Nekate
Wellness Tonics
Rebranding & Wayfinding
The goal was to create accessible wayfinding that encourages meditative wandering with the support of thoughtful system.
Stephanie Badua-Smail,
Advisors: Joe Miller
Collaboration | User Feedback | Biomimicry
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Goal Setting
The central aim of Nekate was to create a wellness brand that transcends functionality and becomes a ritual. The project sought to design a product line that honors ancient wisdom, promotes holistic healing, and invites individuals to see nourishment as both sacred and sensual. Rather than simply offering tonics, the brand envisioned experiences that invoke emotional, physical, and spiritual abundance.
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Research
Brand inspiration was drawn from mythologyand art history. Symbols such as Hekate’s keys, nectar from Greek myth, and the cyclical nature of the moon informed conceptual development. Material studies explored sustainable packaging solutions, and research into herbalism grounded the product offerings in meaningful wellness practices. Visual references included Baroque aesthetics and the duality of Persephone.
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Analysis
Insights from market trends and historical sources revealed a growing demand for intentional wellness products that balance beauty with efficacy. While many health brands prioritize clinical clarity or minimalism, there was a clear space for a brand that leaned into ritual, mythology, and emotional richness. Nekate positioned itself to stand apart by combining functionality with a poetic, sensory experience—something to be felt as much as consumed.
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Strategy & Planning
Brand strategy focused on designing a product system that communicates care, magic, and intentionality. The identity integrates symbols of rebirth and wellness. Packaging design incorporated sustainable materials such as matte bioacetate, beeswax, gold-plated brass, and recycled cotton paper. Products were categorized by intention (e.g., relaxation, protection, energy), allowing for clear customer understanding while still embracing mysticism.









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Execution & Post-Launch
Deliverables included product packaging, custom illustrations, label systems, and a unique matchbox ritual kit. Two primary tonic formats were developed: a ready-to-drink version and a long-term take-home potion with a miniature ritual station. Instructions transformed simple usage into guided ceremonies, with thoughtful language and iconography embedded in every detail. Color palettes and typography created visual cohesion across all brand touchpoints, reinforcing the tone of intentional elegance.
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Desired Changes
Future development could further expand the multisensory experience—incorporating AR, audio meditations, or seasonal rituals tied to celestial events. Additional product lines could explore skin or scent-based offerings while maintaining the brand's focus on nourishment and daily magic. Continuous material innovation, accessibility updates, and storytelling opportunities would strengthen Nekate’s positioning as a sacred companion in everyday life.