THERE'S
MORE TO SEE...
By Justina Nijole & Roberta Zimnickaite
January 22, 2026
Join us as we reflect on the past year with Siela. Justina and Roberta share their challenges, lessons learned, and a glimpse of what the future holds for this journey.
CONTENTS
- Prologue
The Route
Reflection
Our History
What’s next for us
Note from Roberta
Note from Justina
For you
Conclusion
Welcome to Siela’s new home. A passion project created in hopes to inspire others to live a full life by two best friends, Justina and Roberta. After a year of experimenting and consistency, they outgrew their first home, and so onwards they go. Here’s a deeper look at what they’ve learned, their history, what’s on our minds, and a little something for you…
Image by Roberta Zimnickaite
II. THE ROUTE
When we, as people, have a destination in mind, an unknown journey lies in between. Sure, a route can be outlined, but we never truly know what might arise. We have all witnessed that things do not always go as planned. So are we then meant to let life happen and let go of control? Release the step by step plan set in place?
As you embark on this journey, obstacles may arise, lessons might be learned, and new insights will come to light. With that, what if the destination then changes along this journey? Perhaps the destination becomes fluid and we simply decide to continue moving.
In whatever direction seems right. Whether that’s right or left or simply a pivot in the direction you came from. If we simply decide to move onwards, the destination will present itself to us then, right?
Well and then, if there is no certain destination, it’s always been about the journey. Stay with me here…
The journey is the destination.
What if you just decide to start? You stay open and the path starts presenting itself to you. Almost as if it’s unlocking as you start aligning with it more in this flow state. As you simply just let it happen. It’s your choice to go through this journey that is presenting it, though it may not always be more clear, or take the planned route, which might be more difficult. But to even start such a journey, a destination being kept in mind is helpful, needed even maybe. It’s just when we can’t let go of that place, does it become a problem. Let the destination be hazy, let it not be rigid.
Say you’re walking through the forest on a trail, and a fork presents itself. You can go down the muddy path you planned to do, or look to the other side and see a dry sunny one that you’re unsure about but seems more enjoyable. We can realize we have that freedom to pivot. Often enough, it’s in our own best interest. It might just take some getting used to, not knowing every step along the way.
That’s essentially the way we have allowed Siela to take form. Taking the path of least resistance as it comes to us.
This project has taken turns, pivots we couldn’t have even imagined. It’s grown into a bigger thing, bigger idea, bigger meaning to us. We’ve gone forward and backwards, we have taken breaks, or days with no breaks. And that’s the beauty of letting things flow and grow the way they need to. The way it feels natural. Baby steps, we keep telling ourselves. Or sometimes, lunges are taken. Sometimes these “plans” can take away from our chance to grow. It can be a box that limits us…
What route have you been taking lately?
III. REFLECTION
This year we took the steps towards the things that felt right and exciting to us in the moment. We brainstormed, collaborated, and made the decision to establish ourselves as an LLC. A move that helped make Siela feel even more real, possible, and allowed us to get a business CC. All while exploring what could be, we wrote blogs and did shoots that often reflected what seasons of life we were in. We had 11 people, outside of us, share their perspectives and experiences of life here. Thank you to all of those who had trust to share.
We continued to research how we could get in front of people in person and foster a community. We decided to take one direction instead of another after we realized dealing with health departments felt more of an obstacle than a way through and wasn’t worth it for us right now.
So we continued to write blogs that we cared about, wrote some blogs that maybe we didn’t care for… learned that consistency is sometimes more important than perfection.
We created travel blogs, went on a podcast, got a $500 brand deal that’s been allowing us to get it all started, spent a month in Bali, did road trips to VA, OH, & CA, interviewed someone special, and did our first physical market. Now we are setting up and working in a physical office. Coffee shop meetings aren’t enough anymore, so now we are onwarding to work.
Anyways, this year we have had 47 blogs come out, 2421 website visits, 35 reels, 63 posts, 313 followers. From nothing into something, it becomes more real and bigger everyday. We’re just growing and learning as we go.
Image by Roberta Zimnickaite.
IV. HISTORY
All of this came from our decision to let Siela flow into what it needed to be. Back in 2021, we spent half of our August on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Around this time we started a coffee review page, called Celestial Coffee Reviews. This was mostly for fun of course, but it gave us somewhat of a purpose when we would visit coffeeshops, new and old. And what exactly was it about coffeeshops? They allow a place for people to hangout, to do work, to socialize, and to simply just be. A third space. And honestly, a proper cafe review page is something we both would probably love to have ourselves. A forum of all good places to work, to mingle, and to find just the vibe you’re looking for! The details all matter. We continued with Celestial for a couple years, visiting cafes all over the world, and sharing them on Instagram to our small group of followers.
During this time, we were living in St Augustine together which meant ideas were always flowing through this collective mind. For a moment in time, we had started Another Weekend, which was yet another prospective project where we envisioned doing podcasts, sharing our art, and talking about all things real. It was going to be about embracing the passage of time, enjoying life, and not taking things too seriously… Sound familiar? We had fallen in love with the name due to the fact that time was going by so quickly, and it was always just the weekend again… And we thought about how we can spend all of our days, as if it were just weekend days. We did not have to wait till the end of the week to enjoy ourselves.
After quite a hiatus, we brought the reviews back in June of 2024, having both a New Jersey and European summer filled with cafes to be visited.
It was actually through Celestial that we had our first brand deal with Nova Ceramics. It was somewhat of a miracle that they reached out to our account, considering how small we were. But we can say, because of this opportunity, it showed us a world where it was possible to make money from working together with something we actually did believe in. In this case, it was cute, earthy ceramic mugs that we would use, and promote, as the perfect travel mug, and the reusable, sustainable option as opposed to the single use cups at most cafes.
Looking back, there was always an underlying knowing that we were meant to be working on something. Now we realize this idea has always been a part of us, in our souls and always manifesting into what it is today. Something more than just coffee, and more than just any one thing in particular. We’ve always had ideas that would ebb and flow from different interests, and Siela simply allows all of this energy to finally have a place, and a name.
Taking that leap of just starting the damn thing, has brought so much fulfillment to us, as we hope others have gotten something as well. Even if you do not know what your destination looks like, or maybe you do, take this as a sign, if you’ve been wanting to do or start something. Remember, leap, and the net will appear.
And wake up to your own potential.
V. WHAT’S NEXT FOR US
Siela started as a place where we encouraged people to dig deeper, finding what makes their soul feel free. We focused on living with the seasons, changing in harmony with the world around us, and continuing the pursuit of happiness.
In a digital world, we knew an online community would be key to building a community of people who shared, and wanted to share, these ideas alongside us.
Now, we are looking to take things to the physical world. After already having our first table at a market, we knew this was more possible than we initially imagined. Curating a table of items that were hand-made, jewelry from mother earth herself, and sourced from real people around the world, including our own work.
In 2026, expect more market appearances, and the beginning of group travels, workshops, salons, yoga and meditation classes, and more real connection.
Sometimes people are just waiting for the right invitations to show up. Here is where we fit in, with the invitations you’ve been waiting for.
VI. NOTE FROM ROBERTA
As one may have already noticed, Justina and I were always up to something. From reviewers, to bloggers, to chocolate makers, to hosts, to travel guides, and most importantly, being partners in this thing called life.
A memorable moment we shared took place a block away from our pink house in St. Augustine, where we attended a mediation circle together. Every person in the circle would pick a song, and have to sit in the center of the circle while the people on the outside of the circle would join in meditating . My pick was “The Trip,” by Still Corners. Justina’s was “Shoes,” by Jonah Yano and Tatsuya Muraoka. Quite a humbling, yet beautiful experience. A ceremony of praying for eachother, with eachother.
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was a woman who told us after the meditation that she had a vision that Justina and I would accomplish something important together. Hearing this, neither for the first time nor the last, was really something. A stranger, who knew us no other than the two girls who showed up together to this event, had a vision of us doing something big, something meaningful, embarking on an adventure together. How special is that?
This leads me to a moment around a year and a half later, sitting in my solitude at Markuciu park in Vilnius, Lithuania, almost three months into backpacking through Europe. I had graduated that past year, and had been slowly coming to the realization that I had no idea what was next for me. For the first time in my life, I was completely free. Free of any obligation, with no label that kept me anywhere anymore. No longer a student, no job, no real ties anywhere, and not a single soul relying on my presence.
My lease in St. Augustine was long over, back in May when I knew I would be travelling for the next few months. I had made these vows to myself whilst in Florida that I would never return to New Jersey. For what reason exactly? The cold being the greatest factor, and perhaps the fear of reliving a past that I felt like I had grown so far from. A reality that had no place for the person I had grown into.
But what was next? Lying in the late September sun, knowing my flight back “home” was in two weeks, with absolutely no plan, no goal, and no idea what life would look like for me.
I believe it was through audio messages exchanged that something Justina said had stuck with me. At this point we were still loosely posting on Celestial, but there was a feeling that it was time for something greater, and something beyond a silly instagram page that we ran for fun.
Within this conversation, Justina had brought up a wonderful point: “What are we waiting for?”
When would it be the right time to start something new? Is there ever such a thing as feeling ready for a new chapter? What does being ready even look like? And really, what was I waiting for?
What I did know was I wasn’t quite ready to work as an RN in a hospital just yet, as I felt little calling to do such a thing. Although not entirely opposed, I did know there was something, anything, else out there for me in the meantime. I had just travelled through another new portion of the map, and knew I wanted to keep doing so. But I also realized that backpacking for the rest of my life wasn’t exactly what I wanted either.
Through these messages consisting of existential questions shared back and forth, and talk of plans, or better yet, the lack of them, I had a new perspective coming back. I realized that I was returning home no matter what, and it was up to me to make my life something worth being excited for again. And perhaps that the things we try to avoid will catch up eventually. Beliefs rooted in some divine plan, something larger than I am, sending me back to the place I grew up in for a reason. And now I had something to look forward to, and the fire that the beginning of a new project brings.
On this note, I had lived my first year back in the northeast, and realized over and over again that a place is just as good as the people you have in it. At this time, I had my two greatest friends and family in the same state, at the same time. I picked up snowboarding, started surfing again, learned the bass, travelled on, saved money, and have started something I care about.
Something I have come to terms with is realizing that although I am not exactly in my dream location, I am working on a dream that would not have been possible if it wasn’t for living at home. Being here keeps me in close proximity to my business partner, and allows me to spend leftover time and energy on this, instead of trying to make ends meet. I often live in a headspace where I think that things that are meant to come naturally, and perhaps even easily. But this year I realized nothing lands right in your lap, and working on a dream life takes much more consistency, sacrifice, and intentional work than I ever imagined. Good things do indeed take time!
I had landed in the United States by the 5th day of October, and we had our first (documented) meeting by the 7th day of October. We went from Celestial, to Siela, within a month.
Now, more than a full year later, we have accomplished things that neither of us even thought to dream about back in October of 2024, let alone the best friends who cried about leaving each other’s side after summer camp in July of 2015.
This being said, coming further than we imagined, I am more than aware than ever of how much energy it takes to accomplish anything. The hours spent after our dayjobs writing blogs that were potentially not being seen by a single person. Penciling in a few spare hours in our week to get together and talk about the future of Siela. Reading documents on official government websites that felt like trying to decipher a foreign language. Planning shoots to launch our next new project with nothing but a Pinterest board of a vision and anyone we could convince to model.
All this work, however, would easily be described as fun homework. Work that is indeed work, but energy that I am glad to be putting into this, over a job that brings me no fulfillment. As a serial hobbyist and someone who could envision fifty different lives for myself, putting aside time is a price we pay for the things we care about. Time is the currency of our energy. It matters. Where we spend that time shows.
The utmost gratitude for the moments in my life where things truly did fall into place, and every moment that has brought me to write these very words. It excites me to see how far we’ve come, in what little time has passed.
A note to myself: you can do hard things. And look at where you have taken yourself thus far. This is just the beginning!
To Justina: I genuinely could not wish upon a million stars for a better partner in crime, in life, and in business. You lead with a sense of inspiration, curiosity, and excitement for life, and it pours out of you and into every single person you interact with. Thank you for your light!
To anyone that has mentioned that one of our pieces did something for them: Thank you, and your feedback meant way more than you know. Whether that was to inspire, ignite, or change, something that came from our hearts touched someone else’s too. That is enough to keep this going.
A year in, and we learned that anything is possible. For us, and for you too.
With no real “destination,” the journey continues. Upwards and onwards!
With lots of love,
Roberta
Image by Justina Nijole.
VII. NOTE FROM JUSTINA
First off, I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished with Siela this year. I am most impressed with our ability to remain consistent with this project. All through the rocky parts of life, traveling, work, maintaining friendships and social lives, hobbies and interests (Roberta and I have lots of those). It is work we choose to do after work because of course we love it. However, at the end of the day it is still time and energy we put into it. We are lucky enough to say that it fills our cups. It gives us purpose, brings us fulfillment, lights us up when someone says it resonated with them too. But when it comes to reading government paperwork, applications, solving the riddles they give us because they never make things simple, or learning new software, there are times it takes more than it gives.
I have had moments where this work might feel like a chore, or on the flip there are times where I work daily for hours in a flow state and tune the world out. I am learning that the ebb and flow of it all are natural. Even when we haven’t posted on instagram in over a month, work is still happening behind the scenes. So what I am trying to say is, it is a choice to continue to go onwards and get through the hard parts. In fact, it’s probably what makes it all so rewarding.
There have been plenty of times where if one of us did not pull the other back into the groove of things, that it might have fizzled out. It is lovely to have a partner to work on these things with. Another brain to bounce ideas on, to use each other as a backbone. Without the other, Siela would have never happened or gotten this far. So thank you god for bringing Roberta and I together. It all really makes sense.
What keeps coming up for me is the idea that if you want something, you just have to work and keep at it for as long as it takes. In the last year, I have come to realize that there is no real rush with Siela. We can’t rush the foundation, as it is where we are growing up from. Having one side not be even will just make things more complicated in the long run. And what was the rush anyway? We’re just going where and how we need to go.
To add to the previous point, things are becoming more real and even more serious, from a government standpoint at least. Because it’s always been real for us. So, was it time to label Siela something more than just a passion project?
I had a moment with Roberta where we wanted to give it a new title. Though labels sometimes put things and peoples in boxes, perhaps it could make it easier for someone to understand what we were always working on. A business felt too cold, but according to the LLC paperwork we kind of are. A community? Well not yet, though we hope soon. A blog? Well it’s more than just that. I guess it was a project… That we were passionate about. Which was what I was labeling it as before anyway.
To backtrack, I noticed how I might try to make Siela smaller than it is. In fear that someone might not understand what we were doing or why. I’m not sure if it was fear of judgement, or a shyness to what this is. So, if anyone ever asks what I’ve been up to, or what I do for work well, Siela did take up a lot of my time and I am putting a lot of work into it. Not only lots of behind the scenes things, but making the website, writing blogs, uploading them, posting on social media.
I soon came to realize it was the way I presented it. “Just” a passion project, almost to sweep what we are doing under the rug. And this all comes back to the idea that anything and everything we do or talk about, is how we talk about it.
If we show up with confidence, with anything, people can feel it. If you stand firm with what you are, what you feel, what you are doing, it gives less wiggle room for people to think about it in any other way. This can go for so many things in life.
To give an example, I can tell you what I am doing for work right now. I can talk about it in two ways, right? One “I just work at a store.” or “I am an assistant who helps run a boutique studio that sources handmade, artisan goods.” What is the difference between these two? Just the way you talk about something, especially the way it feels to you.
So, Siela is a passion project. Something we have been working consistently on for over a year. Something that is deemed real by the government. A place we hope continues to grow into something beautiful. Something that inspires you or sparks something within you. A passion project that fosters community, optimism, gives you new insights, and makes you fall in love with life. It is certainly more than a business… but I guess it is also that.
Anyway, I want to thank you for being here, reading this, being on this journey with us, and I hope you stay awhile. I hope you enjoy it. I hope you see that anything is possible for you too. That it is worth working on your dream, that it is worth following whatever fuels you. Try the route we’re taking and see where it takes you. Just remember the destination is an illusion.
If you have any ideas for us, or want to collaborate in any sort of way, reach out. We are open, if you are open.
Love and light to you all and see you soon because…
There’s more to see
in 2026.
VIII. FOR YOU
Siela started as a place where we encouraged people to dig deeper, finding what makes their soul feel free. We focused on living with the seasons, changing in harmony with the world around us, and continuing the pursuit of happiness.
In a digital world, we knew an online community would be key to building a community of people who shared, and wanted to share, these ideas alongside us.
Now, we are looking to take things to the physical world. After already having our first table at a market, we knew this was more possible than we initially imagined. Curating a table of items that were hand-made, jewelry from mother earth herself, and sourced from real people around the world, including our own work.
In 2026, expect more market appearances, and the beginning of group travels, workshops, salons, yoga and meditation classes, and more real connection.
Sometimes people are just waiting for the right invitations to show up. Here is where we fit in, with the invitations you’ve been waiting for.
IX. CONCLUSION
We say to ourselves that it’s all about baby steps, but when looking back we have paved a way we didn’t even know was possible. We talk about how taking big steps allows us to take even bigger steps. As the past ones now feel small.
Last year’s overall theme was anything is possible, and as we continue to implement that in our philosophy… Perhaps this is the year of seeing beyond the surface because,
