Brooklyn Opetaia, Mother and founder of Words to Heal You. 

Brooklyn is a gifted storyteller whose words and imagery linger long after they’re read. A new māmā and creative at heart, she draws inspiration from son, and her deep connection to Māori culture. What began as a simple Instagram account in 2021, where she could offload thoughts and offer her experiences in the form of poetry, has grown into Words to Heal You, a virtual safe space where anyone can simply be, without expectation or judgment.

We caught up with Brooklyn to explore her creative process, her approach to healing through words, and how motherhood has shaped her perspective on wellness, creativity, and self-care.

To start, can you share a bit about your background and what first inspired you to create Words to Heal You?

Kia Ora! I am Brooklyn, I’m New Zealand raised and Sydney based. I’m a mum, writer, creative, nature enthusiast, lover-of-people. I started my business Words To Heal You when I was 20 years old and it has evolved since then to being a force of nature, existing to impact people deeply.

Words To Heal You really started in my first journal when I was 14 years old. It was just published years later as my virtual diary entries. The idea was to let people in on my heart and my mind in hopes that it would make people feel less alone in their feelings.

Words to Heal You seems to have evolved organically, becoming something much deeper than a social platform. How do you see it today, and what do you think has shaped that growth?

It truly is such a special space. It started exclusively online but it came to life through our hoodies, journals, billboards, pop-up experiences etc. When it became a physical product making a real life difference on the streets, that’s when it organically grew to become more than a social media space.

When you’re writing, whether poetry or short reflections, what does your creative process look like? 

Most of the time, it’s a quick thought that I immediately jot down. Less often, but still sometimes, I’ll sit and deeply reflect about what I’m working through at the moment and turn it into poetry. I often say I’m less of a writer and more of a feeler. I think my sweet spot is just putting words to often unspoken feelings.

Do you have any rituals that help you find focus or stillness?

Absolutely. There are some weekly non-negotiables that fuel me. Such as church on Sundays, daily skincare, cooking good and whole meals at home daily, quality time with my loved ones. All of these fill my cup and that is how I find rest and stillness.

Who or what is inspiring you creatively right now?

Honestly my son is the driving force behind anything creative at the moment. Watching him learn every day. Experiencing his fearlessness and creativity is so inspiring. My heart beats in time with his!

You recently became a mother to your beautiful child, Blue. How has motherhood shifted your perspective on wellness, creativity, or the idea of self-care?

Since becoming a mum, I’ve really had to be intentional about time for self-care. It’s generally the first thing to go when life gets crazy or busy. But that’s why even in the freshest postpartum days, taking even 5 minutes in the morning to do my skincare, do my hair, put on fresh clothes and choose myself for just a moment. Thus allowing me to roll into a day of motherhood feeling loved and then, showing love.

Are there any beauty or self-care rituals that remain non-negotiable for you, even on the busiest days?

Morning skincare! Even when it takes just 30 seconds. The ritual of it helps me to feel my best and feel fresh and glowy. 

Which Tronque product has become part of your daily rhythm, and what makes it special to you?

I have recently started dry brushing in the evenings and the whole ritual goes like:

Open lymph nodes
Dry brush
Warm shower
Moisturise head to toe with the firming butter
Fresh PJS
Fresh sheets
In bed with a good book

This is my idea of heaven on earth.

And finally, what’s next for Words to Heal You? Any new projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

2025 was a slow and steady year for me. I wanted to allow my first year of motherhood to really lean into being a Stay-At-Home-Mum. What’s next is learning that balance of being a working mum. Allowing myself to take on big projects again, introducing WTHY to the Sydney market. The ideas are endless and I think about projects we could execute daily. I’m excited to press go on a lot of these ideas this year.