Opening Presence with Aaron Robinson

Rob-O is the Owner and Creative Director of Roots N Rooftops. A menswear brand dedicated to building high quality sustainable goods from the ground up.  In this very special and extremely rare episode of Opening Presence - we go behind the scenes and into the creative process of the Roots N Rooftops 2020 debut called 'The Windup Collection' inspired by the 100 year Legacy of Negro League Baseball. 

Before the first pitch, we take a trip down memory lane where it all started on the East Coast. Immersing himself in the culture, Rob-O developed his illustration & design skills which created opportunities for him in the fashion industry at iconic brands Ecko Unlimited and Roca Wear. Rob-O then moved to Portland, OR to take on the sportswear industry.  As he evolved beyond the big brand ethos of "Chasing cool", Rob-O decided to branch out and doing his own thing. This is his story. Play Ball!

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend.

Website and contact info:

www.rootsnrooftops.com

Instagram @rootsnrooftops

In today’s episode, I sit down with Yagn. He is a tattoo artist, designer, daily meditator and just so happens to be my room mate. In this conversation we discuss our experience at a healing retreat in Troncones - a small coastal town in Zihuatanejo,Mexico. It was there where we learned about indigenous medicine and held space to do our deep inner work with other growth minded individuals.

We also dive into our favorite topic, meditation. Yagn is someone I am grateful to have met on this path because it reaffirms that we - as men of color have the right to initiate our own healing practice and I’m happy that we can empower and show others what is readily available for them.

Instagram @lifeby_yagn @baby_strokes

In today’s solo cast I let you in on my personal experience of intentional healing with Mother Nature.  I know a lot of people go through hardships in life and sometimes we don’t know how to cope with emotions like grief. My brother Ryan and I lost our mother 3 years ago to breast cancer.  I want to share with you how I chose to honor her life and continue her legacy by taking time to reflect, process and transmute the pain of loss into inner knowing and a deep love and respect for nature. I've found that the line of communication with the divine is always open and welcoming when we go into these interactions with respect and reverence. This episode was recorded on 6/25/2020 while camping alone at Timothy Lake, about an hour and a half outside of Portland.  

In today’s episode of Opening Presence, I sit down with Danny  Hellevig - Owner and Operator of Vanlife Northwest, a Portland based garage specializing in imported Japanese camping vans. Danny is someone that inspires me because he is an example of how investing in your passion will eventually lead to a level of embodied fulfillment. We discuss how changing course and moving to Portland lead him to blend his love for the outdoors with Vintage Japanese Space Vans.  Vanlife Northwest has become a one of a kind expression of adventure and soul that truly has no creative ceiling. Thank you Danny for continuing to give me 'Helle-inspiration' I'm sure my listeners will feel the same.

-Aaron

Danny Hellevig contact:

Instagram: @vanlifenorthwest

Website: www.vanlifenorthwest.com

In today’s episode I sit down with Chris Thoms -  UX Designer who in a former life was a professional soccer player. We discuss the how Chris uses Art to process childhood trauma and how prayer allows him to answer some of life’s deepest questions. I can tell you now that whenever Chris and I meet we always uncover new ideas that give us a richer understanding of our human experience - so get ready to take this journey and witness “The Artistry in Suffering’ If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend!

Chris Thoms contact:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvthoms/

Instagram: @in.volve

In today’s episode I sit down with Chris Thoms -  UX Designer who in a former life was a professional soccer player. We discuss the how Chris uses Art to process childhood trauma and how prayer allows him to answer some of life’s deepest questions. I can tell you now that whenever Chris and I meet we always uncover new ideas that give us a richer understanding of our human experience - so get ready to take this journey and witness “The Artistry in Suffering’ If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend!

Chris Thoms contact:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvthoms/

Instagram: @in.volve

In today’s episode I sit down with Candace Molatore. She is a self love - body positive advocate, branding consultant and photographer based out of Portland, OR. Candace has worked with brands like Tea Bar, SUPERMAKER, Toyota and Forever 21 just to name a few. In this conversation we discuss her confidence journey and the importance of building strong relationships. If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend. 

For more information or to contact Candace directly - visit her website www.candacemolatore.com or follow her on instagram @hey.candace

In this episode of Opening Presence I sat down with Fitness Guru Abigail Parker. In 2015, she moved to Portland, OR with a dollar and a dream - to pursue a career in ballet. However, a series of events guided her to find her true calling- Coaching. Fueled by a burning desire to motivate people to reach their highest potential mentally and physically, Abigail entered the world of Entrepreneurship and started Make it Happen & The Abigail Method.  I am grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Abigail. She is a world class motivator and shares valuable insights on  getting a business off the ground, leading with authenticity and creating a fitness movement! 

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! 

To book a session with Abigail please visit www.makeithappentraining.info

Also, follow her on instagram @its_abigailparker @embraceyou_movement

In today’s episode I sit down with Rob Darmour. Owner and Creative Director of it.vanishes- an experimental Outdoor Brand operating out of Portland, OR. It.vanishes  is dedicated to repurposing unused materials from large scale productions and deeming them “Not Waste” Rob also facilitates it.vanishes Hike Club -For People who don’t Hike,. A community inspired to explore our unique personal  relationship to nature. For current inventory, inspiration and more information please visit www.itvanishes.com / Instagram @it.vanishes

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend!

Aaron

In today’s episode of Opening Presence I sit down with recording artist Rahn Harper. He takes us on a journey of landing his first record deal and navigating the music industry as a newly independent artist. We start off this episode with Rahn Harper’s latest single entitled Listen. It’s an entire vibe that should be added to your rotation with the quickness. I am so grateful that I got this opportunity to not only connect with Rahn, but to dive into his song writing process and discuss his evolution as an artist.  Thank you all for taking the time to ‘Listen’ - and if you enjoy this episode, make sure to share it with a friend!

www.rahnharper.com