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Interview with Erika Broom, local Witch & up and coming author....

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

                               Erika

Previously an Empowerment Boudoir Photographer, lovely Erika and Gaia chatted about her personal evolution, and where she is directing her creative energy these days....

Gaia: Erika Broom, such a pleasure to be interviewing one of my favourite local witches with such an appropriate last name (lol). Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

 Erika: I was born and raised in Regina, SK and lived there up until I moved to the Nelson area in September of 2022 after dreaming of moving to BC for what feels like my whole life. I’m so grateful to be able to call this area home, I love the slower pace of life that I’ve been realigning to. Having the woods and the river just a short walk from my front door is such a breath of fresh air compared to the busy and dusty main street I used to live on in the city. Moving out here has really brought to my attention how disconnected I’d become from nature and as a result, myself.

I love being outside in my garden. I’ve been eagerly exploring a newer interest of mine, foraging and mushroom hunting. Nothing fills me with more joy than slapping the top of a mushroom or finding a new plant to identify. I also have two cats, Ember and Aldous, who have a bit of an adventurous spirit themselves and they love roaming around our property on their harnesses with us. Ember’s favourite thing to do is chase grasshoppers while Aldous is much more interested in just eating the grass around our yard.

Gaia: You have many talents and interests, and we know photography is one of your passions! How did you get into photography?

Erika: I have always had a creative spirit and I first found an appreciation for film photography. In my early twenties I bought my first “toy” camera - a Diana F+ plastic camera that took 120 roll film. I quickly fell in love with the soft and dreamy aesthetic of the plastic lens in that camera and started to experiment with different types of film, light leaks, and cross-processing. I loved to photograph old abandoned buildings and farmhouses and used to explore all over rural Saskatchewan photographing anything that caught my eye.

After graduating from a two year diploma program at Sask Polytechnic I started my own photography business, mostly photography for weddings but eventually I found the Boudoir and Empowerment genre and fell in love. Over the next fifteen years I grew that business to become one of the busiest Boudoir and Empowerment studios in Regina and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to empower so many clients along the way.

                                Erika

Gaia: You no longer offer boudoir ‘Empowerment session’ photoshoots and you have made some big career & personal changes over the last year. Can you tell us a little bit about that and why you have made the shift?

Erika: Once we moved to BC and the dust started to settle, I ran face-first into the worst period of burnout I’ve ever experienced. I had been burning the candle at both ends running my photography studio for years and stepping into a new market with an empty photoshoot calendar ground things to the much-needed halt that I didn’t know I needed.

I’m fortunate that I have a partner that had the capacity to support us both while I tumbled headfirst down a really weird journey of questioning everything, while feeling like even the most basic tasks were impossible. Over the next eight months I slowly realized that the direction my life had been hurtling forward at was different than what I really wanted. Something told me that if I wanted to make a change in my career and my life path, that this was the perfect time to do it.

So, in a completely unexpected turn of events I closed my photography studio and accepted a job offer at a cannabis processing facility. They say that the stone Moldavite will “f*** up ya life” and push anything not meant for you away while making room for the things that align. After all the changes in my life since I started wearing my Moldavite daily in 2021 I really feel like this new path is a culmination of that.

So, these days I can be found gowned up in a lab coat and hairnet, rose coloured glasses perched on my nose, and packaging some of the most beautiful craft cannabis the Kootenays has to offer. I’m also still taking photographs but now my lens is focused on sparkly crystal-covered bud instead of naked butts.

                          Erika

Gaia: You shared with us that you are writing a book. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

Erika: I’m currently working on writing my first book, a memoir - which is something I’d been actively avoiding starting on for years. I am writing about my six-year relationship with my transgender long-distance ex-wife. I hope to speak about her transition from my perspective and the impact it had on not only our long-distance relationship, but my outlook on life.  I hope that by sharing my story I can help others who are going through the same situation that I did. Maybe one day you’ll see it on the shelves of Gaia Rising?! 😉

Gaia: Can you tell us about the spiritual impact and evolution you went through in your relationship with your ex-wife?

Erika: I think that my relationship with her caused my spiritual growth to be stunted. Our relationship had a lot of emotionally abusive elements to it and I felt ashamed and embarrassed of my spirituality and tucked them away and didn’t talk about them for many years. She would often make jokes about fearing me turning her into a frog and I’ll be honest, there were some days when I wished I had that kind of power!

The night she came out to me as transgender sent me down a path of questioning everything that I thought I knew about myself. I stayed with her as she transitioned and as a result questioned my own sexuality. I’ve called myself a lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and many other labels in the past but these days I just settle on “queer”.

I didn’t return to my spirituality until I cautiously expressed my interest to my current partner and after receiving nothing but positive encouragement (and many gifts of tarot decks and crystals since then) I dove back in and reconnected with that part of myself. It feels so good to be back!

Gaia: Are you finding in writing your memoir, that certain feelings still come up for you when reflecting on that relationship? Or are you at a place in your life where it is more of an objective experience?

Erika: I would say it’s a bit of both. I’m fortunate that I have been able to see a therapist regularly since that relationship ended and I credit that work to my ability to finally sit down and start to put words to paper and talk about this experience.

I spent so many years after our divorce only remembering all the bad aspects of our relationship. Going through old journals that I wrote during our time together has reminded me of the good times we had, too. It’s made my heart miss the love I had for her, but it’s also given me the opportunity to grieve for my past self. After our divorce I fell into a deep depression and just felt numbed out. As a result of that I didn’t grieve while it was happening. Having the chance to grieve as I write, years later, has felt like another piece of my healing journey.

                                Erika

Gaia: On the topic of spiritual practices, do you mind sharing about some of yours?

Erika: I love spending time in the woods and the river by my house, it feels very grounding and like a coming home of sorts. Aside from that, every morning I sit down at my altar and connect with the elements and my spirit guides before pulling my daily tarot card or three. I then put on my jewelry for the day, each piece I wear with intention, and each piece has a special meaning to me. Every new and full moon I pull a card for myself and my partner and we reflect on the things we need to let go of, or what we want to bring more of into our lives in the coming weeks.

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Erika: I’ve always been drawn to plants and using them as medicine has really changed my life in a lot of positive ways over the last few years. I would love to learn more about herbalism and incorporate that more into my daily life. I have really fallen into the practice of yoga to move my body and feel more grounded, but I would love to learn more about the philosophy behind it.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Erika: My last year has brought me a significant change in my path. After over 30 years of living in my hometown I uprooted the business I’d been building for over a decade and moved out to live in the Kootenays with my partner. We’d been talking about doing so for many years and we knew we needed to do it now or we might never work up the courage to do it. It felt like a giant leap of faith and in the process, I’ve learned a lot about myself, like how much I was pushing myself past my limit living the busy entrepreneur life in the city. A life that I wasn’t built for. I’ve had to learn to slow down and listen to my body as I recovered from my long-overdue burnout.

During that time, I also had to grow through the grief of losing my familiar of 17 years, my beautiful labradorite-eyed cat, Storm. I’d had her since she was a kitten and we grew up together, she was right there by my side through a lot of hard times in my teenage years and young adulthood. Moving through the grief of losing the bond we had has taught me so much about life and love and the impermanence of it all. I’m still grieving the loss of her, but I carry her ashes with me in a labradorite necklace that I wear almost every day. The refractive nature of labradorite always reminds me of the way her blue-green eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Erika: In 2023 I want to lean more into slowness which has always been difficult for me. I’ve been in a cycle of fight or flight for most of my life and that’s a hard habit to break. I want to get away from the idea that one has to be busy all the time, or “hustle”. Hustle culture is what led to my burnout and that’s not a pattern I’d like to keep repeating. By leaning into slowness I hope to invite my creativity back in. I want to get back to making more art through my photographs, through painting, and with things  available in nature like spore prints with mushrooms or pressing leaves. I hope that will lead to a stronger connection with myself and my place in this world.

                          Erika

Gaia: What is your sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your moon and ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

Erika: My sun sign is Taurus, and I would definitely describe myself as the typical stubborn Taurus, it’s usually my way or the highway and once I’ve made my mind up on something it’s hard to get me to budge on it! I find a lot of comfort in consistency and routine, so relocating out here kind of threw me into a bit of a tailspin until I finally landed on my feet and started to find a new routine that worked for me.

My moon sign is Capricorn and I would say that comes out in my personality as being reserved when someone first meets me and it can take me some time to open up to people. I have a huge heart but I tend to guard it maybe a little too much.

My Rising sign is Sagittarius and I’d say that reflects with my optimism and warm and friendly personality. I wouldn’t say that I’m necessarily outgoing (I’m shy to a fault in most situations) but once you get to know me and I open up it’s hard to get me to stop talking!

                            Erika

Gaia: Where can we find more information about your writing and artwork?

Erika: You can follow me on Instagram or Tiktok where I post updates on my writing process, my artistic experiments, and spam my stories with photos of my cats and my garden.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tua.the.witch/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tua.the.witch

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Erika: Chime candles! I always seem to run out of them. A new cat-themed tarot deck, and definitely a pretty ring that just happened to catch my eye that day. A couple of astrology books (I’d love to learn more) and of course a new crystal or ten.

 

 

 

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Interview with Evelyn Clare, prolific Nelson Psychic!

Posted on July 03, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

                              Evelyn

Evelyn Clare is a prolific Psychic Reader who has been in the Nelson area for around 50 years! 

 "A reading with Evelyn is like nothing else. Like being caught in a beautiful flurry of a snow storm; snow and wind whirling all around you, but also being able to  see a very clear path full of light. Information comes through her seamlessly and quickly. When sitting with Evelyn, I could FEEL all of the messages from my guides, higher self & direct connection to the universe speak to me. I didn't just hear the words coming through her, I could FEEL the movement in my heart. I felt a deeply needed shift inside of me. To move into the next level of growth internally. At a time of great change in my life & simply needing to hear that I am loved by the celestial energies (and beyond!!) that care about me, I cannot speak more highly of Evelyn. The funniest part was that I had heard SO many beautiful accounts about her throughout my late teens and early adult life... I had been wanting a session with her for probably about 10 years, but it never seemed to line up. Then one day it came, as a gift. Evelyn is extremely special, gifted, spirited, humble & connected. I know anyone choosing to work with her will benefit greatly from their experience." - Dannika Soukoroff (Gaia Rising)

Gaia: Evelyn!!! I am so excited to learn more about you... please tell us about yourself :)

Evelyn: I was born in Southern California and I am a 4th generation Reader from my father's side. He was Welsh through and through. He became a seeker when he had an out of body experience at 7 climbing around a castle in Wales. 

Gaia: Would you say that you have always been a spiritual person or attracted to spirituality?

Evelyn: Yes, I would say so, definitely. My father's interest in the occult influenced me. He had many books on the topics of mediumship, out of body experiences, children remembering their former lifetimes and family members.

Gaia: What is one of your earliest spiritual experiences that you can remember?

Evelyn: I was always able to discern subtle energies. The most impactful experience I had was when one day, my dad told me that my ancestors would be bringing me roses. And, sure enough, one day the scent of roses was very powerful in our house where no roses were physically present. This was a gift just for me, no one else could smell them. My Mum took us camping all the time, and it was in the forests that I could sense the Fae. At age 19 I was at the London Psychical Society. One of the tests there was what they called "proof of mediumship". I was in a little chapel with pews and the fellow demonstrating asked anyone whom the Spirits called on, to raise their voice in acknowledgement to keep the vibrations high for contact. Now, you have to understand I was extremely shy back then and I thought, “Whew, I’m ok I don’t know any dead ancestors” Well, what I hadn’t counted on was that they knew me! I remember their message to this day; they said “Evelyn, Jump! We are holding the reins.” Imagine how helpful that was!

                                        Evelyn

Gaia: Did you ever feel shame or reservation around your spiritual gifts?

Evelyn: I did feel somewhat reticent to talk about my gift until I found others who were similarly gifted. Then it was like, ok, I found my people and we started doing readings for each other.

Gaia: How would you describe the kind of work that you do?

Evelyn: My sense of the work that I do is to take the role of reporter. Once our Higher Selves are connected then it is my job to report all that I see and hear. I cannot edit because if I try, the flow discontinues. There have been times when I did not really want to pass on the message, but I quickly learned that the person receiving the reading knew what it meant and they were grateful for the words.

Gaia: What are some archetypes or expressions of the divine you are presently working with that are in resonance with you?

Evelyn: I recently finished a course with Margaurite Rigolioso with the Divine Feminine Oracle style readings. Since then, the Guidance has been quite different; more focused on female self-care and purpose.

Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?

Evelyn: I love being in Nature, that is a primary spiritual practice, out in the woods, in the garden or by water are marvelous places to meditate and appreciate our connection to Nature.

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Evelyn: Yes, I am currently working with Pamela Montgomery in her course on Co-Creative Partnership with Nature. We work a lot with reciprocity, energy hygiene, ritual, and Nature Spirits.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Evelyn: One big change in my life is that I am retired from my “day-job” and can spend more time outdoors and on other spiritual pursuits. Also, I have been blessed with another grandchild!

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Evelyn: I’m delighted to have more time to give energy readings. I have been a reader for over 30 years and I notice that most people reach out when they are at a crossroads in their lives. A report from our Higher Selves is so helpful during those times of uncertainty. Another idea I am toying with is, due to the years I spent teaching children dance, drama, and clowning is to create a Mystery School for children.

Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your services?

Evelyn: Right now, just my phone contact, I do have someone working on a website, but it is incomplete. So 250.505.7761.

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Evelyn: Ha! Right now, on my wish list is a new deck called Celtic Spirit Oracle cards.

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Artist Ted Wallace launches Wayfarer Tarot at Gaia Rising with local Tarot Reader Gerald Panio!

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

 We are SO excited to be hosting Ted Wallace at Gaia Rising on

Monday, June 19th from 6pm-8pm!

Ted will be launching his Wayfarer Tarot deck which was created from his full sized paintings of the major arcana through his artistic interpretation.

We will be showing some of Ted's full sized paintings at the shop.

Also on this evening, we will have tarot expert Gerald Panio, offering complimentary drop in tarot readings with Ted's major arcana deck.

Hope to see you there while we celebrate this momentous launch!

                          Ted Wallace

Ted Wallace is an artist and retired art teacher living on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. Ted has shown his work in the Nelson area for more than 30 years.  Besides teaching high school  in Crawford Bay Ted held many adult workshops about Intuitive Painting in the Nelson area.  Ted primarily paints his inner landscape; tapping into dreams, intuition and his subconscious. The Tarot Cards were an interesting challenge. Gerald Panio supplied notes on the traditions of each card and his insights from his years of study.  From there, Ted spent a few days sketching and writing; watching for what story and images would rise to the surface. Painting each card took a week or 2 in the studio. It was a challenging and engaging project that brought a variety of insights and emotions. The overwhelming feeling is gratitude for being pulled along into such a deep and thoughtful project full of fascination and joy.

Learn more about Ted and his art CLICK HERE--> http://tedwallaceart.com/

Gerald

"I’ve been fascinated by Tarot history, symbolism, art, and reading since the time, back in the early 1970s, when my best friend in high school gave me a 1JJ Swiss deck. I’ve collected some 60 decks over the years, and used almost all of them in readings for charity fundraisers. I don’t think I’ve got a psychic
bone in my body, but I’ve always admired the Tarot’s embrace of all of the archetypes that underlie our dreams, our spiritual quests, and the stories we tell. It’s a window that looks out on an endless number of landscapes. And as decks such as the Peanuts Tarot and the Pulp Tarot prove, it also has a great sense
of humor." - Gerald Panio

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Meet Jamie from Haydaul Tattoo!

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

              Haydaul

Jamie is a very talented local tattoo artist, who is also one of our most beloved friends. She has tattooed nearly everyone who works at Gaia Rising (LOL)!

Gaia: Jamie! We are so happy to be interviewing you. Tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you!

Jamie: I am among the few born and raised Nelsonites that still live here and have a thriving business. After graduating from LVR, I took my Esthetics course at Selkirk and moved to Calgary. I practiced in a major salon/spa before deciding that that line of work was not for me - and neither was Calgary. I returned to Nelson, taking a complete left turn and began working for Selkirk Paving (SPL). After three years, and too many stories to retell, I returned to esthetics, deciding to open Haydaul Esthetics and offer a variety of services in the off season months and pave in the summer. Once I opened my own space, though, and started to thrive, I made the difficult decision to leave SPL and pursue Haydaul full time. 

Gaia: Tell us about your first tattoo!

Jamie: It’s a deer skull, on my back, with my last name under it. I got it when I was 18, and it’s something I now would like to cover up, only because I want a full back piece. I put my last name under it to give the piece meaning, because at the time, I felt like tattoos had to have some special meaning. (I don’t feel that way anymore. I think that the meaning of a tattoo can be as simple as I like the way it looks and I want it to be art on my body). Now I want my whole back done as a cohesive piece so, it’s time is limited. If I could go back in time I’d still get it, but probably not on my back. At 18 I hadn’t really thought about what, long term, my tattoo style would be. 

                  Haydaul

Gaia: And how did you get into tattooing?

Jamie: It all started with me getting my brows done. I had them microbladed in Kelowna, BC by the most amazing brow technician. I loved how they looked and how they made me feel when I looked at myself. Through conversations with my technician, I discovered how lucrative brows could be and decided to take the course to start offering Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing.  Once I started offering brows, I was also able to offer mini tattoos since my brow machine was a very delicate smaller version of a tattoo machine. Because the brow machine is designed to semi permanently tattoo fine lines that look like hair, the first tattoos I offered were similarly delicate and small. Which was fantastic for my business because super tiny tattoos were about to have their moment. From those early days of mini tattoos, it became obvious that people wanted tattoos and wanted me as an artist. I think the space that I offer and hold for people is a major draw and I have many repeat clients. It wasn’t long before I upgraded my machine and ultimately rebranded Haydaul as a tattoo shop.

Gaia: Tell us a little bit more about your interests and hobbies?

Jamie: When I’m not working on new art or tattooing myself, I release stress by lifting weights, redesigning my living space and tending to my growing jungle of indoor plants. Interior design is a passion and it seems like every few months (sometimes weeks) I feel compelled to redesign my home space, whether it be moving furniture in my bedroom or completely turning my living room space upside down to find the ultimate balance between comfort and style. I love cooking, especially Mexican food, and trying out new recipes that I often make myself. Makeup and skin care are also a passion of mine. I love treating myself to at home facials and will take any chance I can get to do my makeup and dress up. Expressing my personal style is probably my most favorite way of expressing myself.

                            haydaul

Gaia: Do you consider yourself to be a spiritual person?

Jamie: I feel called to Tarot and Astrology, learning more about myself through learning more about the two practices. I have a few different Tarot Decks but there is one I feel quite connected to (purchased at Gaia Rising). Whenever I am feeling stuck, or maybe just need some outer validation on a decision, I shuffle the cards. I am an Aries Sun, Aries Moon and Aquarius rising. I am creative and fiery, very independent, my emotions are incredibly strong/big thanks to that massive Aries influence. 

I still haven’t landed on one specific thing that I believe in, other than that the power lies within all of us to manifest what we want in life. If we dwell on the past and negative experiences, we welcome those more readily into our lives. If we focus on the present and positive, we’ll bring more of that into being. I also believe in the flow of energy and connecting to other people through energy. Some have called me a witch, and that’s okay with me. 

Gaia: What would you like to grow about yourself in 2023? 

Jamie: In 2023, I would like to connect more with other artists and grow my network. I love working on my own, but I recognize the great power of community, not only with the opportunities that they can provide insofar as learning about tattooing and the artistry, but also just being around other people with my interests and goals. I realized this last year when I attended the Calgary Tattoo & Arts Festival that I really enjoyed the experience of being part of the body modification community. I hope to attend multiple tattoo conventions this year and to make even more connections with other artists. 

                           Laureen

Gaia: What is the most challenging part about your job?

Jamie: People. Seriously, dealing with people in any job is difficult. I think for me, dealing with people that aren’t really knowledgeable about the tattooing process or what is possible. So a big part of my job is educating people on what is and isn't possible, such as how much detail can go into what size of tattoo. Or as an artist, I really do have a strong idea of what will look good and where and in what orientation. At the same time, people are the best thing about my job. Connecting with people and giving them a piece of art that they can carry around with them for the rest of their lives, is really personal and beautiful, no matter how serious the tattoo may be. 

 

Gaia: What would be in your basket at Gaia Rising?

 

Jamie: I would have all the crystals in my basket. Probably a new Tarot deck, some jewelry, especially the rings, more incense and bath salts. Anything that smells good or looks pretty (so everything in the store).

                              Haydaul

 You can find Jamie on her Instagram page @

https://instagram.com/haydaul.tattoo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

Posted in

Interview with Jeremie from the Men in Tubs calendar

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

                            Jeremie

We had the pleasure of interviewing Jeremie, the creator of the local

Men in Tubs calendar!

Gaia: Hello Jeremie! We are so excited to learn more about you and your Men in Tubs calendar! Tell us a bit more about yourself!

Jeremie: I grew up in Gatineau, QC. During my school years I was a kid with low self-esteem, especially around girls but I was fairly good at sports. I was really bored in High school, and I believe that lead me to smoke weed every day from 16.5 to 19 years old. At 20 years old I moved to Mont-Tremblant QC, which is the “Whistler” of the east coast and that gave me a breath of fresh air. From there, I migrated to the West Kootenays where I’ve now been for the past 14 years. Lots of tree planting, snowboarding, and partying.

Gaia: How did the Men in Tubs calendar come to be?

Jeremie: In 2014 I fractured my left patella snowboarding. That lead me to stop the cycle I was caught in. From there I made a commitment to learn about myself so that I could make better decisions in my life. The following winter, I experienced depression and started to learn about a plant medicine called Ayahuasca. I then went to Peru to attend a 12-day full transformational retreat. During my Ayahuasca retreat, I learned 4 things that impacted me.

First, I realized that I have been running away from my problems my whole life.

Second, I learned that I had a deep belief of being a loser.

Third, if I am wrong, I have the power to change it.

Fourth, being scared and feeling resistance means that there's something of value for me hiding behind the fear and resistance. That what I am scared about is something important for me to explore. And that I need to go towards that which I fear to give my life greater meaning.

So, when I came back to Canada from the trip, I asked myself “What am I the most afraid to do in my life right now?”

The answer was to go to photography school and that’s what I did. During the school year, my friend sent me a photo of him in a clawfoot tub and instantly got inspired to create a dudes in tub calendar!

It took me 3 years after studying photography to gather enough gear and the courage to create the first calendar.

Gaia: Why Men in tubs? What is the significance about tubs being the main theme in all of your photos in the calendars?

Jeremie: The original idea of why I wanted to do this was because I thought it would be a hilarious concept. Then it evolved into a fully realized body of work! To me this is an expression of art that combines creativity and vulnerability. 

 15% from each calendar sold will be donated to organizations that help with mental health with the biggest donation to The Mankind Project and Nelson Community Services.”

Gaia: Why did you choose to focus on the discussion and support of mental health over other causes?

Jeremie: My life got better when I started to pay attention to my well-being, and I know how much I benefitted from various groups and services support that I utilized. So I want to give back and help others on their journey!

Gaia: These calendars are so much fun! For myself I find the most exciting part about the calendar is seeing who will be featured in them and if I know and connect to the person in our little community. Do you find that you generally have confident men that are open and willing to express themselves through these photographs or do you find that they become more open within the experience and space that you provide them?

Jeremie: Some men are very open to being photographed naked. I would say that most of them are experiencing some level of fear while simultaneously  experiencing bravery or courage.

Gaia: What are 4 of the photos you find that you connect to most when you think of it off of the top of your head? 

    1. Burton Flats, BC, Self-Portrait, Jeremie Jalapeno, April 2021

  • Wilson creek Waterfall with Byron, May 2021.

   2. Hume Hotel, Ryan Martin, March 2023

  • Burton Flats, BC, Self-Portrait, Jeremie Jalapeno, April 2021

   Hume Hotel, Ryan Martin, March 2023

  • Hume Hotel, Ryan Martin, March 2023

    White Crow Farm, Madrone, September 2022

  • White Crow Farm, Madrone, September 2022

Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?

Jeremie: I am part of a Men Circle in Nelson. I am involved with the Mankind Project.

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Jeremie: I want to learn how to merge photography and healing.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Jeremie: This past year I have made a lot of mistakes and repeated mistakes. Painful progression, sometimes feels like there’s no progression. I just need to remember that progress isn’t immediate.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Jeremie: To dream, to plan, to take action, to grow love and pride for myself.

Gaia: What is your sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your moon and ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

Jeremie: Aries Sun, Scorpio Moon and yes I feel resonance with both of them!

Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your products and or services?

Jeremie: 

www.menintubscalendar.com

https://www.instagram.com/menintubscalendar/

https://www.instagram.com/jalapenovision/

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Jeremie: Books, incense and our calendar :D !

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Interview with Maeya from Vivid Abyss Body Piercing!

Posted on May 05, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

                Vivid
"This is an interview that I am extremely excited about and proud to share! Maeya, started with us at Gaia already about 2 years ago, and in her time here she has opened her own piercing studio down on Front street with Haydaul Tattoo, called Vivid Abyss Body Piercing! An unbridled, determined, motivated and smart young business woman, Maeya is an excellent piercer who is dedicated to providing safe piercing to anyone wanting to add a little sparkle to their features! We are so proud of her. Being able to be a witness to her businesses' growth and personal growth, is a special honour that I hold dear to my heart as her Manager, friend & client! Maeya has given me about 9 piercings... and counting.... she is very professional & very good at what she does. I can't recommend her enough!" - Dannika Soukoroff (Gaia Rising).
Gaia: Maeya, why don't you introduce yourself for these lovely people?
Maeya: I am one of the lucky few people in Nelson that had the actual pleasure of growing up here! I grew up loving arts and sports as every kid, but I was always weirdly drawn to body modifications and things that would gross out the average kid and even most adults. Funny enough, I was and still am terrified of needles (the medical kind) but for some reason cuts, scrapes, burns, piercings and tattoos have never bothered me. Being in school was never something I enjoyed and over all I was a pretty lonely kid, this led to lots of practice on myself in my younger years. To say the least I have plenty of bad tattoos and piercings from homemade tattoo machines, sewing needles and safety pins. In my spare time I see live music, collect vinyl, visit with friends and family and sleep as much as possible.
Gaia: What was the first piercing you got?

Maeya: As most folks the first piercing I got was with a gun at a young age, right in the ear lobes. Shortly after that I started piercing myself in all different super unsafe ways, but hey now it’s a career so I must have been doing something right!

Gaia: What made you want to become a piercer?

Maeya: I had wanted to be a piercer since I knew what piercing was really. I remember seeing my cool older cousin covered in tattoos and piercings with these super big gauged ears, and to my mothers' dismay I couldn’t wait to look like her. The other experience that really inspired me was seeing the local piercers in my area being bad ass empowered women having the same look I wanted to!

                           Vivid

Gaia: What is it that you like so much about body piercing and body jewelry?

Maeya: The reason I pierce is the same reason I get piercings, helping people love themselves and their bodies. I think self expression is so important and powerful, having a sparkle on your body in a place that you don’t necessarily love can really help you embrace yourself. Not to mention that it looks killer to be all covered in holes. I also love the parts that most people cringe at, the blood, flesh and gore is fascinating to me, learning how bodies work and respond is so fun!

Gaia: What is your favourite piercing to give someone?

Maeya: Personally, I love a good old fashioned eye brow piercing, they are timeless and bad ass. However, nipples are the most fun technically speaking, they are all different and instill so much confidence!

Gaia: What is your least favourite piercing to give someone?

Maeya: Unpopular opinion here, I don’t like septum piercings. Noses and or septums on humans can be so crooked and it is sometimes hard to tell a client that their piercing might not sit perfectly. Septum piercings have to be done sitting up as well which means that clients don’t have back support to keep them from moving, if they jump when the piercing is being done it can go through crooked and also end up sticking me in the hand. This means I get to go get tests A through Z, for someone with needle phobia this sucks plain and simple. 

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Maeya: Yes! 100%, I want to know all the stuff about all the things. I love tarot and witchcraft and would love to be more well versed in the arts!

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Maeya: I would love to be less of a “workaholic” and take at least one day off a week! It is hard to take time off when you absolutely love what you do, but down time is important and it is something I am working towards.

                               Maeyanostril

Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your services?

Maeya: My website for sure! You can reach out to me directly by email, Instagram, Facebook and the contact button at https://www.vividabyssbodypiercing.com

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Maeya: Well being an employee at Gaia Rising, I actually have a huge bag behind the counter filled with things I plan to purchase… so long story short, everything?

                                 

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Interview with Emery & Opal, Montreal based jewelry company!

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Dannika Soukoroff

 

                                Emery & Opal

Emery & Opal is a Canadian, women owned & operated jewelry company that we broke into over the last couple of years! Stocking beautiful pieces from (but not limited to) their Tarot, Astrological & Birth Month lines, Emery & Opal create beautiful, simple & high quality jewelry. There is a piece for everyone in their line of gold filled & gold plated earrings, rings & necklaces!

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Gaia: Hello Emery & Opal!! Such a pleasure to be interviewing you. Can you tell us, who you are and a little bit about yourselves?

Emery & Opal: We’re Amanda and Tiffany, sisters, best friends, and founders of E&O! We’ve been making jewelry since we were little kids, selling friendship bracelets to all the other kids on the block! We always knew that we wanted to work together when we grew up. Through school, jobs and raising a family we kept pushing towards the dream of running our small business and leaving our full-time jobs.

Gaia: What prompted you two to start a jewelry business?

Emery & Opal: (Amanda) I have always been fascinated with making jewelry. It’s my calling in life. We spent the better part of our teenage and young adult lives going to school and trying to get a conventional job. We both found that wasn't the path for us. A little over 12 years ago we needed a way to raise money for a breast cancer walk we were doing. By making bracelets and selling them we were able to raise $2000! We started posting the bracelets on Etsy and soon enough started selling them! Slowly we started adding more and more pieces and through patience and consistent hard work we were able to grow the company into what it is today.

                              E & O

Gaia: How did you come up with your name ‘Emery & Opal’?

Emery & Opal: Emery, representing the May birthstone, symbolizes the month Emery and Opal was born. Opal, the October birthstone, holds a special place in our hearts, representing our late grandmother, Beatrice. Her spirit is the driving force behind our success. She was the hardest working woman we knew, showing us that women are strong, independent, and can accomplish anything.

Gaia: What prompted you to have jewelry pieces in your line that are inspired by spiritual themes, for example the Astrological & Tarot necklaces?

Emery & Opal: It comes from being exposed to these spiritual ideas as children. Our grandmother was very superstitious, we liked to call her a kitchen witch and she would often heal and fortify us with her many homemade concoctions and remedies. Our aunt was very into astrology and tarot reading. She bought us many astrology books, after which we became obsessed with guessing people’s zodiac signs, which is something we still do to this day!

Gaia: What are your favorite pieces of jewelry that you produce?

Emery & Opal: I love making custom items for customers. Creating something meaningful that I know they will carry with them and that has the ability to evoke an emotional response and connection.

                                    E & O

Gaia: Do you consider yourselves spiritual?

Emery & Opal: We do! Like the vast majority of people today we consider ourselves spiritual but not specifically religious.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Tiff: I took a lot of time to heal old wounds and focused on doing what’s best for a happy life. Getting rid of negativity in my life.

Amanda: I’ve learned that in many ways I’ve been repressing my true feelings and who I really am for a long time. I’m slowly learning to express my true inner being more authentically and fearlessly.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Emery & Opal: We have both have the same goal for the year!  Letting go of our fears. We’re so controlled by the 'what ifs'. We both want to let go of the fear, follow our intuition and be ok with where we end up. Mistakes will be made and that’s ok!

Gaia: What is your sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your moon and ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

                      E & O

Amanda: Sun Sign is Capricorn – I 100% relate to my Capricorn sign! I’m a very hard worker who is ambitious. My favorite Capricorn fact is that we age in reverse. I was a workaholic child/teen but now I have much more of a work/life balance! I think I laugh more now than I did as a kid. My Moon Sign is Scorpio and Rising is Cancer – Yes, I have so many deep emotions! Sometimes I feel the internal battle between the emotional water signs and the stable earth sign.

Tiffany: Sun Sign is Virgo – I’m a Virgo through and through! I’m organized, practical and very creative! My Moon Sign is Taurus and Rising is Capricorn. I absolutely relate! I love all things aesthetically pleasing. My Capricorn rising makes me seem cold and rigid and then people get to know me and are like, wow, you’re actually a very nice person.

You can find a large selection of beautiful items by Emery & Opal at
Gaia Rising!

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