Hikari

A reflection, a story, and a purpose. | The means by which: Love sows, Kindness nurtures, and Empathy blossoms.

A Symbol Reimagined

The rose, a potent symbol across many cultures, carries a multitude of meanings. In Christian iconography, it's a symbol of the Virgin Mary, representing purity and divine perfection. It's also a symbol of martyrdom, illustrating the concept of blossoming through hardship or sacrifice. The thorns of the rose remind us of the pain and suffering that often come with love and beauty. In Western culture, roses stand for love and passion, thanks to their association with Aphrodite and Venus, the Greek and Roman goddesses of love, respectively. This meaning lingers today, with red roses being a traditional gift for Valentine's Day and other romantic occasions.

However, the rose featured in my personal brand represents something entirely different. Allow me to tell you the story of a rose that gave birth to an emblem, an emblem that exists to inspire, provoke thought, and reflect my journey.

The Awakening

During an ordinary moment in the confines of my bathroom, an unexpected wave of dizziness washed over me. My head hit the unforgiving cold tile. When I awoke, my grandmother was by my side, her tears falling like silent prayers and patting my face to bring me back. Together, we managed to get me off the cold floor and into the sanctuary of my bed. The following week was a haze of fatigue as if I were trapped in a never-ending hangover. It was an odd, unsettling time, but I persisted, knowing that my body and soul yearned for rest.

I waded through the recovery process for over a month. During this time, I was compelled to reflect on my actions, desires, and goals. It felt like I was embarking on a self-discovery journey, beginning to see the world in a new light and initiating changes that aligned with my burning desire to amplify our collective voices and improve lives. During this period of transformation, I found solace in my interactions with others. As per my habit, I sent a rose at the end of each conversation. Each rose sent echoed with a familiar feeling, yet this time it held a different weight. I realized that with each rose, I was sending love, kindness, and empathy across the digital expanse. It dawned upon me that these virtues, which I had unknowingly been living by, were the ones I yearned to inspire in others, believing firmly that they held the power to make the world a better place.

The Journey and The Rose

In a moment of clarity, I understood that the rose's significance extended beyond a mere symbol. Even before I fully realized it, it was an embodiment of my identity, beliefs, and the brand I had been cultivating. I recognized that virtues like love, kindness, empathy, self-expression, and unity were not only defining characteristics of my life and brand but also catalysts for a better world. Kindness follows when we love. Empathy is fostered by love and kindness. When we band together under the banner of these virtues, we can share our stories and messages with the world, inciting positive change. Thus, the rose morphed into more than just a symbol; it became the vehicle for my personal and professional journey, the harbinger of change, and the bridge connecting us to the hearts and souls of others.

Knowing what I wanted for myself and the people around me was the one thing that made me desire something more distinctive. I envisaged something that genuinely encapsulated the virtues and narratives I intended to convey. I dreamt of a symbol that would draw attention, provoke curiosity, and inspire through its story. I wanted a design that was both personal and a collective symbol for all of us.

Therefore, the rose you see below is more than a decorative motif – it's a testament to the ideas I have conceptualized.

The Making of Hikari

The rose's heart-shaped petals symbolize openness to others, readiness for understanding, caring, and connecting. The heart, as a universal symbol of love, reminds us that without love, there is little reason for such openness.

The rose's stem is shaped like a staircase, representing the journey toward the virtues of love, kindness, and empathy. This is the path to bettering our world, beginning with love, progressing to kindness, and culminating in empathy. Three thorns mark the path, but they are more than just obstacles; they are powerful symbols. The first thorn holds the passion and transformation we undergo, while the second thorn signifies the inevitable challenges we overcome. The third and final thorn is our beacon in the darkness, encapsulating the positivity and hope needed to reach the bloom—the zenith of human connection, imbued with love, kindness, and empathy.

As you ascend this symbolic staircase, you will come across three leaves of varying shapes and significance. The first, an unusual 'S'-shaped leaf, represents the beginning of all journeys - from within. A budding leaf, further along, represents potential and the tangible aspect of existence. A full-sized leaf stands at the top as a testament to constant refinement and perpetual motion.

The symbolism I've shared is what I've purposefully imbued within the rose - ideas meant to spark thought and conversations. However, there may be more for you to discover - the journey is yours to explore and interpret.

Once the design was complete, the rose needed a name. I asked myself what I wanted this rose to become. The answer? The beacon of hope for more love, kindness, and empathy. So, after days of searching, I came across a word that struck a deep chord with me, Hikari.

Thus, Hikari was born.

Derived from 'light' in Japanese, Hikari serves as a beacon, a symbol of illumination on this journey of love, empathy, and unity. It is the thing that brings the three into your life and compels you to spread it to others. It is the guiding light that we all need in order to create a better world full of love, kindness, and empathy.

Finally, the puzzle was complete.

The Twin Roses

Hikari did not come into the world alone. It was joined by a twin, Mirisity - similar, yet divergent. The differences lie not just in what can be seen, but in what is yet to be fully unveiled. Mirisity's story is hidden, waiting to be discovered by the most curious and resourceful among you.

Dear friends, this is the saga of Hikari, the tale of how a simple rose transformed into a beacon of light, a means to make our world a better place. This rose, as simple as it appears, is designed to catch the eye, captivate with its tale, inspire minds, and ultimately, be a catalyst for change.

Hikari is a manifestation of my journey, an emblem of my personal brand, and a symbol that sparks thought and inspires conversations. It is a constant reminder of the values I hold dear and serves as a testament to my growth and evolution.

The Future of Hikari

Hikari, as part of my personal brand, serves as a beacon of light in my journey. It is a testament to my experiences, growth, and commitment to the values I uphold. Its subsequent iterations will reflect my journey, changes, and evolution. Each change will represent a new chapter, a new lesson, and a new milestone along the way.

I, You, and Hikari

Hikari is more than just a symbol; it's a story that's still unfolding, reflecting my journey, growth, and evolution. It embodies the values I hold dear and strive to instill in others. It exists not as a product but as a source of inspiration, a story that prompts thought and sparks conversation.

Remember the story of Hikari whenever you see it. Allow it to inspire and remind you of the power of love, kindness, and empathy. Let it be a symbol of the positive change we can bring about in the world by upholding these virtues.

The future of Hikari is as dynamic as the journey it represents. Hikari will evolve and grow alongside me, serving as a visual testament to my journey.

The End of the Beginning

Every step of this journey, every petal of Hikari, is a testament to the values I cherish: love, empathy, and kindness. It stands as a beacon, a reminder of the path I've taken and continue to take.

Remember that Hikari is more than just a symbol; it's a story, a journey, and an inspiration.

Thank you for being here, for witnessing this journey, and for being a part of it. Your presence is essential and your participation enriches this shared experience.

In gratitude and with boundless hope for the journey ahead,

Eduard🌹