From Healing to Entrepreneurship: How Intimately U Is Redefining Wellness

In a time where burnout and chronic stress have become very common, Intimately U is a wellness brand centered around intentional healing. Built on the principles of trauma-informed care, Intimately U, founded by Kyla Derry focuses on helping individuals and communities reconnect with themselves through guided experiences and accessible self-care practices. 

Kyla explains that “Intimately U is a trauma-informed wellness brand focused on creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, regulate stress, and rebuild a sense of balance in their lives. Through guided candle-making workshops, intentional wellness products, and educational resources, the work centers on helping individuals, teams, and communities slow down and engage in meaningful self-care practices.” 

The inspiration came from Kyla’s own lived experiences, “Intimately U came from the recognition that many people are navigating high levels of stress, burnout, and unresolved trauma without accessible tools to support their well-being. I began to see how simple, intentional practices, like the act of creating something with your hands or taking time to pause, could open the door to reflection, healing, and resilience.” 

At the heart of the business is a commitment to community impact. The business takes a “Buy One, Heal One” approach, where a portion of their work helps support community wellness initiatives and healing-centered experiences. “Long term, the goal is to create employment pathways for survivors by building a business model that prioritizes opportunity, dignity, and sustainable support.” Kyla explains.  

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kyla’s advice is both practical and personal, “start before you feel fully ready, but remain grounded in purpose. Many entrepreneurs believe they need a perfect plan before they begin, but clarity often develops through action. It is important to remember that it is okay to keep refining your idea until it aligns with what you want it to be. At the same time, do not wait for perfection, because perfection often leads to procrastination, and procrastination leads nowhere.”  

“I remember my daughter once asking me, “Mom, how many times are you going to start over with this?” And I told her, “As many times as I need to until I get it right.” That moment stayed with me, because entrepreneurship is rarely about getting everything right the first time, it is about learning, adjusting, and continuing to move forward.” 

On March 6th, Kyla took the stage at CWB’s International Women’s Day celebration, where she shared her experience as an entrepreneur focusing on the topic of, Building Intentionally – The Gift of Purpose. For Kyla, this opportunity marked both a professional milestone and a personal leap. 

“International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognize the leadership, resilience, and innovation that women bring to communities and industries. Saying yes to that opportunity meant more than simply sharing my business journey; it was about speaking honestly about what it looks like to build something meaningful.” 

“Stepping onto that stage meant coming out of my comfort zone and doing something I had never done before. As entrepreneurs, we often encourage others to take bold steps, and this was one of those moments where I had to live that message myself.” 

Building Intentionally – The Gift of Purpose reflects the belief that businesses should be created with care, values, and community in mind. “I wanted to encourage other women to recognize that purpose is not something reserved for a select few; it is something each of us can cultivate through the choices we make in how we lead, build, and contribute to the world around us.”  

“CWB has helped create meaningful spaces where entrepreneurs can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Opportunities like the International Women’s Day event provide important platforms for founders to share their journeys while building relationships within the broader business community. Having access to organizations like CWB that actively support entrepreneurs helps strengthen the business ecosystem and reminds business owners that they are not navigating their journeys alone.”  

Looking back on her early days as an entrepreneur, Kyla would tell her past self that “progress takes time and that growth often comes through moments that initially feel uncertain. In the early stages of entrepreneurship, it can feel like every decision needs to be perfect. Over time, you realize that building a business is a process of learning, refining, and evolving. Some of the most valuable lessons come from challenges that ultimately shape the direction of your work.” 

“Much like healing, entrepreneurship is a journey. There will be highs, lows, and everything in between. Those moments are all part of the process. The important thing is to keep going, stay connected to your purpose, and trust that each step forward is contributing to something meaningful.” 

Looking ahead, Kyla has set clear and intentional goals for 2026. “My focus is on expanding the reach of Intimately U’s trauma-informed wellness programs while strengthening partnerships with organizations that recognize the importance of supporting the well-being of their teams and communities.” 

“One of my key goals is to establish at least five strong organizational partnerships that integrate our workshops into corporate, nonprofit, and community environments,” Kyla says. “I plan to expand our Buy One, Heal One initiative, allowing more community members to access healing-centered experiences through sponsored workshops and wellness resources.” 

As well, Kyla is working towards “making our first hire, specifically creating an employment opportunity for a survivor. Providing supportive pathways into meaningful work has always been part of the long-term vision for Intimately U, and 2026 is the year I want to begin turning that vision into reality.” 

“Through Intimately U, I remain committed to building a business that extends beyond products and workshops. The vision is to continue creating intentional spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience wellness in ways that are practical and accessible in everyday life.” 

Because, as Kyla puts it, when businesses are built with intention, they can become something greater. “They become platforms not just for economic growth, but for meaningful healing in our communities.” 

Learn more about Intimately U here.