Hello, and welcome back to the blog! Today, we are sitting down with a truly multifaceted powerhouse - Dr. Mercedes Osakwe, OTD. As an occupational therapist, content creator, and CEO of Mercisthetics, Dr. Mercedes is on a mission to revolutionize wellness by blending clinical expertise with creative expression. Her incredible project, The Enchanted Garden Affirmation Coloring Book, has been making waves as a transformative tool for mental health and self-care. We’re diving into her journey from the clinic to the drawing board to see how she’s helping others find peace, one stroke of color at a time…

First, could you share a bit about your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy? What sparked your initial interest?

My journey into occupational therapy was rooted in a deep desire to help people feel more connected to themselves and their everyday lives. I’ve always been drawn to both creativity and healing, and occupational therapy gave me the opportunity to combine those two passions in a meaningful way. What truly sparked my interest was the ability to support individuals not just physically, but emotionally and mentally - helping them build confidence, independence, and a sense of identity through everyday activities. That foundation continues to shape everything I create today.

Your altruistic nature is so inspiring! At what point did you decide to embrace the title of “Author” in addition to being a “Doctor”?

Becoming an author felt like a natural extension of my work as an occupational therapist. While working with individuals in both mental health and pediatric settings, I recognized a gap - there weren’t enough tools that were both therapeutic and engaging. I didn’t want to limit my impact to clinical settings. I wanted to create something accessible that people could use in their daily lives. That’s how The Enchanted Garden Affirmation Coloring Book came to life. Embracing the title of “Author” allowed me to expand my reach beyond the clinic and into homes, schools, and communities.

And you have accomplished just that! Balancing a demanding medical career with your creative pursuits must be challenging though!...How do you manage both aspects of your life?

I view my work as interconnected rather than separate. My background in occupational therapy, my creative projects, and my speaking engagements all support one another. Instead of trying to “balance” everything perfectly, I focus on alignment - making sure everything I do serves a larger purpose. I’ve also learned the importance of rest, reflection, and moving intentionally. That mindset allows me to stay grounded while continuing to grow and expand.

Incredible, everything you say is just so motivating! Can you paint a picture for us of what a typical “creative day” looks like for you?

My creative days often begin with quiet moments - reflection, journaling, or simply being in a peaceful environment. I’m especially inspired by nature, which is a major influence behind my work. I allow myself space to think, feel, and create freely. Some of my best ideas come from stillness. Whether I’m developing new concepts, writing affirmations, or planning future projects, I approach creativity as both a process and a form of healing.

Amazing, and the notion of creativity as a form of healing is so harmonious with your brand. On that note, if you had to define your brand, Mercisthetics, in three words, what would they be?

Healing. Creativity. Empowerment. Mercisthetics represents the intersection of those three elements. It’s about helping individuals reconnect with themselves through creative expression while building confidence, emotional resilience, and self-awareness.

Absolutely, what a phenomenal brand! So, what inspired you to choose a “garden” theme for your book? What does that theme mean to you?

The garden symbolizes growth, patience, and transformation. Just like a garden, we all go through seasons - times of growth, rest, healing, and renewal. I wanted the book to feel like a safe, nurturing space where individuals could slow down, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. The garden theme brings a sense of peace and possibility, reminding people that growth takes time - and that they are constantly evolving.

Wow, so true! And, in what ways has your experience as an Occupational Therapist influenced the design of your book?

My occupational therapy background is deeply embedded in the design of the book. It was intentionally created to support not only emotional well-being, but also fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills, handwriting development, and cognitive engagement. Each page is designed to encourage both reflection and activity. It’s not just a coloring book - it’s a therapeutic creative tool that supports holistic development in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.

It's impressive how much you've packed into this thoughtful creation! Could you explain how you managed to make the content appealing to both children and adults?

I was very intentional about creating something that felt inclusive and accessible across age groups. The affirmations are simple enough for children to understand, yet meaningful enough for adults to resonate with. The visual elements, themes, and prompts were designed to feel calming and reflective rather than overly childlike. That balance allows the book to be used in homes, classrooms, therapeutic settings, and even personal self-care routines.

Definitely, and do you have a personal favorite affirmation from the book?

One affirmation that resonates deeply with me is: “I am growing into the best version of myself.” It’s a reminder that growth is ongoing and that every stage of life has purpose. I find myself returning to that affirmation often, especially during times of transition or uncertainty.

Such an important reminder! On a slightly different topic, can you share more about your public speaking engagements with us? 

As a public speaker, I lead interactive mental health and creative wellness workshops for schools, organizations, and community spaces. My sessions focus on self-esteem, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and creative expression. Through the Mercisthetics Creative Wellness Program, I’ve developed an approach that combines occupational therapy principles with engaging, hands-on experiences. These workshops are designed to be both impactful and memorable, leaving participants with tools they can continue to use beyond the session.

They sound fantastic, absolutely worth exploring! You are indeed a multi-talented force to be reckoned with…With so many exciting projects on the horizon, what are you most eager for your audience to see next?

I’m currently expanding Mercisthetics into a broader creative wellness ecosystem. This includes new resources, interactive experiences, and future products that will continue to support mental health and self-expression. I’m especially excited about creating tools and platforms that make creative wellness more accessible globally - across schools, communities, and everyday life.

So exciting! Now, before we wrap things up, for anyone facing a stressful day, what’s one simple tip you would offer?

Pause and reconnect with your breath. Even taking a few moments to slow down, breathe deeply, and ground yourself can shift your entire mindset. From there, engaging in something simple and creative - like coloring, journaling, or reflecting - can help restore a sense of calm and clarity.

Brilliant advice, as always! Lastly, where can readers find your book?

The Enchanted Garden Affirmation Coloring Book is widely available online and continues to expand into retail, educational, and community spaces.

You can learn more about my work, upcoming projects, and creative wellness initiatives at:

www.mercisthetics.com

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mercedes Osakwe, OTD for imparting her incredible wisdom and the magic behind The Enchanted Garden with us. If you're seeking to calm your thoughts, improve your well-being or simply wish to dive into a world of positivity, this book is a wonderful choice! 

Don't forget to get your copy via the links provided and be sure to follow her on Instagram to let her know which affirmation resonated with you the most!

Thanks for reading, with magic, TGW