We were lucky to catch up with Katina (Pearl) Warr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katina (Pearl), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2021, I was battling major depression, I was on several medications including antidepressants and anxiety meds. Nothing worked. I gained 90 pounds, I was overweight and still depressed. I started researching and studying herbs and taking online courses. Eventually I began making my own supplements and from there, I was able to detox from the medications and use holistic-based solutions.

I knew it was a worthwhile endeavor because it actually worked. I was able to change my mind, body and spirit with the proprietary products I formulated. I started making supplements for other people and could see the change in others in such a short period of time.

The Airye Bag is a niche product. The Airye Bag is portable, easily accessible, chemical free, and all you do is put it up to your nose and it instantly calms your nervous system.

I definitely took a unique approach because it was something outside of traditional medication. What got me excited about my Airye Bag formulation was the instant results that I saw when people used it: Their positive facial expression and body reaction was proof that the Airye Bag was effective.

Katina (Pearl), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Pearl Warr, founder of POP21 Wellness (Pearls of Paradisus 21), a holistic wellness company dedicated to helping people find moments of peace, clarity, and emotional balance in the middle of life’s challenges.

My journey into wellness wasn’t something I chose as a career first—it was something I lived. I spent years battling depression, anxiety, trauma, and some of life’s most difficult seasons. Like many women and mothers, I found myself carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs while neglecting my own. Through my healing journey, I discovered the power of herbs, aromatherapy, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. What began as personal healing eventually became a mission to help others.

Today, I serve as a Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Life Coach, Speaker, and entrepreneur. Through coaching, educational workshops, herbal products, aromatherapy, and wellness resources, I help individuals—especially women and mothers—move from survival mode into a place of healing, confidence, and purpose.

One of our signature products is the Airye Bag™, a portable aromatherapy experience designed to provide quick moments of calm, focus, or respiratory support throughout the day. We currently offer three blends: Zenned Out, Good Vibes, and Heaven Scent. The goal was to create something simple, natural, portable, and accessible for people who need support but don’t always have time for a full self-care routine.

What sets me apart is that I don’t teach from theory alone—I teach from experience. I’ve walked through pain, uncertainty, loss, and rebuilding. I understand what it feels like to struggle, and I also understand what it takes to keep going when giving up feels easier. My business is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and the belief that healing is possible, even when the journey feels overwhelming.

One of my proudest accomplishments is building my business while raising my children and overcoming significant personal obstacles. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in entrepreneurship programs, place in business pitch competitions, speak about wellness, and connect with incredible communities that have supported my growth. Every milestone reminds me that our circumstances do not have to determine our future.

More than anything, I want people to know that POP21 Wellness is about hope. Whether someone purchases a product, attends a workshop, or works with me one-on-one, my goal is for them to leave feeling encouraged, empowered, and reminded that they are stronger than they realize.

I believe healing starts with small daily choices, and sometimes the smallest moment of support can create the biggest transformation.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I made as an entrepreneur came after becoming a mother later in life. While building my business, I was also navigating postpartum depression, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for two young children. Like many mothers, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I quickly realized that the challenges I was experiencing were not unique to me—so many moms were silently struggling while still showing up for everyone else.

Originally, my business focused on holistic wellness products for a broader audience. However, my personal journey as a mother transformed my perspective and helped me identify a deeper purpose. I pivoted my brand to place mothers at the center of everything I do because I believe that when a mother is well, the entire family benefits. Moms are often the heart of the household, and when they are overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally depleted, it impacts everyone around them.

That realization inspired me to create products, services, and educational resources designed to support stress relief, emotional wellness, and self-care for mothers. What began as a difficult season in my life became the foundation for a more meaningful business mission. Instead of seeing my struggles as a setback, I used them as an opportunity to better serve others who were facing similar challenges.

That pivot taught me an important lesson: sometimes the most powerful business ideas come from our greatest personal challenges. By listening to my own needs and the needs of other mothers, I was able to build a brand with a stronger purpose, deeper impact, and a mission rooted in helping women heal, thrive, and care for themselves while caring for those they love.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my social media presence by being authentic and sharing real experiences. One of the moments that really helped my brand gain attention was when a customer was having an active asthma attack and used my Heaven Scent Airye Bag. She experienced immediate relief and shared her experience. Stories like that reminded me that people connect with real results and genuine impact more than perfect marketing.

I also learned that consistency matters. I didn’t focus on trying to go viral every day. Instead, I focused on showing up, sharing my journey, educating people about my products, and building relationships with my audience. Over time, those small daily efforts added up.

My advice to other entrepreneurs is to be resilient and trust the process. Building a business and a social media presence takes time. There will be moments when you feel overlooked, discouraged, or tempted to quit. Don’t. Every post, every conversation, every connection is planting a seed.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey. So many people become focused on the destination that they miss the beauty of the process. When you genuinely enjoy what you’re building and the people you’re serving, your passion becomes contagious. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and trust that the results will come in time. The journey is just as important as the destination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pearlofparadissus21.com
• Instagram: @pop21_wellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PearlsofParadisus21?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/katina-pearl-warr-00a5173b1
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healingwithpearl?_r=1&_t=ZP-96ud98nOH3H

Image Credits

Photos by Kevin Johnson and Keegan K. Farrell