House of SZO

Today marks the official launch of our blog

The shop is brewing (literally) and will be here soon, steeped in love and some of our favorite blends.

But while you wait, we invite you to sit with us.

To learn us. Feel us. Innerstand the mission.

The story. The real-life inspiration behind it all.

Because Seren & Tea isn’t just a brand—it’s a heartbeat.

And this blog?

It’s where we pour it all out.

And while we’re celebrating—this tea line, this blog, this movement—we’re also honoring the resilience it took to get here.

Not the filtered, “bounce back” kind.

Not the supermom highlight reel.

I mean the kind that looks like:

Holding your child through a meltdown while holding back your own tears Clocking out of work with a tired body and a full grocery list Staying up past midnight mixing teas and prepping meals Smiling at the therapist’s office when your heart is full of questions

This is the kind of resilience nobody claps for.

The kind only you and God know about.

But it’s sacred. It’s real. And if you’re reading this, chances are—you’re living it too.

The Many Hats We Wear

Raising children—especially as a single parent—is a mission that demands all of you. Now layer in the unique needs of a neurodivergent child, and suddenly, you’re wearing ten hats before breakfast.

Advocate. Researcher. Therapist. Chef. Healer. Educator.

Budgeter. Transportation coordinator. Emotional anchor.

All on one income. All without a net.

The math doesn’t always math. Rent. School clothes. Special needs supplies. Emergency expenses. That last-minute birthday party. And still—you show up.

You stretch every dollar. You pour out love like it’s endless. And you find ways to give your child not just care—but possibility.

The Turning Point: From Survival to Sacred Intention

There came a point where I realized I wasn’t just doing this for Serenity—I was doing it with her.

I wasn’t just surviving anymore. I was choosing softness.

I was choosing grounding over grind. Presence over performance.

That’s when I began to make space for:

Tea time as ritual Grounding walks—barefoot in the backyard, hands in herbs Quiet mornings and gentler nights Letting go of perfection and leaning into peace

And slowly, something shifted in me.

I began to heal, too.

Where Does Self-Care Fit In?

Right in the middle of the mess.

Not when the bills are paid. Not once everything’s perfect.

Now.

Because resilience doesn’t mean pushing through until you break.

It means knowing when to pause.

It means choosing yourself and your child in the same breath.

You deserve to feel nourished—even if the fridge is half-empty.

You deserve to breathe deeply—even if the world feels loud.

You deserve to be well—not just keep everyone else well.

Why Seren & Tea Exists

I created Seren & Tea with mamas like me in mind—

Mamas walking the holistic path with limited time, limited money, but unlimited love.

Because real self-care should be:

Simple Grounding Affordable And made with intention

Most people spend $5 to $8 on a single café drink—sweet but empty.

We give you over 30 cups per pouch for less than $1 a day.

Tea that’s not just trendy—but truly supportive to your nervous system.

A cup a day keeps the $7 receipts away.

Rooted in ritual. Priced for real life.

Because peace of mind shouldn’t be a luxury item.

Gentle Ways to Support Your Resilience

Start where you are. With what you have. In the time you’ve got.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Sip something grounding: Golden Milk or Mushroom Coffee are my go-to’s Take 10 minutes of silence before bed—no screens, just breath Keep your herbal helpers visible: chamomile tea, lavender oil, a flower essence Journal one line a day: “Today I made space for…” Say no when you need to. You don’t owe the world your burnout.

You’re Not Alone

There are so many of us out here—quietly choosing the path of healing, wholeness, and intention.

We don’t always talk about how hard it is.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not doing sacred work.

So here’s your reminder:

You are not failing.

Even on the hard days.

Even when it’s quiet.

Even when it feels like no one sees you.

I see you.

You are building something beautiful.

Take a breath.

Make a cup.

Come back to your center.

You were made for this.

With love, care, and cost-effective cups of calm,

Daria + Serenity

Seren & Tea

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

Each April, you’ll see blue lights, puzzle pieces, and social campaigns for “Autism Awareness.”

And while awareness is important, it’s just the beginning.

Awareness asks us to notice.

Acceptance asks us to act.

At Seren & Tea, our mission is rooted in the deeper work—not just raising awareness, but creating space for full, unconditional acceptance. Respect. Empowerment.

Not only for my daughter Serenity, but for every neurodivergent child, teen, and adult whose differences deserve to be honored—not silenced, corrected, or masked.

A Turning Point in 2018

When Serenity was evaluated in 2018, I didn’t know what to expect. But the process felt more clinical than compassionate.

There was no gentle explanation—just a checklist, a summary, and a label. It was clear that the system had one way of understanding her, and it wasn’t rooted in who she truly was. I walked out of that appointment holding a paper that felt heavier than anything I had ever carried.

The world began offering me services and therapies, but also unsolicited advice, fear-based warnings, and a sense of urgency to “fix” what wasn’t broken.

That moment didn’t give me clarity—it gave me more questions. But it also marked the beginning of my shift. Because when I looked at Serenity—really looked—I didn’t see something wrong. I saw someone whole. Someone deeply aware of her surroundings. Someone sensitive, brilliant, and in tune with her own rhythm.

I realized the world wasn’t built to understand children like mine.

So I decided to build a world for her anyway.

What Acceptance Looks Like

Autism acceptance is quiet, consistent work. It’s not a single action—it’s a lifelong posture.

It looks like:

Listening instead of correcting Learning your child’s sensory language and respecting it Removing harmful products and unnecessary stressors from their environment Celebrating progress without pushing timelines Holding space for stimming, shutdowns, and unspoken emotions Advocating, even when you’re the only one in the room doing it

Acceptance is saying: I see you. I hear you. I honor you as you are.

Autism + Herbs + Hope

I’m not a doctor or therapist. I’m a mother.

A mother who chose research over rest.

A mother who tried everything she could—because when you see your child struggling, you don’t sit still.

Over the years, I’ve explored gentle alternatives that helped support Serenity’s nervous system: herbal teas, detox baths, calming routines, and nutritional changes. Some things made a difference. Others didn’t. But I never stopped observing, learning, and adjusting.

That’s part of what this blog is here for—to offer an honest space. To share what we’ve tried. What worked. What didn’t. What gave us peace.

You’ll see me posting:

Autism research and sensory wellness insights Interviews with neurodivergent voices Books and documentaries that helped reshape my understanding Herbal tools that support focus, rest, digestion, and emotional regulation—without the overwhelm

Shifting the Narrative

Let’s be clear about this:

Autism is not a tragedy.

It is not a burden.

It is not something to pity, hide, or fear.

It is a different wiring. A different rhythm. A different brilliance.

And different is powerful.

Serenity is proof of that.

She is artistic, emotionally attuned, strong-willed, and deeply creative.

She is honest with her needs. She has boundaries. She feels energy. She sees the world through a lens that most people overlook.

She has taught me more about humanity, presence, and healing than any book ever could.

How You Can Support

Speak respectfully about neurodiversity—even when your child is too young to understand Follow and amplify autistic voices Support autism families with time, grace, and genuine presence Donate to grassroots, mama-run brands like Seren & Tea Shop our blends or simply share our mission with someone who may need it

Acceptance starts in the home, but it doesn’t stop there.

It’s how we speak.

How we support.

How we create space.

How we help others feel safe being fully themselves.

This April and Always

This April, let’s do more than wear blue.

Let’s stop centering pity and start centering power.

Let’s listen. Let’s honor. Let’s build a world where children like Serenity don’t have to fight to be understood.

Let’s honor the full spectrum—with softness, respect, and joy.

With love and in partnership,

Daria + Serenity

Seren & Tea

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, I want to share how Seren & Tea became more than a tea line—it became a part of our life, our healing, and our rhythm. A ritual born not from business plans, but from survival, devotion, and a mother’s determination to figure it out.

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A Season of Searching

When Serenity was diagnosed with autism in 2018, I didn’t feel prepared.

There was no welcome packet, no guidebook—just referrals, long waitlists, and the heavy quiet of the unknown. I was grieving the future I thought I’d have, overwhelmed with questions, and determined to do everything I could to support her.

We had just moved to a new city, and I didn’t have a community. I was afraid. So I kept Serenity with me while I worked. I was cleaning houses as a housekeeper, and she would sit quietly on the couch with crayons and her tablet, drawing and watching TV. She’d come find me in different rooms just to ask, “What’s next?”

Looking back, I realize how much fear I was carrying then—more fear than hope, if I’m honest. But even in that season, I noticed something beautiful: Serenity could draw really well. Like, shockingly well for her age. I held onto that spark.

I enrolled her in a Head Start program right down the street from the homes I cleaned. I needed to stay close, to check in when needed. I got her started with speech and occupational therapy, switched to a gluten-free, casein-free diet, eliminated dyes, meat, and artificial juices, and stuck to the regimen.

And slowly, I saw changes.

Small improvements.

A flicker of hope.

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2020 Changed Everything

Then… the pandemic hit.

The world felt like it was spinning out, and I retreated inward. At this point, I had already been deep into research—on autism, healing, detox, and everything in between. I wasn’t watching TV. I was studying. For Serenity.

We stopped everything and went into the house. That’s when I really began to build our herbal cabinet, experimenting with remedies and making our own body products. I gave Serenity regular detox baths to help draw out toxins and heavy metals, and I had the time to observe how she responded.

Virtual learning didn’t work for us—she was still just a toddler, and the screen time made things worse. So I decided to homeschool her. But I didn’t follow a traditional path. I created a loose curriculum centered around what mattered to us: our health, our rhythm, our peace.

We cooked together.

We made tea together.

We crafted lotions, deodorants, bath salts, and more—together.

And through that hands-on, heart-led learning… I started to see major improvements.

I want to also add that I embraced conventional methods such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and one on one instruction. I was determined to do everything to help Serenity. Wholistic practices combined with traditional practices.

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Tea as a Sensory Anchor

One of the most grounding parts of our day became tea time.

The sound of boiling water. The smell of fresh herbs. The warmth of a cup held in small hands. Tea gave us something sensory-friendly and calming. A quiet act we could return to over and over again.

I began blending herbs specifically for Serenity—mild, calming, familiar. Lemon balm, chamomile, peppermint, lavender. She helped choose what smelled right, what felt good. And from that time, our signature tea—Serenity—was born.

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Homeschool with Purpose

What started as survival eventually grew into something more. A brand. A ritual. A story we could share.

In 2020, Seren & Tea became a real part of our homeschool days. It gave Serenity something to take pride in and helped me reclaim purpose. Tea became therapy, education, connection, and peace—all in one.

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Why Seren & Tea Exists

Seren & Tea is for families walking similar paths—

For mothers in need of grounding.

For neurodivergent children with sensitive systems.

For anyone craving a calm, nourishing ritual that doesn’t add more noise.

We offer:

• Calming, trusted herbs

• No artificial flavors or unnecessary fillers

• Clear prep instructions and family-friendly formulas

We believe in rituals that heal.

In simplicity that soothes.

And in tea as a tool for connection.

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A Cup of Peace

If you’re navigating big emotions, sensory needs, or just looking for a gentle rhythm—this tea is for you.

Our Etsy shop opens April 13 (God willing, no more tech glitches), but this journey started long before that. It started with my daughter, a couch, some crayons, and a quiet question: What’s next, Mama?

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for walking with us.

And thank you for holding space for peace in a world that often forgets it.

With love, serenity, and softness—always,

Daria and Serenity

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo

Welcome to House of SZO.

This blog is more than a platform—it’s a sacred journal. A place to reflect, to reclaim, and to root deeper into what it means to heal in a world that often forces us to survive.

I’ve spent the last 17 years navigating the ebbs and flows of life—growing through systems that were never built to support someone like me. But over the past 10 years, motherhood became my focal point—surviving for my daughters, researching to understand how to help Serenity, Zaharah, and myself, and slowly building a lifestyle that made room for all of us to thrive.

The foster system doesn’t give you all the tips, tricks, and tools to build a stable foundation—let alone the language to intellectualize generational wealth. It’s about survival. It’s about proving statistics wrong. And it’s about making sure you don’t become another label.

Failure was never an option.

Being intentional about my children’s foundation—equipping each of them with a strong knowledge base, a rooted sense of self, and the language of wellness—is the mission that fuels everything I do.

House of SZO was born from that mission—not as a business first, but as a personal necessity. A container for everything I’ve learned, questioned, and grown through.

It’s a space for the curious, the overwhelmed, the determined, and the deeply intuitive. If that’s you, you’re home.

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Why I Created This Space

As a mother raising two children on my own—and preparing to welcome a third—I’ve lived through the systems that fail us and the strength that rises when we have no other choice. Every decision I’ve made about wellness, education, and home life has come from that place: necessity, love, and a refusal to give up.

My preteen and adolescent years were spent in foster care, navigating unfamiliar spaces without a rooted sense of identity. But my final placement—a 40-acre plot of land in the high desert of Central Oregon—became sacred ground. The farm was called Fresh Start Farms, and indeed, a fresh start it was.

With serene views of the Cascade Mountains and a quiet so deep it calmed my overloaded nervous system, that land became a place of restoration. The stillness allowed my mind to recalibrate, my body to ground, and my spirit to begin retaining the knowledge that would eventually become the foundation for everything I’ve built since.

Those wide open skies, dusty trails, and early mornings among the animals weren’t just experiences—they were initiations. That farm planted seeds of self-reliance, reverence for the natural world, and the kind of embodied wisdom I’ve spent years nurturing and sharing.

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What This Blog Offers

House of SZO is the journal I wish I had when I was overwhelmed, alone, and searching for answers that didn’t feel clinical or cold.

Here, you’ll find:

• Reflections on conscious motherhood and spiritual growth

• Holistic wellness education through the lens of lived experience

• Insights into nervous system support, herbal allies, and detox tools

• Honest conversations about autism, single parenting, and advocacy

• Recommendations for books, documentaries, and alternative research

• Recipes, rituals, routines, and resources to support your healing

This is an invitation to explore healing on your own terms. No pressure. No perfection. Just possibilities.

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A Final Note

If you’ve made it here, know this: you are not alone.

This blog is a place for truth-telling, for slowing down, for sipping tea and breathing deeper. You don’t have to be a master of herbs or a perfect parent. You just have to be willing to listen to that quiet voice inside that says, “There has to be a better way.”

You are welcome here. You are part of this legacy now.

With love and purpose,

Daria

Founder, House of SZO

“A family-rooted wellness journey in love, healing, and purpose.”

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Disclaimer

The information shared on House of SZO is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is based on lived experience, independent research, and a personal commitment to holistic, non-toxic, and conscious living.

This space encourages respectful exploration, curiosity, and autonomy. Always consult with a trusted healthcare provider before making any wellness changes for yourself or your family.

Connect With Us:
🛒Shop With Us: House of SZO Hub
📧Email: houseofszoinfo@gmail.com
Instagram: @houseofszo