Social Creative Conversations

Yes, our podcast is mainly focused around highlighting women led brands and the incredible  life journey and stories of the human behind the brand.    Every so often we break the rules to feature brands and stories making extraordinary impact in the lives of others.  With our recent focus on mentorship and the value of each person's story, no matter the life stage or age, we are honored to share the story of Cathedral and Spir Candle Co co-founded by Nate and Amy Stone.

Cathedral is a local, charm-filled, historical venue that hosts events of all kinds-weddings to photoshoots.  It also donates 100% of its profit to charities.  (as of 05/2023  $81,765)  Spír Candle Co. is a hand-crafted candle company selling locally and nationally.  It also employs underrepresented youth transitioning out of the juvenile justice system. These brands help people. 

I spoke to Nate (co-founder) and Shane (Cathedral's Operations Manager) about the organic mentorship program that exists from the employment opportunity.  Shane is a former inmate being (with the assistance of a transition house) empowered, equipped and employed by Cathedral and Spír.   The connection and opportunity is a win for both, as you'll hear from their story.    Not only is there tangible benefit through skill and work, but also relationship building and mentorship.  Both are shaping, leading,  and teaching each other in varying ways.

Listen in as the episode dives deeper into how Cathedral and Spír got started, where they are today, and what the goals and aspirations are in the future.

Mostly, hear how even the smallest act of kindness and help can produce big impact for many.  No matter if you make the candle, buy the candle,  host the event or benefit from its donation outpouring.   These candles help people. Truly.


Cathedral :
Web:  https://seattlecathedral.com/  Instagram: @seattlecathedral
Spír Candle Co. :
Web: https://www.spircandleco.com/   Instagram: @spircandleco
Two Feet Project : https://www.twofeetproject.org/

Social Creative Workshops: Summer Social
Tiki + Trivia Night, Register at : Tiki + Trivia

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

Our investigation and appreciation of beauty continues with a sustainable, colorful addition to make or match your mood.

Meet Jill Jago and Meg Diaz, the co-founders and creators of Vermouth.  Brainstormed over 2 glasses of vermouth, these experienced businesswomen found a way to honor the earth and honor your natural beauty by developing lip colors you'll love to wear every day of the week.  Literally, a shade for each new day or mood or style you have.   Be it on the trail, in the carpool, at the art gallery, or out on the town-they have you colored, but not covered.  Vermouth's commitment is to value your inner beauty first, "Be You. Then Add Some Color".

In our episode, we explore the beauty philosophy and intentions for Vermouth's lip crayons.  Additionally, we discuss how our beauty ideals change; depending on age, life stage, personality, mood, experiences.  We dive into the struggles and challenges women face  with beauty and aging.  Hear them speak to their design process, inspiration for colors, exceptional dedication to sustainability, and pursuit of fun in every flight.   "We don't want precious. It should just be fun and disposable in a guilt free way"

Amen to that. 
ps- Give yourself permission to do "Red"

Vermouth is a collaborator for our Freedom Movement on May 7.   Come mix your shade and see what 5 days of color look like!  Kiss, Kiss.

Vermouth :
https://vermouth.co/
Instagram:  @vermouth_beauty
Purchase Online or Pop-up's

Vermouth Blog Post by Amy of Social Creative Workshops

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

We are speaking with Coach Mindy Lee Irvine about fueling our Mind, Body & Spirit.   Each of us has our own journey with body positivity and esteem.  Sometimes there is struggle, sometimes there is confidence.   This is part 2 of a 2 part series, (See Episode 33 for  lessons on fueling our bodies and making the right healthy lifestyle decisions  for you).    Today's conversation focus is on fueling our mind and cultivating our mindset health.

Coach Mindy is a Nutrition, Mindset and Self Development coach focusing on helping women learn to fuel their bodies, achieve their goals and find health and fitness for all the areas of their lives.   This can include nutrition, mindset and personal coaching.

In this episode we discuss mind training tools available to us, how we make better tracks or "folds" for healthier neuropathways,  and good habits for  combating negative thoughts or self sabotage.   Mindy walks us through real examples and scenarios of taking control of our thoughts when faced with anxiety or stressful situations (4 f's: fight, flight, freeze, fawn).  She finishes our conversation asking us to identify our own anchor statement of truth.

 
Coach Mindy Lee : @coachmindylee , [email protected]

Emotional Agility
Positive Intelligence: http://positiveintelligence.com

You Tube : How to Heal Trauma & Destroy Negative Thoughts (Dr Rahul Jandial)

Coach Mindy will be joining us with further tips and teaching at our Freedom Movement event on May 7.   If you are local to Seattle, I highly encourage you to come.

Register Here:  Freedom Movement

Freedom Movement is an annual, progressive experience featuring movement, connection, silent disco, and support of local makers.  It speaks to the heart of women needing to renew, reset, and remind themselves of the vigor and beauty they hold on their interior and exterior.  Our experience celebrates freedom and beauty found in all women.  We boldly embrace vulnerable, brave steps toward whole-self confidence and body confidence.  

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

We are speaking with Coach Mindy Lee Irvine about fueling our Mind, Body & Spirit.   Each of us has our own journey with body positivity and esteem.  Sometimes there is struggle, sometimes there is confidence.   Over our body's history, it may change from factors such as physicality, genetics, emotion, stress, hormones, age progression, medication, life markers,  societal and cultural pressures, and the list goes on.  This is a 2 part series, starting with lessons on fueling our bodies and making the right healthy lifestyle decisions  for you. (not for anyone else) 

Coach Mindy is a Nutrition, Mindset and Self Development coach focusing on helping women learn to fuel their bodies, achieve their goals and find health and fitness for all the areas of their lives.   This can include nutrition, mindset and personal coaching.

In this episode we discuss body comparison, fueling our bodies, relationships with nutrition and body health, and thin privilege.    Coach Mindy provides us with thoughtful perspectives and tools as we aim to set up habits for a healthy lifestyle-not just change the number on the scale or pair of jeans.

Coach Mindy Lee : @coachmindylee
Emotional Agility
Positive Intelligence: http://positiveintelligence.com


Coach Mindy will be joining us with further tips and teaching at our Freedom Movement event on May 7.   If you are local to Seattle, I highly encourage you to come.

Register Here:  Freedom Movement

Freedom Movement is an annual, progressive experience featuring movement, connection, silent disco, and support of local makers.  It speaks to the heart of women needing to renew, reset, and remind themselves of the vigor and beauty they hold on their interior and exterior.  Our experience celebrates freedom and beauty found in all women.  We boldly embrace vulnerable, brave steps toward whole-self confidence and body confidence. 

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

This is the story of 3 women, with different bodies, and different life experiences, coming together to get real...and naked.  Real naked.

Have you ever been to a Korean Spa (or some European Spa) that *surprise* encourages (or requires) dropping your robe?   It is the most terrifying, exhilerating and liberating feeling.    I, personally, cannot recommend it enough.   While the trepidation has decreased over the years, it still exists-and maybe is part of the brave therapeutic process of being comfortable in your own skin.  Even celebrating, and admiring your own skin-and the perfectly imperfect bodies around you.

Listen in to 3 women describe their own experiences from a recent visit together.  Hours and hours of blissful spa talk, therapy, and insight has been put into a 35 minute conversation.  It is worth your time to listen.   

Hear our perspective and decide if you should bravely dip your toes in the blissful, confident waters. (Naked, of course)


Olympus Spa

Articles on Naked Spa:
Seattle Refined
Seattle Magazine

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

Is that right?
Yep.   

This is another wave of my personal reflection story, as I figured out the  "mind, body, spirit" relationship layers of pain and beauty.   

And, yes, Naked Spa-which was a part of my brave therapy to feeling confident in my own skin during a time of extreme self consciousness-especially around the people who knew me the most.

In this episode I speak about the investigative work I did surrounding mindset, body image, self esteem, and emotional behavior. They are all deeply connected.  As I healed, I processed and learned.  I found "buoys" to help me survive, let go of things that didn't suit me and battled against self sabotage and "lies of attack".

I set up the framework of several conversations to come, which dive  deeper into mindset, body positivity, self esteem, and the reciprocity of internal/external beauty.

I speak to the real life example of going to Olympus Spa, a Korean spa,  where being naked is a natural part of the therapeutic experience.   It can be a very freeing experience, but also a very intimidating one-especially if you are already feeling insecure in your own skin.   Ultimately, this is a place where all bodies are admired equally-celebrating each scar, shape, size, or life stage.   There is a sense of unity and ease; which makes exposing your truth in the form of nakedness all worth the scary dis-robing.

Olympus Spa https://olympusspa.com/
Positive Intelligence
Project Stress Relief
How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole; Brené Brown & Susan Cain.
 Unlocking Us Podcast

See Social Creative Conversations Bonus : Episode 32- The Naked Truth

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

Sometimes the hardest struggles in life unveil the most beauty and rich truth.  This is the case in my life, and especially most recently in the last year.  

Like you, I have had my body change over the years.  I've seen it change and re-arrange due to hormones, progression of age, medical symptoms or side-effects, exercise exertion,  pregnancies, you name it!     I've lost hair,  gained scars, added weight, blurred vision,  limped from aches, swollen from treatments, and the list goes on.   Mostly, I've been able to journey through the transitions, accepting the new reflections. Processing as time ticked on.   I've been able to gracefully behold the changes in beauty and find renewed self confidence with each crease, crack, and crevasse.

Beauty: is defined in the dictionary as a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. 

What happens when you can't see it?   What happens when you can't see it in you?   What happens when you reject the beauty others see in you?

This podcast episode lightly explores the deep excavation that occurred in me over the last several months, regarding the word "beauty".   Because of a steroid treatment, meant to heal my body,   I looked in the mirror and only saw a shell of myself.  I did not see beauty.  I did not see me.  I struggled with my body image, my self confidence, my understanding and definition of beauty.   I could not receive affirmation, nor see a beautiful spirit struggling in sorrow-which I was, both.

This is the first of many conversations to come regarding women's body confidence, our identity in beauty, the learnings and un-learnings we have over a lifetime-from the perceptions from childhood to the lived experience of adulthood.

This is my story.  Only my story.  It is truth from my experience, which may not be yours.  I am sharing to learn and grow along side you, and to esteem ourselves together.

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

Meet Sara Upshaw, owner and team lead at OHSUN Banchan in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood.    Her Korean deli & cafe has been getting quite the buzz, and all well deserved!   While Sara is known in the food industry for her Korean flavors ( see her blog Kimchi Halfie and her authored cookbook,"Korean Barbecue at Home"), she has recently overcome hurdle after hurdle from opening a restaurant in a city struggling to recover post pandemic style.

Hear Sara share about how,  despite the delays and hurdles, she's managed to express her passion for people and food through the art of Korean banchan.    She brings forward so many incredible flavors and recipes, thanks to the inspiration of her culture and dear Halmoni (grandmother, Oh Sun Pak, whom the deli is named after).   Not only that, her food is 100% gluten free-a rarity gem find for any Korean food or plant based, gluten-free eater!  Score!

Listen to her speak to her corporate turned restauranteur dream come true-and the community that came around her, fueling her to serve the same to them for as long as she can.

Thanks to OHSUN for hosting Social Creative Workshops at one of our Culture Club dinners.  A stellar private event for hungry diners from over 14 neighborhoods all looking to celebrate Asian culture and food from a woman owned, local restaurant with tasty Banchan ! 

Go, visit and enjoy OHSUN!  Tell her Amy sent you :)

OHSUN Banchan Deli & Cafe: www.ohsunbanchan.com
Instagram: @ohsunbanchan

Kimchi Halfie: @kimchihalfie

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

Meet the donut froster, insurance clerk, software engineer, small business owner. (Oh, and also, mother, wife, friend, joke maker, and trauma survivor).  She is all things, as many women who live a full life's journey are. 

Welcome Linda Takano, owner of thriving candle (and shower steamer) company Lulumière Shop.   During our episode she shares the highs and lows of her story-both personally and professionally.  Listen in as she describes her how her experience walking through personal loss and trauma gently unfolded the company she now owns and manages.   She speaks to her healing process, the greater story behind lighting a candle, and the "piece of her" that is put into each and every candle she makes.   

Learn how Lulumière got started-all from one single candle gift to console a grieving soul.   For her, one single candle turned into wholesale orders, markets, and her own shop. It's not just a candle made, or purchased, it is a vessel to heal hearts or celebrate milestones, or meet you in whatever feelings you hold.   

Lulumière Shop : https://lulumiere.com/
Instagram: @lulumière

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops

 I first heard Jessica Gallo playing alongside another harpist on a dark, rainy winter night in December.  It was my first sound bath experience, and it did not disappoint.   It was at the height of a very low time for me, and I was feeling a deep need in my body for calm and stillness-almost hibernation?

Jessica is a professional musician, and a Certified Music Practitioner.  She creates beautiful environments for people to relax their body, unlace tension and stress, and receive healing balm through harp music.   Her work can be seen during the day at hospice clinics, and Critical Care and Oncology Units at local hospitals.

Music is an important balm for something that can't be cured, but can be healed for a time . It helps us process feelings and sort through emotion.  It can have a positive physical reaction towards healing.
In this episode we talk about the beauty of music as a tool for healing.   
Listen in as she speaks to the difference of CMP vs Music Therapist, the relationship of practitioner to patient during a time of suffering, creating space for a sound bath, and some suggestions for calming music to speak directly to our whole bodies-soul, spirit, mind, senses. 

Not Quite Classical, Spotify
Chasing the Present,  by Snorri Hallgrímsson
Music for Growing Flowers, Erland Cooper

SOCIAL CREATIVE : SENSORY EXPERIENCE
BE STILL featuring Jessica Gallo

February 25, 2023 | Saturday | 6:00pm
Hosted at Lulumiére Shop

Experience a created space of beauty, melodic sounds of music and warmth of candlelight. Both part of a ritualistic stillness that provides healing to body, soul, mind, and spirit. Guests enjoy the hospitality of Lulumière Shop, and enjoy private harp sound bath by CMP (Certified Music Practitioner) Jessica Gallo.
Guests experience the hospitality and nurturing spirit of Lulumière Shop, then enjoy a peaceful harp sound bath featuring a variety of musical selections, both familiar and soft ambient by professional musician and CMP (Certified Music Practitioner) Jessica Gallo.  Set your intention, and let the music move your body and mind posture away from stress  and into still.

Each guest recieves a personally selected candle from Lulumière's PRISMA Collection.

Register HERE : www.wearesocialcreative.com

Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations Podcast
Amy Vallejo | founder, co-collaborator
[email protected]
www.wearesocialcreative.com
@socialcreativeworkshops