We’re all about pretty with a purpose. From eco-friendly natural beauty products to cute clothing with a conscience, we can feel the energy behind a product that truly serves a higher calling. And while we’re suckers for stylish, we can’t help but be drawn towards those products and accessories that truly make a difference long after our shopping spree.

Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro are best friends and co-founders of Energy Muse, a conscious lifestyle brand that marries crystal healing and gorgeous jewelry to help create balance and fulfillment in your everyday life. Through the healing powers of gemstones and crystals, each Energy Muse piece is mindfully crafted to help you break through barriers, achieve clarity, and manifest miracles. This all sound a bit woo-woo to you? Think again. Heather and Timmi have spent decades studying the energetic properties of these earthy gemstones, tapping into their uniquely specific vibrations to create bracelets, necklaces, and pendants worn by everyone from Tony Robbins and Kate Hudson to Lauren Conrad and Jason Mraz (who collaborated with them on their “Gratitude” line). They’ve become a staple on wish-lists worldwide for one simple reason: they’re the real deal.

We had the pleasure of spending the day with Heather and Timmi at their studio, in which we experienced a life-changing (yes, really) crystal healing session firsthand and discussed manifestation, the power of thought, and all things vibrational. Read on to learn how to change your life one crystal at a time, then enter our giveaway to win an Energy Muse bracelet of your own to jump-start your journey!

The Chalkboard mag: What is crystal healing, in a nutshell?
Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro of Energy Muse: Crystal healing stems from the concept of utilizing crystals as a tool to help you become more grounded and connected to the earth. Since crystals are grown from the earth, when they are placed on the body, they help you to breathe deeper and to become more relaxed and centered. When you are relaxed, calm and thinking clear, you are able to make better decisions and life becomes easier.

The energy of the earth is very grounding. Placing your bare feet in the grass or your back against the solid foundation of a tree just feels good. You feel nurtured. The same is true when you place crystals on your bod: you feel nurtured and good. And to feel is to heal.

TCM: How, where and when did crystal healing originate?
EM: Many people believe that crystal healing originated from the Lost City of Atlantis. The Atlanteans were a highly advanced civilization that utilized crystal technology for spiritual advancement to transfer energy and to rejuvenate the human body.

Almost every ancient civilization used crystals in some way – whether it was for spiritual growth, as amulets for protection or as adornment for beauty. The use of crystals for healing is documented as far back as 1500 B.C, in the Ebers Papyrus from Egypt. This Egyptian medical text mentions how crystals, such as hematite, were ground up and given to patients. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Maoris wore gemstones as amulets for protection. The Ancient Mayans, Hebrews, Vedics and Native American cultures utilized gemstones in spiritual rituals and to help with physical healing. The New Testament, Revelation 21:11, even states how God’s heavenly city was built on the foundation of twelve sacred stones.

On a side note, in all the research of crystals that we have found, there isn’t anything that references any ancient civilization praying to a crystal. Crystals were used as a tool that came from the earth, for adornment, healing or protection. The crystal was not God, nor did it take the place of God.

TCM: “Vibration” is a word you hear a lot in the spiritual and wellness world. How does “vibration” specifically apply to crystal healing, both in a “scientific” way and on a more spiritual, esoteric level?
em: On a scientific level, everything in the world, both invisible and visible, constantly vibrates. All particles of matter, from the tiniest atom to the mightiest planet, are in a constant state of vibration. The whole universe is full of molecular vibrations. Every thought, every word and every physical action produces a vibration, on a molecular level, which in turn affects every object in its path.

On a spiritual level, the universe is an outcome of vibration. Every element of the universe is in a constant state of vibration, and this is manifested to us as light, sound and energy. As you vibrate, the universe vibrates with you (referencing Yogi Bhajan here).

TCM: Let’s talk power of intention. How does that aid in crystal healing? Do the stones themselves have most of the power, or is there something more?
em: In our personal opinion, it is the mind that has the power. The mind is what controls us – until we are able to train ourselves, through methods like meditation, to no longer let it control us.

Three minds exist: our negative mind, our positive mind and our neutral mind. The first mind that emerges in most of us is the negative mind, which is the way in which we protect ourselves. When this aspect of the mind dominates our life, we become depressed and negative. This is where using crystals as a tool can become very helpful. Quartz crystal is a powerful meditation tool, helping you to stay focused on your breath and bring you the ability to expand your mind.

Meditation helps you to clear your subconscious mind. It is similar to giving your mind a shower everyday. The cleaner your mind, the less your negative mind dominates. Soon, your positive mind will emerge and eventually your neutral mind will play a larger role in your life. Once again, crystals are a tool to help you become more centered, grounded and connected with your breath and heart. We must always remember that the heart is the boss and the head is the employee. Crystals are a tool to help you quiet your mind and bring you to this state of a connected center.

TCM: Who is crystal healing for? Who can benefit most?
em: Crystal Healing can help anyone who wants to feel, heal and quiet the constant chatter of the mind. Each crystal has different energies and properties to help bring you whatever you are looking for at that given moment. Here are some examples:

TCM: It seems as if a crystal healing session is almost like therapy of sorts. What would you say are the main differences between crystal healing and traditional talk-therapy sessions? What distinguishes it from other kinds of alternative healing?
em: A crystal healing session is about feeling, not thinking. How we think is shaped by our personal perspective and opinions. What tends to happen is that we become locked in our own story and resist seeing the actual truth about a situation. A crystal healing reading is about helping you connect to your heart and soul, where the truth resides and there is nothing to resist. When you stop resisting, true forgiveness and healing can begin. Your soul knows the truth and the truth will always set you free.

TCM: Energy Muse creates some seriously beautiful jewelry that’s been worn by everyone from spiritual leaders to Grammy-winning rock stars. What inspired you to form Energy Muse, and how do you come up with the purpose behind new pieces in the line?
HeATHER ASKINOSIE: Energy Muse was birthed the day that my mom said to me, “You’re starving with a loaf of bread in your hands.” I took my business, crystal and feng shui background, and designed a necklace called Prosperity. I gave it to my best friend, Timmi Jandro, who experienced that the combination actually worked. We thought, We can make these – people will buy them! She brought experience in business and the garment industry into the mix, and a new business was born. We started out of the trunks of our cars, and 14 years later we are a global company standing strong.

Our pieces are created and shaped by what we need in our lives, what our clients have expressed they are looking for or what the planet needs to consciously evolve. It’s ever shifting and changing – we have no set formula because we deal with energy, which is constantly evolving.

TCM: Our readers would love some ways to access crystal healing in their lives. Are there any resources you particularly love?
EM: We love all the books by Melody. A must have is Love Is In The Earth. We would also recommend Robert Simmon’s The Book of Stones and The Pocket Book of Stones.

Our Chakra Healing Bag is the perfect kit to try crystal healing. It combines seven crystals to balance and align your seven chakra centers. Lay down on your back, with your feet uncrossed. Place each of the crystals on the chakra that it is linked to. Once you begin to feel comfortable, and the crystals begin to feel comfortable, start to breathe deeply. The more you breathe, the more you connect with your body and with your heart—and so your journey to personal awareness begins. You can arrange a variety of stones on your body in specific combinations, but this is a simple technique that everyone can do.

TCM: We absolutely love what strong, authentic women you both are – and it shows through your brand. Is there any wisdom you’d like to impart on other women who feel driven to start their own business and do their part in changing the world for the better?
EM: Do what you love. Be true to yourself. And have fun! Business is tough and you will be forced to learn and grow. You must stay strong, focused and most importantly, be authentic. If you look at everything as an opportunity to learn and grow, then it becomes a journey. Life is not about the outcome, but the journey. So far, our journey has been a great one, with many lessons learned. We are both better people because of it.

WIN AN ENERGY MUSE BRACELET! Want to win a piece of Energy Muse jewelry for yourself? To celebrate this season of renewal, we are giving away a Fresh Start Bracelet Set to one lucky reader. Sign up for both the Energy Muse and Chalkboard newsletters, then leave a comment telling us how you are starting fresh this spring season. Good luck, readers!

Open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway closes Friday, April 25 at 5p.m. PST.