Lightward is a direction, yes—and it’s also an energy. And rather than talk about that energy, we’d rather introduce you to the people who embody it, here—the people we get to work alongside on a daily basis. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the playful, mischievous, and fiercely encouraging, Ian Day.

Preferred pronouns?

Mr, Sir, Hey you, whatever you really want to call me.

Where are you currently based? 

Columbia, MO

How long have you been working at Lightward? 

Full time: Just over a year

Total: Year and a half

How would you describe the work you do here at Lightward? 

I guess my two main roles are 1: Health and Wellness Advisor. 2: Merchandise and Shipping Manager.  

At my core, I just want to help people express themselves however they want to be expressed. May that be through Health and Wellness or selling and shipping a creative project that they have made by putting in on the Lightward online store :) 

What was the impetus/curiosity for joining Lightward in the first place? 

I have been friends of Abe and Isaac for a long time and the way they run their business is so beautiful. Their emphasis on health, wellness, life balance, and freedom is rivaled by none and I always told myself if I got the opportunity to help/work with them, I would not pass it up.

What’s your favorite way to recharge and relax?

It is either watching a movie/show with my fiancé and dog or going to workout. It may seem counterintuitive, but moving my body recharges my mind and body :)

What’s an essential part of your rhythm that helps you connect to and show up with your most authentic self? 

One of my favorite parts of my day is in the morning when I go to the gym and workout by myself. I use this time to just be with my thoughts, work on myself, and as a result just feel centered and authentic. 

What’s important to you? 

Honesty, hard work, and openness to new things. The last part is very important to me. Exploring new things, activities, opinions, and so on is such a great way to not only learn new information but learn new information about yourself.

Favorite film?

This is a hard one for me because I LOVE movies. If I had to choose it would be either Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War or Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame.

What’s something people might not know about you right away, but feels important to your own sense of self-definition? 

I am bad at small talk, but love to just sit in a room of people conversing and listen. The fact of the matter is, I am always listening and have learned so many wonderful things because of that. :) 

Where/how do you tend to gather new ideas and put yourself in the way of expansion? 

I gather Ideas while walking my dog. It is the perfect combination of relaxation of the mind that leads to openness and new thoughts and movement of the body. I often find that new ideas and thoughts come to me whenever I am moving my body. It is a blessing and a curse at the same time, haha.

What’s something you’re proud of? 

In high school I was in the All-State Choir and Midwest Men's Honor Choir. 

Spending most of my twenties focusing on myself and my career. Doing so has led me to a life that I truly love with a GREAT career, a BEAUTIFUL fiancé, and soon-to-be amazing house that we close on in early November. I would talk more about focusing on myself and the major benefits of it, but that can be for a later time. :) 

If your current life phase had a chapter title, what would it be? 

Expansion. This last year I have gained a lot of new skills. Everything from learning to code, creating our Lightward online store, creating the first Lightward shirt, to moving across the country to a city where my fiance and I can continue to mold our life in the way we want it.

Dream trip? 

Croatia. Have you seen the pictures of their beaches!?

Favorite song to listen to during a workout? 

Shake That by Eminem. I just can’t help but shake it and then work harder :) 

A film that brings instant nostalgia? 

Wayne's World. It reminds me of being in high school with my group of friends that allowed me to be my weird self with no judgment or care. :) 

Favorite new discovery? 

HTML Coding. Loving the process of learning that! :) 

What does “Lightward” mean to you? 

Play, love, fluidity, creation, and freedom. At Lightward we want to help anyone and everyone interpret and rediscover what makes them play and remind them of their own freedom.