions like “How am I feeling right now?“ or note “5 things I am grateful for“, or even write a letter to someone. Let it be free and let it be yours. From there, it becomes a habit, a ritual, a space to return to.
7. What’s been the most transformative change you’ve experienced through mindfulness or reflection?
Self-understanding. I’m better at recognizing my patterns, taking a pause, and responding with more clarity and confidence. Turning inward has built a deep sense of self-trust. And yes – maybe even trust in the universe. I’ve learned that what doesn’t work out is protection, and what feels like an ending might just be a redirection to something even better.
8. How do daily self-discovery practices influence your life—and your creativity?
They clear space in my mind, allowing me to focus on what truly matters, and therefore channel my energy in that direction. When my inner world is cluttered, I feel more easily stressed, and creativity feels stuck. But when I pause – through journaling, meditation, movement, or time in nature – I feel more connected to myself, and this sets the foundation for my creativity.
9. What are the biggest challenges people face in finding themselves, and how can they move through them?
Being honest with yourself – that’s the hardest part. It takes courage to look at the parts we’ve been avoiding: the fear, the anger, the confusion. But that’s where the growth happens. We often expect quick fixes, but self-discovery is about peeling back layers, it unfolds slowly. I realized that by embracing the darkness within, I found an incredible strength. So, give yourself time. And if you can’t do it on your own, that’s okay. Let yourself be supported. Therapy, coaching, community, even one good friend can make a difference.
10. What’s one lesson building a meaningful brand—and life—has taught you?
Purpose is everything. A vision, an intention – that is the foundation. Start by creating that vision, then take one step forward. Believe in yourself. Make something. Learn as you go. If you don’t try, you will never know what’s possible. And as you move forward, remember to practice gratitude along the way. Celebrate the small wins, set intentions, and stay connected to your ‘why’. That’s what keeps the journey meaningful.
11. Why are tools like guided journals and affirmation cards so powerful on the selfdiscovery journey?
For me, journaling and prompts have been a gentle guide. How often do we pause to ask ourselves: What are my values? My fears? My desires, my dreams, my goals? Most of us feel that they don’t have the time, or don’t take the time – or we don’t answer honestly. Guided journals help create that space – without judgement or pressure. A space that’s just yours. Affirmations may seem simple – like saying “I am powerful” – but they engage the subconscious mind. Due to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways. So these practices can help us reinforce new thought patterns over time. These tools support us in boosting self-esteem and cultivating a more empowering inner dialogue.
12. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone feeling lost in their personal journey?
You’re not lost. You’re on a journey. This chapter isn’t the whole story. The first step is to be truthful with yourself. The answers are within you – they may be buried under noise or be too painful to face right now, and that’s all right. Be gentle with yourself. If you can’t do it on your own, seek support – you’re not alone.
