Crystal Visions with Paige Novick + AllSwell

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

As we wrap up a decade that encompassed the most interconnected relationship between the digital and physical world we’ve experienced yet, it’s no surprise that the topic of strengthening our natural intuition continues to surface.

How can We stay grounded in the physical, tied to the digital, and open to the spiritual all at once?

For a community lesson in mind/body/earth connection, we partnered with AllSwell founder, Laura Rubin and jewelry designer and gem expert, Paige Novick, to create an experience combining instinctive journaling, personal meditation, and a beginner’s course on crystal technology. Gathering at Le Board in Soho for an evening of selecting stones and putting pen to paper, we got real and asked the simple questions with direct answers. Below, Paige offers her insight on the world of energetic stones and chakras -

What are crystals and where do they come from?

Crystals are mineral stones that come directly from the earth which possess natural energy fields and properties.

How are they used in our everyday life?

You can find crystals in technology, in the earth, and in people’s homes to repel bad/toxic energies and connect with our inner peace. Some people also like to use crystals to repel and protect their bodies from the electromagnetic radiation that comes from being around computers and cellphones all day.

How can we use crystals to work for us?

Think of crystals as our assistants in life. They are cleansing, balancing, peaceful, and empowering. They remind us that the true power lies within us when we charge them with the energy of our bodies. I like to wear my crystals from meeting to meeting (it keeps me grounded) or charge them at the end of the day with my non-dominant hand and use them throughout my mediation practice.

How to program your crystals-

Take your crystal in your non-dominant hand and set an intention. Make sure that you charge your crystal with a positive thought or mantra. “I am balanced.” To summarize, crystals are Mother Nature’s little gifts to us. Whether you believe in their powers, or just like to look at them, they are beautiful gifts from the earth that are meant to be enjoyed in a way that works for you!

The Chakras + Their Coordinating Crystals

There are 7 chakras + 7 energy points in the body that correlate to a specific color + energy.

They go as follows:

• Red Jasper - Enhances passion and vitality (ROOT)

• Carnelian - Promotes connectivity and creativity (SACRAL)

• Citrine - Increases personal power and physical center (SOLAR PLEXUS)

• Malachite - Magnifies trust and love (HEART)

• Angelite - Strengthens communication (THROAT)

• Lapis - Intensifies the mind, dreams and psychic ability (THIRD EYE)

• Amethyst - Elevates spirituality and the imaginations (CROWN)

Deeper Intuition + Creativity

Journaling

As a coordinating ritual, journaling allows a dual process of both nurturing blooming visions and letting go of the thoughts that no longer serve your path. For at-home solo writing session or moment with friends, Laura shares the prompts to keep thoughtful energy flowing -

• Sense check - answer the question “How are you?” one sense at a time. This helps you drop into your body, into the moment and slow down time for mindful writing.

• Write a letter from your body to you - What does your body have to say? Our source of wisdom isn’t exclusively the mind, the gut / cells have a lot of information to convey, as well. Tap into that knowledge by giving it the space to express itself.

• Heat seeking - Re-read what you wrote and pay attention - not from a place of copy editing / criticism. As words have particular resonance or “heat” underline / circle them. It’s a way of honoring your own words.

• Poem - Use those words / phrases you underlined and organize them into some semblance of a poem. You can use all of them, some of them, in the order you wrote them or mix it up. The point isn’t to achieve great literature (you can just work on this for 6 minutes) but to try out writing a poem and see how it feels. Give yourself permission to express a different form of creativity.

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AllSwell | le board | Paige Novick

Natural Instincts with Costa Brazil

Written by A Wild Dove

If you’ve been tuned into the fashion scene over the past few decades, the name Francisco Costa likely drums up images of sculptural Calvin Klein Collection separates and fluid, minimalistic silhouettes. A CFDA award-winning career and clients like Lupita Nyong’o, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Lawrence have solidified Costa’s name as an international design superstar—and helped build a bridge for even greater creative expansion.

Seeking out different artforms and mediums, whether in the form of ballet choreographers or reknowned architects, has proven to be a natural instinct for Costa. As part of his latest endeavor, he’s serving up a contemporary mix of environmental awareness and healing rituals. After departing from Calvin Klein and returning to his homeland of Brazil in 2016, it was the Amazon rainforest that struck Costa as an untapped wealth of native ingredients and historic knowledge. And, more importantly than ever, an understanding of the need for global support in protecting its natural beauty surfaced.

With Costa Brazil, an eco-beneficial skincare and fragrance collection enmeshes responsibly sourced ingredients with the striking design instincts that turned the Brazilian-born designer into a household name. As part of the board of Conservation International, a non-profit organization devoted to protecting nature, Costa simultaneously brings awareness to the fight for our forests and wildlife while supporting the indigenous Amazonian population. In our exclusive Q&A, the designer and environmentalist opens up about celebrating ease, happiness, and the beauty of taking a moment for yourself:

We love to talk about second and third “acts” in life, aka the pivots that you’ve made within industries and personal passions to get to where you are today. What was your path to creating Costa Brazil like?

I went back to Brazil while in the early development stages of the brand, I had the idea for the brand but it wasn’t totally complete. After I took my first ever trip into the Amazon, everything aligned for me.

I found what I consider the essence of beauty deep in the jungle and learned that ingredients were the most important thing in developing my product. My vision was born during my first six months there.

Have you always found ties between fashion and beauty in your own career?

In Rio, there’s a way of greeting people, E ai, belleza?, which translates to, ‘is everything beautiful?’ Growing up in Brazil gave me an inherent appreciation of nature and an understanding of the beauty of simplicity.

In Brazil we celebrate ease, happiness.

The collection is so tightly edited and luxe—what makes the products you’re currently offering so special?

Currently we offer the Kaya Anti-Aging face oil, Kaya Jungle Body Firming oil, Breu Resin Vela Candle, and most recently, our new body cream. All of our products are free of artificial ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, etc.

Kaya, Cacay and Breu, or our ‘Jungle Complex’, are natural ingredients we responsibly source from the Amazon and act as the base ingredients of all of our products.

Our goal is for our products to benefit the body, spirit and environment.

Do you have any personal favorites from your collection? How do you use them in your own routine?

I love all of the products and use them daily. I believe taking time to engage in a ritualistic skincare routine is beneficial to the mind, body and soul.

Rituals are a time in our day where we can take a beautiful moment for ourselves, take pause, reset.

The concept of rituals and how they can enhance the day-to-day is endlessly fascinating—what are some of your personal rituals that you maintain?

I believe we are providing rituals along with our products. We want to give people a chance to experience something meaningful.

The Skin Ritual is about having the best connection to your body and feeding your skin, while the Breath Ritual is about taking time and being close to nature.

What are some of your favorite beauty and wellness products outside of your own line? Any that you can’t make it through the day without?

I love Epsom salt. I use it in the bath and to cleanse my face daily, followed by ice.

And on the topic of balance—how do you maintain your own work/life balance when schedules and responsibilities reach maximum capacity?

I remind myself that good things take time, it really is a labor of love. I have been lucky to have brilliant minds surrounding me in the process.

Images by Costa Brazil | Model Images by Sam Rock | Product Images by Marius W Hansen | Brazil Images by Victor Affaro

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Costa Brazil

Mood Shifting | Dr. Deepika Chopra & Tinamarie Clark

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Is there a shortcut to boosting your natural mood?

A trick to shifting your perspective?

When we sat down with Dr. Deepika Chopra and Tinamarie Clark in Manhattan for a conversation with A Wild Dove founder, Lynn Levoy, these questions were top of mind.

LOOKING FORWARD, NOT BACKWARD

“Why is everything in this field related to the past so much if your brain is focused on the future?” Deepika wondered about her previous career in traditional psychotherapy to the group, pointing out that a passion for offering self-mastery tools to the masses helped her pivot to her current act as an optimism doctor and founder of Things Are Looking Up (more on that soon). “I found a lot of holes in what I was offered to use with my clients,” she admits. It’s especially interesting when you take into account her latest research, which proves that since our brains are “anticipatory organs,” moods aren’t based on memories as much as what we are anticipating might happen—right now. “When we have a negative mood, we aren’t able to come up with problem solving, goals, etc,” she notes.

Her brilliant version of flash cards for your mood? Things Are Looking Up offers a deck of 52 opportunities to harness a new skill, tip or trick. Each of the cards has a scientific or holistic prompt or suggestion that actually increases happiness and elevates or shifts your mindset. “A true optimist sees the roadblocks, but they see them as something that’s temporary and something that they have the power to overcome,” says Deepika. “It’s a muscle that needs to be flexed.”

STIR, SHIFT, REPEAT

A model for fifteen years, Tinamarie is quick to point out that this is the first time in her career that she’s being seen for what’s on the inside. She created the Shift Stir Method as a five-step mindfulness method designed to create the shifts that you want in your life.

“I would alter and create chaos in my world by having really bad thoughts that I thought I had no control over,” Tinamarie shares. “My ego has tried to kill me and snuff out so many of my dreams, countless relationships have suffered.” Thanks to a new lifetime of self-help techniques and developing her own Shift Stir Method, she was able to create the kind of real change. It was a serious adjustment that ultimately relinquished control of her moods from the negative thought patterns that had kept her from achieving her purpose—and being the best version of herself as a mother.

Below, her brief of the steps to shift your own perspective:

• Stir- recognize you’ve been triggered

• Sit- in Communion without reaction for 24 hours

• Sift- sift through the thoughts, emotions and reactions that created the stir to begin with

• Share- the cornerstone of the method, because when you’re in communion with other women sharing your story and “owning your awful” you realize that you’re not alone and that breeds community and connection and intimacy

• Shifting- shift your perception by viewing it differently through what’s been uncovered by working the steps

TINY TIPS TO PROMOTE POSITIVITY

Multitasking is one of the hallmarks for not cultivating happiness. Focus on what you’re doing at the moment. Your time spent with kids, if you’re distracted, is less valuable for their mental health and personal growth than time spent on their own.

Go on something that I call “a happiness hunt,” Can you point something out that’s making you happy? Ask yourself what made you happy today. When you learn from kids, it’s that the smallest things bring them the most happiness.

Cultivate evidence-based manifestation. People are always asking me “How do I manifest?” It’s not about wishing on crystals. You do not always get what you want, but you almost always get what you expect. Our brains are very efficient. Our brains will not kick into gear and force you to make take action anything that you don’t actually expect to happen. Let go of deep-rooted belief systems for why you can’t get what you want. You get what you expect.

Go outside: Research shows that if you spend at least 2 hours of time outdoors a week your stress will decrease, cortisol levels decrease, positive mood increases.

Affirmations are great, but can be detrimental to use a blanket statement affirmation when you do not believe it to be true. If you don’t actually believe it to be true, your brain tells you why you don’t with years of experiences. I come up with the “7 to 10 Rule.” If you believe something 7 out of 10, use it. If not, you’re not ready for it.

When something shifts your mood, just sit. Whether it’s an interaction with a colleague that doesn’t sit right or an email that you’re tempted to respond to with attitude. There’s something that happens when you allow yourself to sit and not react. The universe reveals itself and changes things. Just sit. Something will happen.

I’m very interested in the YOU in the universe. A really good thing to do is, after you have manifested something or something has come true because you have worked really hard, go home and focus on the thing that you created. Going onto the next “want” is not cultivating a joyful life.

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Dr. Deepika Chopra | Tinamarie Clark

Cold Calling | Act+Acre

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Helen Reavey and Colm Mackin are a pair that stands out in the wellness and beauty space. Two striking, platinum-headed creatives who’ve turned a personal partnership into a professional pairing that’s already reimagining the once-toxic haircare category into a mindful addition to the current wave of natural skincare.

Instead of the chemical-rich recipes and wasteful packaging that defined decades of above-the-neck beauty products, the two created Act+Acre as a forward-thinking alternative to the cycle of stripping, irritating shampoo and conditioner formulations that once reigned. Instead, their cold processing method uses less energy to produce, and infuses more nutrients into the products for better scalp health—which is the way of the future.

Read on for AWD’s interview with the team that’s given personal ritual, respect for the planet, and community-based creative projects a new platform.

At this point, the Cold Process Method that you created for Act+Acre has gained a bit of a cult reputation in the industry for its novel approach to hair and scalp care. Can you break down the science behind the formulation that’s causing such a stir?

Until now, no one really challenged the science behind the process of making shampoo and conditioner itself. The industry had just accepted that in order to make these products we must use very high levels of heat, sulfates, parabens. This was something we completely disagreed with and thus (with the help of many very intelligent chemists and botanists) created the Cold Process Method™.

Our Cold Process Method™ uses ice cold water at high pressure to combine our essential oils and ingredients. By not using heat we save 90% energy. This ensures the active ingredients remain fresh and highly potent, just as nature intended.

As a couple that’s now rooted in business after years working separately in careers from corporate finance to Paris couture, how did each of your paths merge to bring you together in the modern haircare space?

Helen: After studying business in college, I made a complete career change and became a hairstylist, followed by an art director for a Dublin based salon. As hard as it was leaving my family and friends, I always knew I wanted to work and live in New York. I was fortunate enough to start my New York career with hair legend Sam McKnight and under his direction, I styled Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. From there I signed with an agency and went on to direct my own shows at Couture and Ready to Wear in Paris and London, as well as, collaborating with the industry’s top photographers on magazine editorials and advertising campaigns. It was in 2016 when I was doing one of my first Couture shows in Paris, Colm flew out to surprise me really saw me in action, dealing with the models, stylists etc., and knew there was something special here. Next (+500 sleepless nights)—Act+Acre was born!

Colm: We decided very early in the process we wanted Act+Acre to be a role model in the category, so its promise must reflect the role it wants to play. It must disrupt the conventions of the category. Coming from a corporate finance background I needed to really immerse myself in this world, so I left my job and traveled across Asia for three months studying trends in beauty and skincare, so we could trigger thoughts on how we could re-invent the haircare category. From this, many things changed, including the development of cold process method and the relentless focus on treating your hair like you treat your skin.

How does the concept of personal ritual play into your shared vision for the brand?

When we started this journey, we had a realization of the role we could play in the lives of our community. The shower is the only time of the day that we are truly alone, no distractions, just with yourself. We love this, we wanted to make it a time for mindfulness, for selfcare, to encourage using it as a daily ritual of consciousness.

The act of consciousness and self care.

Your one-two-punch of recyclable packaging and energy-efficiency really predated a lot of the green standards that brands are just starting to adopt. What inspired your mindful practices?

We wanted the brand to stand for something that would out-last us as founders, to look at how we treat the world and raise the bar, ask more questions and be kinder to the world.

Our packaging is fully recyclable, our products are environmentally friendly and chemical free and we use 90% less energy during our production process. So, it’s always thinking and caring about land and nature, about the Acre. It takes longer to create our products, but the result is worth the wait.

The global plastic crisis and its effects on the health and balance of our planet has finally reached a point of mass concern this year. The eco packaging you designed is so original—can you break down why the bamboo and corn-based materials are particularly environmentally friendly?

Our bottles are made from the most recyclable form of plastic, PETG1. The industry standard is an average of only 3% of bottles being recycled, you will notice that our bottles are a little more delicate than most competitor on the market, this is because squeeze plastic bottles are made from silicone, which will never be recycled. We want to be the new industry benchmark.

We try to be sustainable from the inside out, you will notice all our packaging is made from sustainable sources, our tote bags are made from bamboo. Our (new) Corn foam package, is entirely natural, uses 70% less energy and produces 80% less greenhouse gases. It’s biodegradable, backyard compostable, edible, and dissolves in water (seriously, try it). Also, coming soon, customers who subscribe or repeat order will receive pouch refills to pour into their old packaging, by doing this we will cut down Act+Acre’s plastic use by 40%.

You’re at the forefront of a movement that’s educating consumers on the idea that our scalps should be treated as delicately as the skin on our faces. When you think about their proximity, it makes sense—what have you discovered on the topic in your research?

Once we started researching into scalp health we were shocked at the amount of research there was online backing up what we had suspected, yet no one in the industry was creating products to fill this void.

101 haircare states that the scalp ages six times faster than facial skin, but then during my research this week I found another brand, Follizin, stating that the scalp ages almost 20 times faster.

We loved our tour of your new gallery space—what’s your vision for blending creativity and artistic freedom into the brand identity?

We believe that we are a collaborative body and we want to inject new life, design and inclusion at every touchpoint. Surrounding ourselves with alliances in all creative fields, art, music, beauty, etc. can only lead to overall enhanced creativity.

This year, we moved into a gallery space in the Lower East Side, since then we partnered with Uprise Art and have had two very successful art exhibitions in our upstairs space. First was San Francisco based Adrian Wong, and then just recently we had a Scandinavian artist Tony Ruben. The exhibitions are a great opportunity for our communities, wellness and art, to mix.

Detox for body, mind—and now, hair—is top of mind after generations of chemical-rich pesticides, water sources, and, of course, beauty products have taken their toll. The detox step in your system is one-of-a-kind—is it something that can actually be left on the hair as a styler (the wet look is alive and well!) or does it need to be washed away?

HELEN: Yes definitely, our products are 100% natural. We recommend on the bottle the you rinse the detox after 20 minutes, but truth be told, I often go to bed with my detox on and wash and blow dry my hair in the morning.

People find different uses for the product and we tell them to use the product as they see fit, I have used it for styling on a number of shoots, actually, I used it on the Act+Acre Ireland shoot for styling.

After this many months of using your own product formulations, have you personally noticed a difference in your own hair and scalp health?

HELEN: Having worked in the hair industry for years, I became increasingly conscious of the health of others scalps, which really led me on a journey striving to create products that were not only better for you but also better for the world. I have been using the products for over a year now and I have noticed an incredible difference in my hair. My hair by nature is particularly thin and previously very lifeless. Since using Act+Acre my scalp has never felt as clean, which then in tandem benefits of the hair shaft itself, promoting new healthy hair growth, and overall giving my hair a new lease of life. Plus, it has a great shine that I’ve never had before! (But don’t just take my word for it, Elite Daily recently went under our scalp camera, have a look here at their results!)

The scent is amazing! Like, look-forward-to-the-next-excuse-to-wash-your-hair good. Some of us are even washing our hair in the evening so the fragrance is the last thing we smell as we unwind for the evening. It’s a ritual in itself. How do you describe it?

Scent evokes our most powerful memories and in turn motivates our decision making. With this and environmental wellbeing in mind, we crafted a subtly luxurious blend of iris blossom, violet leaf, patchouli, soft leather, cedar, creamy sandalwood, papyrus and golden amber to invite you along our unique scent journey.

We know that you have to keep your celebrity clients close to your chest—but as our final note, are you able to share any exciting new fans of the products?

We got Lady O’s seal of approval recently... so that’s our bragging rights for the next few years!!

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Act+Acre

A Chain Reaction

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

How can you create a chain reaction of kindness? Think of yourself not just as a filament within a bulb, but as a glowing light meant to radiate past its own shell. It’s about sharing, about thinking of more than yourself, and about paying attention to the opportunities that the universe keeps sending your way.

For the final summer installment of Hamptons-infused wellness panels by A Wild Dove and Five Pillars Yoga, hosts Lynn Levoy and Karen Mehiel brought Transcendental Meditation, acts of service, and neuroscience into the spotlight. Coined “The Kindness Reaction,” the conversation joined voices from experts including The Ladies of Hope Ministries founder Topeka K. Sam and Bob Roth, author of New York Times bestseller Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation and yogi and author of One Simple Thing, Eddie Stern. For each, the path to kindness has been paved in real change—and important choices.

Sharing is the Key

“I worked for Bobby Kennedy,” Roth shared Wellness Coach and Energy Mover, Jamie Graber opened the topic as moderator for the evening. “I saw Bobby Kennedy speak in San Francisco, and then four days later he was gone. I went to college with the plan to become a United States Senator. In my upbringing I wanted to change the world—I realized politics would never heal the soul of the nation.” It was this realization that brought Roth into modern service, teaching Transcendental Meditation to those in need across the globe via the The David Lynch Foundation. For Stern, too, it was about sharing a veritable wealth of knowledge in the form of mindful movement. “In America, about seven billion dollars a year is spent on yoga, yoga clothing, yoga workshops,” he notes of the powerhouse industry. Now, he empowers the next generation. “I thought let’s shortcut that and give young adults and kids access to become yoga teachers— and entering into that economic stream.” And for Sam, her journey to redemption was exactly what it took to help other women regain their rights under the law. Thanks to her experience in the prison system, she was able to change the lives of incarcerated women across the nation through dignity provisions. “I do believe there’s a chain reaction to kindness,” says Sam. “I believe that what we put out we receive back on many levels in the universe.”

Service is Paramount

“I meditate, but for me, I think one of the secrets is service,” Roth shares of the kindness concept. “There’s a beautiful proverb- the world is my family. People need us. Whether it’s one hour a week, it’s amazing to give anonymously.” And aside from clocking hours, it’s a matter of making sure you’re in the headspace, and heartspace, to be truly illuminated for others. “Everyone has deep within ourselves access to a reservoir of a field of light,” Roth explains. “When you light a bulb, you’re lighting a filament, but it doesn’t stay within the bulb, it radiates out. When we light up from within ourselves in a genuine way—not in a moody way of pretending kindness, but in that we do the work—then it has a profoundly transforming effect on our environment.” It’s this attitude that’s led Roth and The David Lynch Foundation to open an office two blocks away from the Supreme Court, where they’re teaching transcendental meditation to members of congress on both sides of the aisle. “I use a broader vision. Nothing good can come out of two angry people talking, nothing good can ever come out of a disruptive, divisive, hateful dialogue—so nothing good can come out of our political climate as it is.” Instead, the focus must be love. “I think kindness is the spontaneous result of love,” Roth admits. “Ultimately, kindness is the expression of love and that expression can take many forms. A parent can feel complete love for a child and really reem the child because the child needed, as you all know, firm stern language. Kindness is a beautiful expression of ones’ love that you feel within.”

Train Your Brain

For Stern, a little bit of awareness, even pessimism, can be helpful in understanding how to master the positive. “To actually train the way your brain functions, to be positive, takes work. We learn from threat very, very quickly,” he shares. “We don’t learn as quickly from positive experiences. A negative experience will go into our long-term memory in under a second and stay there with us—and that’s how we frame all experiences. But a positive experience can take up to 20 or 30 seconds or more to actually soak into your long-term memory.” So what does training really look like? You keep your mind as calm as possible on a daily basis. “Yoga is a preventative medicine for your mind,” he notes. “We should exercise a few times a week, keep our bodies fit because we want them to carry us through the rest of our lives.” The same goes for your mind. “We need a bit of pessimistic thinking ‘something’s going to happen later, I need to prepare for it.’” Don’t get so comfortable that you don’t maintain a consistent check-in with your thoughts.

Uncomfortable Opportunities Are Still Opportunities

It wasn’t easy to accept an invitation from President Trump, as Sam explains. On the first offer, she took her friends’ advice and declined. When it came up again, she knew that God was giving her a signal. When she arrived at the White House, she realized why. “I was the only person who had been incarcerated so I was happy to have been there or an authentic voice about what was going on and conditions wouldn’t have been heard,” she shares. “Though I wanted to feel this level of disgust, this level of hate I had for the administration, it wasn’t there. People feel our energy and get on the defense and they end up behaving a certain way—if we focus on giving kindness, that can permeate through people.” Thanks to following her instincts, instead of her misgivings, real change spread to the women who need it. “Through that experience we worked on the First Step Act. The bill passed and we were able to get the dignity provisions into the legislation.”

Kindness Will Shape Our Futures

Ultimately, the way that kindness is spread today effects every generation moving forward. “The most impactful years that really determine the trajectory of the child are conception to three years old,” Roth shares. “They have something called ACES- adverse childhood experiences—that’s when a child is growing up and there’s a rough divorce in the family, or there’s a death in the family, or there’s violence in the neighborhood. Neglect is more traumatizing to a child than physical abuse,” he notes. “So children are coming into the world traumatized. If someone is sick, what do you do? You have the person rest and the body’s own repair mechanism can heal the body. So when you give a child or an adult the silence of meditation, when you give a child or adult the ease and flow of yoga, when you give a child or adult the love and wisdom and guidance of a mentor, then you’re giving them a safe space for that nervous system to heal itself and grow.” For Stern, part of that growth is in moving forward. “Kindness needs to be coupled with forgiveness,” he says. “Forgiveness toward yourself, what you’ve done to yourself, what you’ve done to other people, and what other people have done to you.” And for Sam, it’s about including gratefulness. “I’m connected to so many women who are still incarcerated, so the pain and suffering and trauma that I see them experience on a regular basis is something that allows me to motivate myself to remain in a space of gratitude,” she shares. It’s with gratitude in all practices that the change can really happen. “People need to be able to shift their darkness in order for them to be able to be in the light.”

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Five Pillars Yoga | David Lynch Foundation | Eddie Stern | Topeka Sam

Closer to Mother Earth

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

High in the mountains of Malibu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a home so elevated that some planes can’t even reach it, Nitsa Citrine is living the life for which she was born. And, of course, that happened in California (inside of a cabin in Big Sur, no less) in a “very intimate home birth” designed by two very health-conscious parents who guided their daughter down a path to plant-based wellness and earthly kindness.

Now a Co-Creator and Creative Director of Sun Potion’s superfood tonics and wellness essentials, Nitsa still consults her father (an acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental medicine) with questions about herbs— but for personal culinary guidance, her grandmother is the family go-to. “She taught me how to cook and it is something we continue to bond and share a passion for,” says Nitsa. Sitting on her deck taking in nature at 4,000 feet in the air, where two golden eagles have recently started to visit, there’s “a tranquility and clarity of vision here that deeply resonates” in her thoughtful daily escape.

We caught Nitsa between her world travels to break down her favorite adaptogenic blends, the simple trick to getting her out of a grumpy mood, and the “herbal love note” she created for all of the women seeking the balance they deserve:

You spent your last birthday in Joshua Tree (happy birthday!), what was your trip like and how did it feel to ring in another year in nature?

Thank you! Yes. My girlfriend brought me to Joshua Tree (one of my favorite places) as a surprise birthday getaway—it was so magical. Joshua tree has always been a place of great inspiration and I feel super grateful for this recent trip and every experience I have had there.

The energetic and visual palate of the desert resonates with me deeply. I love to disappear on my birthday the whole experience was quite sublime…it also happened to be DESERT X where they set up all these incredible art installations and so it was the perfect blend of desert solitude, light, art installations, yummy food, meditation and gentle celebrations.

As a Pisces water baby, do you find yourself relying on bathing culture to chill you out and reset your energy?

YES. I am happiest when immersed in a body of water.

I always tell my friends that If I am in a grumpy mood all they have to do is throw me in the bath or shower. Total rebirth.

Were you this health-focused even as a kid, or did you experience your own vices?

My father is an Acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental Medicine, and my mother is a huge advocate of healing through plant-based foods. So, in a sense, this nutritional approach to wellness is in my blood, but naturally I have had my rebellious moments. I used to sneak Diet Coke and Reese’s Pieces into my room as a kid…(eek!)

When I was a teen, my father started a medicinal-grade pressed juicery as an intensive cleanse protocol for some of his terminally ill patients. He would wake up at 4am every morning to make juice and would bring me tiny vials of green juice to drink before school. I would hide them under my bed and my sweet father would find them (full of rotting green juice) while he was vacuuming—I was terrible! Of course, the irony is I now make it a point to head down to Erewhon to get my green juice almost every day.

What steps in your life led you to Sun Potion?

Divine alignments and following a path of love and service.

Scott Linde, the Founder of Sun Potion and I met in 2011 right when he began the project. We became friends, bonded over our love of the herbs, and fell in love. I was a yoga teacher, massage therapist, and aspiring filmmaker at the time and we lived together.

At a certain point he needed help with a redesign of the labels, websites, brand, etc. so I stepped in, we realized we worked well together and have been working together ever since. Our relationship has evolved and while we are no longer romantic partners, we are still close friends and allies for life—both deeply committed to making these plants available to the world.

At this point, you’re probably used to having to break down exactly what an adaptogen is since the term is finally buzzing through even mainstream beauty spaces—what’s the easiest way to explain it?

A plant that when consumed helps the body to respond to stressors with more resilience, intelligence, and— for lack of a better word—adaptability.

What sets Sun Potion apart from other brands in the vast sea of supplements?

I feel the relationships we have developed over the years with our sources are unique and a testament to our mutual commitment to quality. We also make it a point to offer these adaptogens in their most bioavailable form as well so that our bodies can fully absorb and utilize their healing properties.

We source our tonic herbs mushroom and superfoods from all over the world. Always organic or wild harvested, we set our priority to work with farms and labs practicing regenerative agriculture and integrity throughout all steps of the process.

Ashwagandha is our desert island pick, are you able to share a few of the benefits that one can expect (as well as how to use it) to newbies who haven’t yet tried it?

Ashwagandha is amazing for immunity, stress relief, to help reduce inflammation and balance hormones. I introduced it into my diet to help me with some nervous system and hormone imbalances. I have a tendency towards anxiety and depression, and when I was younger, an irregular cycle. I feel taking ashwagandha has helped me to stabilize my mood, moon, and lower cortisol levels.

It can be taken in warm water, tea, tonics, broth, shakes—even desserts. The trick is to find the format that can be taken consistently- just a half teaspoon every day can make all the difference. If you want alchemical inspiration, we publish beautiful recipes every week on our IG and journal. I am so amazed by his creative people can be with the herbs!

What are your favorite adaptogens for women at different stages of life—young and free, pregnant and thriving, post-baby new life, etc?

My first recommendation for women is our Yin Power. It’s a blend of adaptogenic herbs that I formulated to support women of all ages and circumstances. It has a full spectrum of tonic herbs to support energy, immunity, glowing skin and balancing hormones.

I like to say it is like my “herbal love note” to all the amazing women in my life.

When do you think adaptogens and wellness tonics can be overkill, or how much is too much?

Haha…. hmmm…overkill can occur when people start taking things in excess, without a clear intention, and stop listening to their bodies.

Love that you describe yourself as a hermit and are proudly extending the #hermit life tag into the digital universe—indoor or outdoor, what does a typical day look like for you?

When I am home, a typical day begins with a moment of gratitude and a few rounds of tea. If the weather permits, I will set up my tea zone on my deck, which overlooks the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific Ocean.

I will pour a few bowls to sip and reflect in silence…it is my daily meditation. This is my favorite way to begin the day. Tea is typically followed by a more structured seated meditation. Then I will check my phone, emails, touch base with my team and begin my work day.

At some point I will find myself in the kitchen and will make an adaptogenic potion for breakfast. I will then proceed into the “work power mode” part of the day—I try to work from home as much as possible, unless, of course, I am traveling. I love to travel for work and in general, and I love to be home—perhaps that is how I find balance. I do have a tendency to hermit in my hotel room still.

As far as your beauty routine, is it exclusively skin care, some party makeup when you’re in the mood, all organic? Would love to hear your ride or die products.

Most days, I am pretty low key and make-up free. I use a combination of Shiva Rose, Osea, Living Libations, and loads of our wildcrafted Shea Butter (from Sun Potion).

If I am feeling extra, I may use a little Poppy and Someday Coriander Herbal Lip Stain on my cheeks and RMS Un Cover-Up Concealer for some nontoxic coverage on under-eye circles. I also love to treat myself to microcurrent facials with my friend Sadie as much as I can—they are truly multi-dimensional and I swear make me look (and more importantly, feel) years younger!

This is a tough one, so we saved it for the finale. If you had to transfer your spirit into another animal, person, or fictional character for a day, who/what would it be and why?

OOOHHHHH……. this is an interesting question, because if I was transferring my spirit, then it would still be me, yes? Just in a different form…hmmm…

I would say some fantasy character with super powers for sure…. Dumbledore from Harry Potter or Gandalf or Lady Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, haha. I am clearly a major NERD.

or

I would want to be Mother Earth. That would be incredible.

Final answer: Mother Earth.

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Sun Potion

No Nonsense Fitness with Mary Ann Browning

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

“Never be a diva.” It’s the simple piece of advice that Mary Ann Browning, the athlete-meets-mogul behind New York and South Hampton’s buzzy Brownings Fitness gyms is quick to deliver. And it’s that real, no-nonsense attitude that attracts Manhattan’s highly coveted elite, from designer Vera Wang to Estee Lauder president John Demsey, in search of a trusted resource. “People like Vera and John act so unfamous—they are so real, kind, and generous like family to me, I’m truly blessed.”

An Iron-Bound Ballerina

Browning is also quick to speak openly about all things body image and workout-centric without sugar-coating her real opinions. “Live life as if we did not have cell phones” and “no talking, just train” are just a couple of the stripped-back pieces of advice that she rolls out monthly on her short, stream-of-consciousness blog posts that cut straight to the point about everything from her experience with food issues to finding a work-life balance. And that experience is vast—Principal Ballet dancer in South Africa’s Pact Ballet Company was just the first step in a life of body work. “I was always athletic, but it made me very disciplined,” Browning notes, adding that she actually prefers to have muscles, eventually even becoming an Iron Man competitor years later. “People are scared of muscle. To me, it’s the holy grail to a great body and flexibility,” says Browning. “You only get big if you eat too much, and too much protein— which most Americans do.” In her opinion, our country’s entire lens on body image and nutrition is skewed. “I would like to go to schools all over America and educate the children,” she shares of her ultimate goal. “It’s my plan, but trying to help their parents is my current project.”

The Broader Focus

At 44, Browning become a trainer for a cool 38 dollars per hour (“before tax”) and started racking up work loads of about 60 hours per week. She eventually realized it was time to step back, evaluate her life, and look at the bigger picture. “A client suggested it was time I made a plan so I didn’t have to be the only one making money,” Browning shares. “I still work more than my staff, but it’s a good back up plan.” For a time, her fitness empire had a staggering nine locations, but over the years she pared it down to her two stars, Manhattan and South Hampton, choosing a better quality of life over financial gains. “It’s more efficient to have less,” she says simply.

And on a physical level, to achieve her personal goal of “growing younger” she relies on rest, nutrition, and flexibility—not to mention an attitude that’s as firm-but-fair with herself as her clients. “I tell myself not to get soft. Push more. Try more.” This means running regularly (even after a knee replacement), golfing, biking, walking, and especially weight training. “I am a huge believer in weights, I lift very heavy,” she notes, with the ties between bone health and weight training offering further motivation.

A Higher Power

Courage, gratefulness, and discipline are the three values Browning calls out as the mainstays that carried her through every phase of her career in the fitness space. But still, there’s more to Browning’s success than just rock bodies. “I’m a big believer in a higher power,” she shares candidly. “I believe it gives me the strength when things are tough. If you don’t have somebody to rely on, the only other place is to be depressed. Fortunately for me, I don’t look at the glass as half full, I look at the glass as full.” It’s this innate positivity that shines through in Browning’s attitude. Even the power of a smile is something that she speaks of often. Perhaps the only time she isn’t encouraging that extra push for maximum muscle engagement is via this simple, joyful expression. “It takes about 72 muscles to frown and just 13 to smile. Let’s save our energy on our face muscles and only smile.” And most importantly? “Be kind. Stay grateful and positive.”

Say it Straight

In the spirit of forthright conversational style, we teamed up with Browning for her exclusive list of personal YES’s and NO’s as a final takeaway for personal life training:

YES: At-home selfcare. “I paint my own nails.”

NO: Drinking smoothies and juices

YES: Eat your food

NO: Coffee after 2pm

YES: H2O “I believe in drinking a lot of water.”

NO: Seamless delivery “I don’t do takeout.”

YES: Flexibility “I book yoga or massage at least once a week.”

NO: Too much protein and fat

YES: Incorporating more complex carbs “I eat them every day.”

NO: Skipping breakfast

YES: Veggies and brown rice

NO: Dieting

YES: Homemade no-sugar banana bread. “I eat it every day.”

NO: Red meat

YES: L-Carnitine 2000 mg supplement “I believe it helps burn fat.”

NO: Television in bed

YES: A little tequila “Sometimes I’ll have one ounce every single day with my soda and lime juice.”

NO: Burning the candle at both ends “If I start at 6am working late at night is a no-no.”

YES: Naps. “I certainly do believe in a catnap.”

NO: Patience or time for facials. “I decide where I spend, I prefer a pedicure, blowout or massage.”

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Brownings Fitness

Next-Gen Mindfulness

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Osvaldo Ponton

Walking into The Sacred Space’s lofty entrance in Miami’s Wynwood Arts Disctrict, at first glance you may not expect its gallery-like setting to be the perfect venue for a kid-friendly escape. Crisp white, neon-lit, and peppered with crystals, the gilded LOVE OVER FEAR sign drenched in sunlight is the first hint at founder Karla Dascal’s holistic, community-driven vision. An attitude that “love is everything” drives Dascal’s efforts toward conscious, high-vibrational living (not to mention years of recognition as one of the top event designers in the country) and sets the stage for this singular urban oasis she’s created in the heart of the city.

In an effort to open the experience to parents and children for the first time, A Wild Dove teamed up with The Joy Alchemist to host the multi-dimensional Magical Wellness Wonderland experience. The whispers-only atmosphere that so often comes along with formal spaces was delightfully skirted by an inclusive opportunity to share mindful practices with our youngest generation. And isn’t that the point? An afternoon of thoughtful experiences offered kids an introduction into everything from healing crystals to meditation—plus a wealth of hands-on creative outlets and healthy snacks thanks to Radiate Kombucha and Cielito Artisan Pops.

Meeting of the minds. Founder of The Sacred Space, Karla Dascal (left), founder of The Joy Alchemist Daniela Garcia (center) with Lynn Levoy.

Lil’ guests chose their spirit animals, from butterflies to lions and tigers, as inspiration for the afternoon’s outdoor face painting station.

In The Sacred Space’s lush courtyard, A Wild Dove’s Lynn Levoy with Buffy Koczwara (left) and Orion Nevel, Co-Founder of Gryph & IvyRose.

Gathering inside the serene sanctuary, The Cristalline’s Rashia Bell helped children get a first grasp at the importance of their day-to-day environment and the powers of energetic stones. Breathing lessons got a hands-on boost from Komuso’s wearable tool The Shift, which doubles as a necklace to encourage pausing, destressing, and feeling present in the moment. Gryph & IvyRose joined the group with their pediatrician-approved line of children’s elixirs (and organic heart-shaped chocolates!) designed to boost miniature immune systems with a blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine and organic herbs.

Sweet treats in the form of artisanal vegan popsicles were quick hits from the Cielito Artisan Pops spread.

Daniela Garcia, Lauren Arboleda, Laura Galvis, Rebecca Eisenmann, Annette Felder, Paloma Teppa, Sarah MacMillan, Mary Gamarra, Danielle Bigby, Lynn Levoy

Lounging on blankets of painting tarps, children mixed up their finger-painting instincts with stamps cleverly cut from repurposed peppers, potatoes, apples, lemons and even celery stalks.

Whether making fruit stamps in Gryph & IvyRoses’s natural art lessons, bonding over braids by Shop Flow, or reading A Time for Rain aloud with New York Times best-selling co-author Kelly Brogan M.D., age barriers blurred for the day of future-focused wellness workshops.

Author of the children’s book A Time for Rain, Kelly Brogan host a storytelling gathering.

Circling up for a moment for instruction. Rashia Bell, co-founder of The Cristalline, hosts her workshop on the energetic power of crystals and a customized meditation practice.

The next generation. Grouping up with the founders and their very special guests.

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The Sacred Space | The Joy Alchenist

A Holistic Approach

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Georgia Connick

While other women her age were hanging out with their friends, Sarah Wragge (now a Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach) spent her afternoons in and out of gastroenterologists’ offices. By the time she was 18, she had had a colonoscopy and two upper endoscopies, which showed nothing wrong, though she had never felt worse. She would go on to experiment with many different antacids, prescriptions and pharmaceutical concoctions, but nothing worked. Sarah was in such horrible shape - with inflammation, pain and various health issues - that it infringed on her professional, social and emotional life. Finally she had enough. Six years ago Sarah visited an acupuncturist who took one look under her tongue and said that she had textbook candida. She went on a 60 day cleanse with plant-based foods and self-care tools and suddenly she found herself strong, lean and feeling great. She embraced whole, unprocessed foods and endless amounts of energy and created a new lifestyle that inspired her to help others. So Sarah launched Sweat-working, a company that networks and connects women over wellness and fitness-themed events. She even went onto get a degree from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and before long, created her own unique diet program based on her experience taking the clean approach. Needless to say, we are beyond inspired with her story. We sat down with Sarah to talk fitness, medicine and how she gets her cheat on (she does!)

Your story is so powerful and truly resonates with me. I went undiagnosed with mercury poisoning for over a year. I saw every doctor under the sun - Eastern and Western and everything in between. I was finally diagnosed by a Functional Doctor, so I know what a game changer this is. Can you share with our readers how, after spending your 20s in and out of doctors offices undiagnosed with chronic diseases, you enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition?

I struggled my whole life with chronic yeast infections, and I'm not just talking about “you know where.” I had them in my ears, believe it or not. So one morning, I went into my doctor's office so I could get my standard prescription of diflucan (a drug that I should have bought stock in I used it so much). A woman walked in. She looked at my chart and told me no way she was writing me another prescription and it was time to get to the root of the problem. I left that day with the number of the doctor's acupuncturist. I called Mia that day and my life was forever changed. It was no mistake that my regular doctor was sick that day. The universe handled me. Through Mia I met my holistic nutritionist / health coach and my journey began.

I am also personally interested in the mental health part of eating & nutrition…can you dive into that connection for us?

I practice holistic nutrition because I believe it's not just about food. Food isn't the only thing that nourishes us. Music nourishes us, playing with a baby nourishes us, cuddling and laughing nourishes us. We have to feed our souls just as much as we feed our bodies to be complete and well-rounded.

Totally. Can you tell us about your philosophy and the different programs you offer your clients?

My philosophy is simple. YOU choose to make a shift and it's a domino effect. I can't tell you how many times a woman/mom/wife comes to me in hopes to become her best self and a week or two in, her six- year -old is asking for a green smoothie. My programs are highly customized to the individual. Usually throughout the course of 12-16 weeks, I change the program two or three times to keep the individual progressing towards their goal. Just as we need to keep the body guessing when we are working out, the food plan has to be dynamic to support the client wherever they are in the process.

I’m a strong believer that our kids should be eating the same foods as we do and I always have snacks in my bag that Callum and I can share. What are some of you faves that we can keep in our bags for those days when we’re on the go?

I couldn't agree more! Christian and I both LOVE Health Warrior Chia seed bars. Those are our go-to. I have also been known to carry around sliced purple sweet potatoes in his batman backpack for both of us after a play date. I choose the purple ones because they have less water than an orange ones - so it's not as messy when you're on the go!

How has the birth of your son changed your approach to food ? Does your partner share your parenting strategy when it comes to food?

When Christian was born I remember looking at him and thinking, "He's so pure. Untouched and Innocent.” All of my knowledge about what's in our food kept creeping up in my head. I didn't want to taint him and pollute his beautiful little system. My husband does share in my parenting strategy when it comes to food. We have a great balance because just as I would feed him kale smoothies and organic chicken all day long, I want him to be a normal kid. I want him to be able to have birthday cake on his birthday and pizza at pizza parties.

Please tell us how you indulge once in a while! What is “worth it” for you? And how do you get back on track when you occasionally derail?

I am really a clean eater until I am NOT, and then I go for it. Saturday nights are my time that I let things go a bit. Usually we have dinner out with friends or a dinner party and nothing tastes better after a jam packed work week, regular exercise and clean eating than a Don Julio Reposado with club soda and fresh lime juice. As far as what's "worth it" for me - french fries and warm chocolate chip cookies.

Yum. I know you love working out as much I do. What are favorites workouts at the moment and why?

I am a tried and true AKT fan. There is no more efficient and fun workout on the planet and believe me, I've tried them ALL.

What is your therapy?

A dance cardio class when I know the routine. I can add in my own style and get lost in it. Sometimes I'll discover parts of myself I didn't know were there. Like, wow, I am pretty sexy when I move like that. I didn't know I could do that with my hips. Connecting to movement is one of the most therapeutic things we can do.

What makes you fly?

Possibility.

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Sarah Wragge

Raising Our Vibrations

Written by Joy Dushey | Photographed by Conrado Veliz

The term “raising vibrations” can often sound strangely abstract, like it’s a goal we want to reach for, but most of us have no clue how to get there. Well, according to Joy Dushey (our resident Flock member, wellness expert and founder of The Joyful Approach), the idea is that we can, in fact, learn to lift our vibrations to meet certain challenges through a myriad of disciplines. It’s particularly important for our children, who are exposed to our energy and mirror their own energy and vibrations based on ours. But how do we do it and what are the steps involved? Read on for Joy’s tips on raising our vibrations, so our children can keeps theirs elevated and exist in a world of peace, love and gratitude…

When we reference our “vibrations,” what exactly do we mean? Think of it this way. Our vibration is our energy signature. We are all made up of vibrating particles of energy and our vibration is what we emanate out to the environment, around us and to others. Thoughts, emotions, and sound are also vibrations and carry unique energetic signatures.

The idea that we are living in a “high vibrational state” is directly correlated to the health and happiness of our bodies in many ways. The vibes we emanate to others, to our children and to the environment vary based on our resilience for balancing our mind, emotions and disposition- especially in today’s dynamic emotional climate.

People can easily pick up other people’s energy and emotions at different levels of sensitivity. Children behave like little sponges readily absorbing energies because they have less of a barrier distracting their perception generated and influenced by beliefs, memories, choices and environmental stimuli. From the day that our children our born, they begin testing our patience. Children can feel when we are easily activated, stressed and anxious or when we are poised in our higher vibration.

When we are flowing in our higher vibes, we can easily make decisions and solutions due to increased access to our heart’s intuitive wisdom. Our discernment becomes more inclusive and our choices become clearer and more effective; it gets much easier to deflect frustration, anxiety, impatience and other stress producers that strain our critical thinking and reasoning.

TIPS FOR RAISING YOUR VIBRATION

SELF CARE

By engaging in daily practices like mindfulness, meditation yoga, journaling and healthy eating, we shift our energy. We begin to operate at a high-vibrational frequency, the frequency of love, and that's when we are a magnet for more positive relationships and experiences. When our energetic aura shifts, our consciousness expands, our nervous system neutralizes, and we begin to fully realize and experience a spiritual awakening, the recognition of our divine essence. Things become possible that weren't before. A miraculous life unfolds in front of us.

BREATHE AND GROUND

Find a quiet place where, for a few minutes, you can breathe easily, imagining with each breath that your mind, emotions and body are becoming still inside.

Place your feet firmly on the ground visualizing strong roots growing from your feet connected to the earth. You may use grounding crystals or earth stones in your hands as assists.

In this stillness, desire the uplifting feeling you would like to have and imagine breathing this new feeling into your being for a while. Imagine you are creating it with your breath.

COMPASSION PRACTICE

Sit quietly and imagine radiating love, compassion and stillness into your mental and emotional nature. Self-care is often allowing ourselves to have a low moment without compounding it with self-criticism. When our light is dim, it helps to give ourselves the feeling of compassionate heart warmth that we would give a child who is ill.

CRYSTAL THERAPY

Crystals have metaphysical properties from the earth that allow us to raise our frequency and vibration. Some of the highest vibrational crystals are Selenite, Natrolite, Tanzanite, Phenacite and Moldavite. It’s important to bring yourself to a grounding practice after using these high vibrational stones.

The first step in many spiritual practices is to learn to ground, that is to connect yourself energetically to the core of the Earth. There are many techniques for grounding so find the practice that feels best for you. The essence of most methods is to relax and visualize yourself sending an energy cord or light beam into the earth from your root chakra (at the tailbone) and allowing it to reach the earth core allowing you to get energy from the Earth. A classic form of grounding is with your feet firmly placed on the ground, below you imagine roots growing into the Earth from your feet and spinal column or central energy channel and begin a meditation practice breathing in the energy from the earth.

It’s best when you can have direct contact with the earth underneath your feet and if that’s not an option just having your feet on the ground works as well.

You can hold grounding stones in your hands during this practice such as Red Jasper, Bloodstone, Hematite, Gold tigers Eye, Carnelian, Garnet, Pyrite, Copper, Amber, and Unakite.

The simple presence of crystals in both your home and work environments create a change in the vibration of the surrounding area. You can use crystals while meditating or you can wear them as jewelry or even hold them in your pocket or in your pocketbook.

Teaching your child about the world of crystals can be of great help to their development. A relationship with crystals can deepen a child’s understanding of the experiences of friendship, support and peace and provide them with tools of great use in moments when we cannot be physically present.

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The Joyful Approach

Miracle Cure

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Caitlin Mitchell

Do you wish your skincare would do more for you? Beyond looking great or feeling hydrated, of course, but maybe add a higher vibration to your day? Enter Prestidge Beauté, the incredible skincare brand founded by Shawnelle Prestidge, longtime makeup artist for Jane Fonda and a wealth of global brands and beauty giants. Her path to Prestidge Beauté wasn’t an easy one. Following the birth of her daughter, her husband suffered a near fatal accident where suddenly, Shawnelle found herself in her kitchen stirring up calming cannabis elixirs to help with his nerve pain. She then decided it was finally time to try her hand at creating that "miracle" serum a curated line of extremely effective, highly active, deeply healing-small batch organic skin care products. The result is high quality, all natural products made with ingredients from conscious growers all over the world, complete with a healing form of reiki. To say we are obsessed is an understatement, so we sat down  with Shawnelle to talk reiki, serums and the calming spirit of a great skincare product.

1. Can you tell us how Prestidge Beauté came to be? Was there one “trigger moment?”

Prestidge Beauté was a dream of mine for many years, but it was suddenly realized after working on a cannabis salve to help quell my husband’s nerve pain following a swimming accident. It was the catalyst from which Prestidge Beauté was born.

2. We love that you combine Reiki techniques into the crafting of the products. Can you tell us about the process? 

I summon my angels and spirit guides, archangels and the reiki masters while  listening to kundalini music to raise the vibration of the space. I enter a sort of active meditation as the wisdom of alchemy comes together, then seal each product by drawing the reiki symbols into the products while I combine all the ingredients.

3. You totally get that energy when using the products. And the line is so well edited, everything has a purpose. Can you tell us more and how the components work individually and together?

I wanted each one to satisfy all my personal and professional needs. I’ve been working 25-plus years as a makeup artist. I wanted the serum to be a high vibrating multitasking supernova of a serum that everyone could use and benefit from.  That, in concert with the Healing Salve, addresses a myriad of ailments from acne to cuts to bug bite to eczema. Plus a tonic that could be used before the serum to add moisture or after makeup application to set you, or after a workout to refresh, or to use on your kids when they need a little time to work through big feelings. But especially to invite a moment of calm to reset one’s mood. A deodorant that smells amazing, yet is mild and works hard at diminishing odor, for men and women and kids. And a lip balm that truly heals damaged weatherworn lips and moisturizes without feeling too glossy.

4. In creating your products, you use organic ingredients and produce small batches. Can you explain the significance of only sourcing from conscious growers? How do you find them? 

I find them through referrals, friends and research. I look for a valid GC/MS report, which is the fingerprint of any particular batch of essential oil. The report is like a blood test for a human. It shows the unique identity and properties of an oil, and I let my intuition guide me.  I look for particular colors and aroma and order in small sizes when first ordering with a new supplier.

5. Is the line safe for kids to use? 

YES! For ages two and older. My daughter, who’s eight, uses everything except the Under Amour Deodorant, but I think that is just around the corner!

6.  You’ve had quite the make up artist career. Can you share that journey and one or two milestones?

I think the first awe inspiring experience was being invited to the Shriver compound and being greeted to homemade cookie fresh from the oven by Eunice Shriver.  It was a shoot with Norman Jean Roy for Vanity Fair with Sarge, Eunice and Maria Shriver.  Maria told us not to be overwhelmed when Sarge asks you, “What did you do today to make the world a better place?” It was truly humbling and made a lasting impression on me to strive to do better-for all!  And I don’t think Jane Fonda’s long presence in my life has been by accident either. I think being around great people influence you to be your best self, and to me, being your best self means aligning with your purpose to service others earnestly.

7. We’re not even going to ask you how you balance being a mama, an entrepreneur, wife and all the other amazing things you do, but can you tell us a bit about your day to day and how you make it work for you and your family?

I honestly don’t know. Most day it’s kind of a crap shoot. To tell you otherwise would be completely dishonest, but I wake up with the intention of doing my best, to get what needs doing done, and hopefully to squeeze some fun and giggles into the mix too!

8. We totally related to a comment you made recently about being “a uniform kind of girl” fashion-wise. You said that you like simple silhouettes, like a black utilitarian jumpsuit in high quality fabrics. Same here! Is that because you prefer to express your creativity via makeup and beauty care?

I definitely believe so! When I was young, it was not the case but as I developed further into my career, I just wanted to be physically and emotionally comfortable doing what I loved. There is something so self-loving about making sure you are experiencing comfort-when you know there are so many uncertainties out there. I really find it luxurious to be under the radar, but you only seem to realize that with age.

9. What is your therapy?

Oh so many things. Mantras, snuggles, kisses, actual therapy, moving my body, sharing, connecting, making my Prestidge Beauté line, sleeping, eating, laughing and loving.

10. Lastly, what makes you fly?

Being aligned and getting those vibrating signs that you are exactly where you are supposed to be!

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Prestidge Beauté

Just My Type

Written by A Wild Dove | Photographed by Caitlin Mitchell

Did you ever wonder why certain events might cause you to overeat? Or why you might forget to eat in times of stress? According to Dana James, cognitive behavioral therapist, certified nutritionist and founder of Food Coach NYC, it’s due to your childhood imprints and how you developed your sense of self worth. Her philosophy is that women are divided into four female archetypes based on these ideas - each affect our eating patterns and diet. And that we can change our diet and relationship with food by examining our archetype and then plan productive menus and recipes around it. She outlines this exciting vision in a new book,  The Archetype Diet: Reclaim Your Self-Worth and Change the Shape of Your Body that seemed to hit us head on. Her rare approach to women’s weight loss - by putting self-worth at the center of the conversation - is enlightening, inspiring and pretty genius. We sat down with Dana to talk the tangible, the intangible and the quest for a healthy lifestyle.

I love your philosophy around the "modern women." I think we all are that woman at some point in our lives. Can you discuss this concept and how we can feel "at peace?"

That’s my Martin Luther King speech. Haha. "I have a dream that we live in a world free from the tyranny of diet dogma and self-doubt. That we live in a world where we instinctively know how to rebalance ourselves with food, nutrients, elixirs, mantras, movement, and scents. A world where food is nourishment, not punishment. A world where we trust ourselves, not shame ourselves. A world where we amplify beauty, love and magnetism. This is my dream for the modern woman."

To find peace we must unlearn our conditioning. We've trained ourselves to use food as a reward, comfort, a distraction or pacifier. It’s much easier to eat a muffin than admit that your life is chaotic because you struggle to say no to people. Learning how to say no and not feel guilty requires inward looking. Why do I people-please? Why are my boundaries porous? Why have I placed a value on not disappointing people? This is an example of my Nurturer archetype. Finding your peace is dependent on where you source your self-worth from. The answer is hidden in that.
 

I am fascinated by your navigation system for the friction between food and feelings, science and spirituality, conscious thought and subconscious thought. Can you share the lifecycle of this inner “conflict?” How young are we when this starts?

It’s less of a conflict but rather an inclusion of both the tangible and intangible. Just because we can’t see it or measure it doesn’t mean it is invalid. Your feelings can’t be seen but they are valid. Equally so, your subconscious thoughts are drivers of your behavior, more than your conscious thought. I created the four female archetypes to bring to light our subconscious thoughts and change the repetitive behavior that stops us from seeing continued success.

Can you describe your four archetype approach and how we can become our own muse?

The archetypes are based on where a woman sources her self-worth as this will influence her behaviors, including her eating behaviors and intimate relationships.

Wonder Woman - If you need a glass of wine to wind down most evenings, you’re probably a Wonder Woman who sources her self-worth from achievement and recognition and this gives you permission to switch off.

Nurturer - If you find yourself comfort eating or secret eating, then you’re probably a Nurturer, who sources her self-worth from always being there for others but this comes at a cost to you. You often de-prioritize your own needs in favor of others and you’ll eat this way because you’re exhausted and no one is taking care of you.

Femme Fatale - If you’re scared to gain weight or that you’ll never lose the weight you’ve gained, then you’re likely to be a Femme Fatale who sources her self-worth from her physical body and you’ll find yourself constantly on a diet because you believe that a leaner body is better. It’s not but that’s your belief.

Ethereal - If you’re highly sensitive to emotions – yours and other people’s – then you’re probably an Ethereal, who sources her self-worth from being intuitive and different but this can feel lonely, like no one understands you. You’ll often forget to eat or numb this sensitivity with carbs because you don't know how to release these feelings.

How does Functional Medicine play a role in your unique approach?

Functional medicine is the core of my practice. It’s finding the root of the issue. For instance, if your hormones are out of balance, the answer isn’t adding more hormones, it's understanding that stress, the gut microbiome and the liver play a key role in hormonal balance and it’s rebalancing these inputs. It’s the same with the mind. Where do your perceptions come from? When in childhood did you develop this view and why? What needs to be reinterpreted so you can move forward? Whether it is the mind or physical body, the answer lies in the seed that created it.

Your practice offers so much! Can you tell us the philosophy and goals for your clients around your meal plans, one-one programs and of course your amazing retreats?

The end goal is always my client's goal - weight loss, body confidence, digestive ease, stress reduction or an improvement in mood or brain function. To get there a lot of insight and self-awareness is required and we spend most of our time looking into erroneous beliefs and reprogramming them. Knowing what to eat is easy, the harder part is understanding why your life is structured in a way that has you fall off time and time again.

What are five must haves that mamas and kids can both eat and find satisfying?

Make  something they can get involved in. They are more likely to eat it when they’ve been part of it.

Berry smoothie - equal parts nut milk and frozen berries with 2 tablespoons of collagen protein powder with a hint of raw honey.

Avocado smash - have them smash the avocado then drizzled on some fresh lemon juice. Let them dip crackers in it and you can have vegetable crudités.

Chia seed pudding - kids love making this. Put two tablespoons of chia seed into a mason jar then add 8 ounces of nut milk. Add the lid and shake vigorously. Get your kids to shake the mason jar for 20 seconds. Let it rest for ten minutes and you have a very nutrient dense snack with fiber, omega 3’s and protein. Add fresh fruit if desired.

If you were on a desert island, which three supplements would you want with you?

Probably none because stress wouldn’t be robbing me of my nutrients! The reason I add supplements in to someone’s program is to correct imbalances, which are principally stress-driven. But I do love a good probiotic and an activated B complex is vital for replenishing our energy and mood.

What is your therapy?

Touch. There is no more powerful therapy. You can give a baby sugared water and she will stop crying but will start up again once it is removed or you can touch her and she will be soothed and her crying will stop. We’re just older versions of a baby but far too many of us blindly use sugar to appease an uncomfortable emotion. Connect with others, hug someone tight, get a massage, a foot rub or play fight with someone. Touch is a profound mood-rebalancer. 

What are your favorite restaurants where the entire family can eat in NYC and LA?

In NYC it’s Cafe Clover and Quartino. Cafe Clover has the best flax crackers and sweet potato hummus. It’s better than any bread basket! I go to Quartino when I want a home-cooked meal - fish from Montauk Harbor and lightly roasted vegetables with a hint of olive oil. Mmmm delicious! In LA it’s my own kitchen! There’s nothing better than picking fresh greens and herbs from your garden and transforming them into a colorful salad that makes your mouth pop!

Can you tell us a few highlights from your new book ?

I’d encourage all women to take the female archetype test which they can find on www.danajames.com. This will help them identify their core beliefs and why they are struggling in certain areas of their life; be it a physical imbalance or habits they don't like. The Archetype Diet also gives a ten-day meal to follow for each archetype. As each archetype has different hormonal influences the diet is also different. I bust many pervasive food myths that make women scared of food. And finally, I take the reader through a 6-R reprogramming process so they can break the erroneous belief that their self-worth is based on an external factor like their success, looks, helping others or their intuition. 

What makes you fly?

Seeing women awaken and transform their life. One of my greatest success stories is a woman, who within six weeks of us working together, increased her income by 300% and found the man of her dreams on a last minute trip to Nepal. She is 47 and froze her eggs five years before. They are now talking about having a child together -  her ultimate dream! Her erroneous belief was that she wasn’t worthy enough to have it all. Once she cracked that, everything she desired came to her. Just magical. 

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FoodCoach NYC

Lotions & Potions

Written by A Wild Dove

A Traveling Shop-in-Shop

Launching Summer 2018
 The Hamptons

A Wild Dove Founder, Lynn Levoy is always on the hunt for unique treasures to introduce to her community. The Lotions & Potions retail concept brings to each partnering retailer, a mini shop featuring Lynn’s favorite products in an unexpected mix (from Adaptogens to Mediation Books to Magical Serums to Crystals). The Creators of the chosen brands will partner with A Wild Dove and offer in-store workshops, panels and custom programs to share stories, unify the community and bring the products alive.

First Stop 

Malia Mills
53 Jobs Lane
Southampton, NY 11968
Launching July 1st

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Kids in the Kitchen

Written by Erika Bloom | Photographed by Caitlin Mitchell

When Erika Bloom offers to cook, we drop everything and go. The wellness expert and founder of Erika Bloom Pilates knows a thing or two about making delicious, nutritious meals, and like everything she does, executes her recipes in a way that is as fun as it is inspiring. Callum joined Erika’s children to make a family friendly meal featuring fresh vegetables and yummy superfoods. In her own words, she details how to encourage healthy eating in a way that kids will understand and enjoy.

Like all of my wellness practices, healthy eating is integrated into my life. I believe that part of why my kids find joy in healthy eating is because they see my passion about finding nourishment from delicious and healing food. 

My son and daughter take even more pleasure in what we’re eating when they get to help create the menus, prepare and cook our meals. It’s a time for us to connect, share stories, and laugh — and it’s also about making and eating beautiful fresh organic living foods that vitalize us. Whether your family is already eating healthy, or is desiring to establish more conscious habits, here are a few simple ideas for guiding your kids toward healthy choices in the kitchen.

Teach Them Young

I believed my kids were never too young to be exposed to whole, delicious foods. Food awareness from a young age sets them up for a lifetime of making good decisions on their own when the time comes. As parents, we help set up the pattern for the rest of their lives.

Understand "The Why"

My kids are aware that healthy delicious foods sustain them. They know their brains and bodies are happier and better functioning as a result. Their moods stay stable because we’re making better choices, and their rewards are not based around food, but feeling good.

Make Healthy Food Available

I feel peace when I open my refrigerator and see a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. When the kids are hungry for a snack, they know to look in the fridge for cut up veggies and fruit. I know that whatever their choice is, it’s going to be a good one. 

Be Their Role Model

They see me meditating, using essential oils and eating well. I’m living it — and they naturally desire it. Your values are their values.

Involve Them

What happens in our kitchen is a family affair, as well as a sensory experience. They love washing, chopping, touching and tasting the bounty that nature has provided. They set out bowls, which we fill with an array of colorful, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. When everything is ready they design their plates. It’s like a painting for them.

Go to the Source

My kids love picking out our produce at the market or the farm stand. In the summer, they put their hands in the earth and help me tend to the garden. We know where our food comes from, and talk about who else might have helped to bring it to us. All this, before it even enters our mouths. This connection and gratitude for what we’re eating increases our ability to digest and enjoy it.

Give Them Choices

Kids love to feel like they have a say in the decision. Do you want snow peas or English peas? Carrots or broccoli? Parsley or cilantro? When they feel ownership they are more likely to participate. It also saves me from taking multiple dinners and everyone gets what they want.

Don't Give Up

The more exposure kids have to healthy foods, the more likely they are to try them. Always include new healthy options at meal times alongside some of their favorite foods. Sometimes my daughter says she’s not interested in a particular vegetable, but I keep it as an option and she always comes back around to it.

Here’s a typical evening in our house, where my kids and I designed the menu. It’s based on our favorite healthy foods and letting them choose their own ingredients.

Menu

• Organic Fruit Infused Water
• Cauliflower Rice Bowls
• Banana N’Ice Cream
• Healthy Candy Bars

Organic Fruit Infused Water

Ingredients

• Filtered Water 
• Oranges 
• Lemons 
• Strawberries 
• Lemongrass 
• Rosemary 
• Mint
• Ginger

Instructions

Let the kids choose ingredients to infuse in their water and have them help you cut them up. The kids can fill small water carafes with filtered water and add their own chosen fruit slices, herbs, and spices. Place the infused water in the fridge overnight or even just for 45 minutes while you’re cooking.

My daughter Anabella wanted strawberries and mint. My son Alexander preferred oranges and rosemary. Callum chose strawberries. They all made delicious choices and loved drinking them.

Cauliflower Rice Veggies Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 Head of cauliflower
• 2 Tablespoons coconut or sunflower oil
• 1 small shallot
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup bone broth or vegetable stock 
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

Add veggies according to preference: 

• 1/2 head broccoli
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 1/2 cup English peas

Spices

• Garam Masala 
• Cumin 
• Turmeric

Fresh herbs 

• Cilantro 
• Parsley 
• Carrot Leaves

Seeds 

• Pumpkin
• Sunflower
• Hemp hearts
   

Instructions

Have the kids help to chop the cauliflower into tiny pieces after you remove stem and leaves. Let the kids crush the garlic cloves. Dice the shallot. Put the garlic and shallot in a small bowl.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium low. Have the kids pour the bowl of shallots and garlic in the pan carefully and then stir until tender, about 6 minutes. Let the kids add the chopped cauliflower and season with salt. Mine love to use the salt grinder! They can then measure out, pour in and stir in the broth (Epic Artisanal is one of my favorites); steam covered until broth has evaporated and cauliflower is tender, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.

Let the children choose which combination of vegetables they want in their ‘rice’ and put them in a small bow. Make a pan for each child. In each pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium. Add remaining shallot; cook stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add remaining garlic, ginger; cook 1 minute. Let the children pour their veggie bowl in to the pan and stir. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer cauliflower mixture to bowls and add vegetable mixture. Let the kids season with salt and then mix in their favorite toppings of herbs, spices, and seeds. My daughter loves cumin. My son loves garam masala. I use raw organic seeds. Lately my son and I have been adding radishes to finish as well. They’re delicious, as well as prebiotic.

Banana N’Ice Cream

When I was young, my family spent summers in Mexico and we always drank ‘banana milkshakes’ which was just very ripe bananas in the blender. If you freeze the bananas in glass first, the Vitamix turns it into ice cream – then you don’t waste ripe fruit. Then we sometimes used coconut milk or goat milk, but now with my kids, we use almond milk (other non-dairy milk options work great too, depending on allergies and preference).

Ingredients

• 3 or 4 ripe bananas cut into chunks, frozen
• splash of almond milk (or non dairy milk of choice)

Instructions

Let the children place the frozen bananas in the Vitamix and blend until texture of ice cream. You can eat it just like this or add a splash of almond milk.

You can also make gelato by using frozen berries with no milk. The kids choose a mix of blackberries, blueberries. My favorite is cherries.

Making your own almond milk is easy but an extra step. When purchasing almond milk, look for brands that don’t use gums, sugar and other additives. I personally love the unsweetened versions of New Barns organic almond milk.

Healthy Candy Bar

I make these as a treat or to add in to the Banana ‘Ice Cream’ for variety.

Ingredients

• 100% cacao bar
• 75-80% chocolate bar 
• Pure ground almond butter
• Choose among the following for add ins: 
• Hemp hearts
• Ground flaxseed
• Raw chopped pumpkin seeds
• Cacao nibs
• Coconut flakes 
• Unsweetened goji berries

Instructions

Melt the chocolate. Let the kids stir until smooth (they love this)! Let each child have their own small glass pan. Have them pour a thin layer of chocolate in. Everyone gets to choose their additional ingredients. Add a layer of seeds followed by a layer of almond butter, followed by another layer of toppings. Add a final layer of chocolate. Place in freezer until hardened and keep chilled until you’re ready to serve.

We break up the cacao bark and put it on top of the ice cream. I love Bonajuto 100 percent cacao bars for my version of the Healthy Candy Bar. For the kids I use 75-80 percent chocolate.

I find that the natural sweetness of almonds makes the chocolate bark taste sweet even though there’s little to no added sugar.

When purchasing nut butters, look for pure ground butters with no extra oils or sugar. MaraNatha Organic Raw Almond Butter is one that I love.

Thank you Wild Dove, for documenting an evening of meal time at our house. I love watching the smiles on my kids faces from the time we start making the meal to the time their tummies are filled and calm. I can rest easy at the end of a long day, knowing that I’m nourishing them and myself with beautiful food, and we all get to enjoy the process.

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Erika Bloom Pilates

@ERIKABLOOMPILATES

Mama Doves

Written by A Wild Dove 

One of the things we hope to build at A Wild Dove is a sense of community for both mamas and their children. The mamas we feature on the site all inspire us in one way or another, whether it’s their sense of humor, authenticity, or a no-holds-barred approach to their career or to wellness. These are mamas who roll up their sleeves and Get. It. Done. They walk the walk and talk the talk. To them, it isn’t  an effort, it’s part of life, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. These women embody everything we are about, living honest, enriching and well-lived lives. So in honor of Mother’s Day, we took a moment to ask some of our favorite mamas a question about motherhood and anything they wanted to share to help inspire all of us. They are truly our visions of rockstars and we are so proud of them, and all the mamas for doing it every single day.

Melissa Wood - Founder of Melissa Wood Health

How has your son and now being pregnant for the second time, inspired your work?

This time around I've become less of a multitasker. When I'm with my son, I try to focus on being with him. When I'm in the office working, I focus on getting my work done. Being pregnant with a toddler has really taught me that less is more. I avoid over scheduling myself at all costs and find I'm so much more at peace when I don't have a chaotic schedule.

What is a piece of advice you’d give to new mamas?

Don’t pack too much in a day, pace it and enjoy fewer activities MORE.

Erika Bloom - Founder of Erika Bloom Pilates

How have your children children inspired your work?

Some say that being a mom makes us expert multitaskers; but for me it has inspired the opposite. My children inspire me to be deeply present and truly focus on doing just what I am doing and being just where I am. This makes me a better more engaged mom as well as a better decision maker at work. I used to be always working but never getting it all done. Since having children this lesson of ‘mono tasking’ with clear and present focus has made me phenomenally efficient and productive; and it has increased my enjoyment in my job, in my personal life, and as a mom. 

Lynn Levoy - Founder of A Wild Dove

How has Callum inspired A Wild Dove?

Having a child has shifted and taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I know it is our role as mamas to teach our children, but the reality is, Callum has taught me just as much. I am a better person in every way because of him. 

After he was born, my priorities changed. I always worked in fashion, and truthfully couldn’t have imagined I would have ever done anything else. But when I look back, I wasn’t REALLY happy...even though I thought I was. That wasn’t my true calling, but it was certainly part of the path that led me to the now. 

I started working on A Wild Dove, 3 years ago and launched it about a year and half ago. I had felt like something was missing from the market. Wellness had always been a huge part of my life, but more than ever it was my passion.  And then I started to ask WHY wasn’t anyone instigating this wellness conversation between mamas and their children.

Of course we are women with our own identities, but more than ever, we are so intertwined with our children. Our flexible jobs allow us to have more and different time with our kids than ever before. We can bring them with us to meetings, lunches, workouts and they get to experience all these very adult things at a young age. So I began to wonder  why isn’t anyone to speaking that? And how can we help our children to have the tools to better themselves, that we are so diligently working on for ourselves? If I HAD KNOWN something as simple as breathing when feeling overwhelmed at Callum’s age, I would have been in a very different place as a teenager and certainly as an adult.  And with this revelation... A Wild Dove was born. It has allowed me to combine all the things I love, but with a very new focus and different meaning. 

I feel beyond grateful and fortunate to have this opportunity to do something I love. And the best part is Callum is a huge part of this journey and I get to learn and be inspired by him everyday...

Bee Shapiro - Founder of Ellis Brooklyn, & New Your Times Writer & Author

How have your daughters played a role in developing your line ?

I'm so much better at figuring out what really matters now. Before kids, I might get mired in the nitty gritty of everything, but since having my girls I'm much better at not letting my doubts get the better of me. That's something having kids really teaches you - that honestly, there are so many other things worth worrying about that if something doesn't meet your expectations absolutely, totally 100%, you're not going to obsess over it. That's not to say I don't still strive for lofty goals, but just that I'm much better at figuring out what is worth fighting for. 

What is a piece of advice you would give to new mamas?

Stop trying to micromanage details and have confidence in some imperfections.

Robyn Youkilis - Health Coach & Author

How has a becoming a mama changed your perspective on your body and philosophy towards food and working out?

When my husband and I began talking about starting a family, I shifted my focus from “How skinny can I be?” to “How can I create the most ideal ‘home’ for my future baby to live in?” And then I had an aha moment - Our bodies are our homes, this is where we live. Shouldn’t we treat them right? I let go of trying to look a certain way. I slowed down even more at meal times and chewed my food completely before swallowing. I began to focus on the foods (and the activities) that made me feel my best. And guess what? The foods that made me feel and look my best were those deeply nourishing foods, the foods that pack the most bang for the nutritional buck, the foods that feed and balance the microbiome (aka your gut). Almost three years later I’m still thinking and eating this way.

Larissa Thompson - Co-Founder of ONDA Beauty

Running one store in and of itself is a tremendous amount of hard work. Now with multiple locations opening, how do you balance it all with family?

It’s not always easy but I try to remind myself that I’m setting a good example of what you can achieve when you commit to something you believe in. Starting your own business, believing in yourself and taking risks are all important values I’d like to instill in my son. That all being said, I’m a big believer in balance and I’m always trying to find new ways to create the proper work and home life balance. It’s been a struggle for me to watch my husband filling in with things I used to do with Van more regularly. But I just can’t do everything I used to do. So I try to remind myself how lucky I am to know that my son has such a great father who is so engaged and I know he’s being looked after in the best ways possible. And I can’t forget that I have a genius business partner who is always working on the business and currently looking after everything in Sag Harbor while I’m here, so the fact that we can divide and conquer DEFINITELY  helps. Listening is so important. I make sure to always listen when Van is telling me something, really focus on what he’s saying instead of being five steps ahead. I do a dead halt and put all my energy into what he’s saying. As a tween there’s a lot of silence sometimes so when he does open up about anything, I don’t want to miss it! 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new mamas?

Aim for balance. Use the pockets of time wisely. Find subjects the kids truly love and learn about those. And when you fail, move on and don’t give up.

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Learn More

Melissa Wood | Melissa Wood Health

Erika Bloom | Erika Bloom Pilates

Bee Shapiro | Ellis Brooklyn

Robyn Youkilis | Health Coach & Author

Larissa Thompson | ONDA Beauty