Hi everyone,

I’m Lana, the founder and CEO of the "How Are You Really?" brand. Originally from Finland, I’ve been living all over the world since 2010.

In 2021, I started this brand, and what began as a small idea has grown to reach almost every corner of the globe. Today, our products are available all across Europe and the USA, with resellers also in Dubai and Bali.

My journey hasn’t been perfect. I grew up with a difficult parent and tragically lost the other when I was 21. It was a tough environment that left me emotionally closed off, especially with those closest to me.

If I’m honest, this experience didn’t directly inspire me to create this brand. Instead, I realized something along the way: we’re surrounded by tools to connect with strangers, yet we often neglect the people closest to us. Sometimes, it’s easier to share our thoughts with a colleague than to have honest, meaningful conversations with our own family. In many ways, I’m still my own biggest target audience, continuously learning how to connect.

What truly helped me heal was journaling and self-reflection. These practices have been scientifically proven to benefit mental health, but I know starting out can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to journaling. For me, journaling has always been about self-reflection and understanding life, rather than just focusing on gratitude.

When our customers began sharing how they used our bestselling "How Are You Really?" cards for self-reflection, it became clear to me that I needed to create a product specifically for that purpose. Every product we design is carefully reviewed and approved by a licensed therapist to ensure it’s both meaningful and helpful.

Here’s an interesting twist: After launching in Germany in 2021, I was scammed by a fake ‘factory,’ and it felt like this brand might not survive. At the same time, I was dealing with a personal loss and a breakup. I nearly gave up, but now I’m so thankful I kept going.

My hope is that these products help you build deeper connections—whether with others or with yourself. No one should go through life feeling emotionally distant and disconnected, as I once did.

Warmly,

Lana