A Journey to Healing. A conversation with Jessica Johnston.
When Jessica Johnston was diagnosed with early-stage T-cell lymphoma in late 2019, her world shifted overnight. As a long-time spa and wellness professional, she already prioritized clean living, mindfulness, and holistic self-care — but her diagnosis marked a powerful turning point. What followed wasn’t just a battle with illness, it was a reclamation of self, a deepening of wellness rituals, and a profound reminder of the importance of putting yourself first.
"I had already been doing the work," Jessica says, reflecting on the months leading up to her diagnosis. “I was working with a nutritionist, a neurologically based chiropractor, and using clean products. I had made a commitment to wellness before I even knew what I was fighting.”
For almost a year prior, Jessica had dealt with unexplained fatigue, pain, and swelling. She sought answers through traditional and holistic paths, listening closely to her body. When the official diagnosis came after extensive testing, she began chemotherapy and life, as she knew it, paused.
Yet even during chemo, she found strength in her routines. “The diagnosis stripped everything away,” she shares. “But having those clean products, those wellness rituals already in place, was a comfort. I didn’t have to start from scratch. I felt safe.”
She leaned on her ZENTS favorites—the bar soap, body oil, bath truffles, and shampoo— not just for their clean formulations, but for the emotional and sensory grounding they provided. “Even when I lost all my hair, washing my scalp with the Mandarin shampoo made me feel normal. The scent, the routine, it brought me back to myself.”
During treatments, she began carving out space for daily rituals: midday baths with calming music and a bath truffle, gentle self-massage with body oil, slow breaths, and moments of stillness. These weren't luxuries — they were lifelines. "Self-care isn’t optional. It’s not a treat, it’s essential."
Jessica’s wellness background helped her trust in clean formulations and ingredient transparency. She understood the impact of hormone disruptors, synthetic fragrances, and fillers often hidden in mainstream products. “Your body’s already fighting. Don’t give it more to battle against. You want your products to support your healing, not sabotage it.”
Today, five years post-diagnosis, Jessica continues to live by that philosophy. Her daily life is now rooted in intentional wellness: hydration, nutrient-dense meals, movement, and morning rituals. "I take care of myself first, every single morning. That’s not selfish. It’s necessary."
And perhaps even more powerfully, she’s sharing her story so others feel empowered to start their own. Her advice for those navigating illness or simply seeking healthier habits? “Start small. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Swap one product. Take one deep breath. Build from there.”
Jessica’s journey is a beautiful reminder that healing isn’t just medical, it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply personal. Clean habits, nourishing products, and putting yourself first aren’t indulgences—they’re tools for survival and thriving.
As Jessica puts it: "You're going to spend the money somewhere—spend it on things that build you up. You deserve that."
Written by: Wilhelmina Littel
Featured Favorites
These are products I truly use and love. All links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Bar Soap
I was skeptical at first, and now it’s my forever favorite. Gentle, hydrating and a total game-changer. I pack it every time we travel with my son’s hockey team.
Mandarin Shampoo
During treatment, even without hair, the scent alone helped me feel grounded. And with hair, I love that it’s sulfate free, gentle and color safe.
Bath Truffles
This became my midday ritual during treatment: a warm bath, calming music and a truffle. It gave me space to rest, breathe and heal.
Relief Balm
I call it my “magic balm.” It’s what I reach for when I need comfort, warmth and relief from discomfort.
