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: @seattlecathedralSpír Candle Co. : Web: https://www.spircandleco.com/   Instagram: @spircandlecoTwo Feet Project : https://www.twofeetproject.org/Social Creative Workshops: Summer SocialTiki + Trivia Night, Register at : Tiki + TriviaSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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_beautyPurchase Online or Pop-up'sVermouth Blog Post by Amy of Social Creative WorkshopsSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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 , mindyleeirvine@gmail.comEmotional AgilityPositive Intelligence: http://positiveintelligence.comYou 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 MovementFreedom 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 PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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 : @coachmindyleeEmotional AgilityPositive Intelligence: http://positiveintelligence.comCoach 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 MovementFreedom 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 PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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 SpaArticles on Naked Spa:Seattle RefinedSeattle MagazineSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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 IntelligenceProject Stress ReliefHow Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole; Brené Brown & Susan Cain. Unlocking Us PodcastSee Social Creative Conversations Bonus : Episode 32- The Naked TruthSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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 PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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.comInstagram: @ohsunbanchanKimchi Halfie: @kimchihalfieSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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: @lulumièreSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.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, SpotifyChasing the Present,  by Snorri HallgrímssonMusic for Growing Flowers, Erland CooperSOCIAL CREATIVE : SENSORY EXPERIENCEBE STILL featuring Jessica GalloFebruary 25, 2023 | Saturday | 6:00pm Hosted at Lulumiére ShopExperience 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.comSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

This isn't the first time I've had to come back to self.   It's not the first time I lost me, fell deep in a hole or felt like a shell of myself.  Not the first time I've had to fight my way back, reorganize priorities to heal, or depend on others to function.  Whether postpartum, or craniotomy, or chronic health diagnosis, or ...the latest blip in my story that ran for 6 months (and counting) starting summer of 2022.What do you do when you've been faced with crisis or chronic (health, relationship,  life, etc) conditions, leading or adding to the trauma ( the person's emotional response to a/some distressing experiences) that you are already trying to work through?     How do you feel when "it happens again"?  How do you cope when the freedom you know is yanked away suddenly, then dripped back to resuscitate a limp to life self, then jerked away again?  What do you do when your faith is entirely rocked, you walk the stages of grief out loud, and realize this time is worse than the first time because it is excavating places in you that still need to heal.You pause.   You ask for help.  You take the help.You experience suffering.You experience expressions of  joy.You bare the hot mess that you are.You ask others to pray, because you just can't.  And won't.You stop all outside movement, to focus on the immediate in order to heal.You wait, and grieve, and purge, and rely, and rest, and heal, and question, and learn, and receive so that when you are ready you can feel inspired again and move forward.You realize that you were there before, and you may be again, and again.This life is a full journey of heart-ache+heart-swell, ash+beauty, grey+color, joy+pain.I'm finally coming back to myself, and this is my short recap on where I was, where I am, and where I'd like to go.    This ordinary person, living an extraordinary life.Welome Season 3.Welcome You.Welcome to the Conversation.Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

Listen in on this powerful conversation, but also bring your eyes.   Sit down, go for a walk, or get your hands in the dirt while you give yourself the spaciousness to slow down and see beauty, and the colors of beauty.   I had the opportunity to speak with Lorene Edwards Forkner, of A Handmade Garden, about her life as a horticulturist and horticolorist , her love of art, gardening, and the tenderness she learned for herself and others during the writing of her 5th book, Color In and Out of the Garden.  This book was written from a deep place of suffering, but also from a personal processing of love and loss, and love again.   Through a ritual called, The 100 Day Project, Lorene put brush to page as she narrated the color of the natural world using watercolor, mostly to mark the days of healing.   These color studies because a personal journal of beauty from ashes, which also aided many others through their own set of grief and pain.   Lorene's deep sense of color intuition, art background, and attention to detail have been posted for over 4 years as you can see in her Instagram posts, but also collected in postcards, prints, and the newly published book.  Her events, speaking appearances, and workshops can be found at A Handmade Garden.We are eager to learn from Lorene at our Day Away experience in May, and set our pace to slow observation and appreciation allowing our eyes to see the beauty in even the smallest things.  A Handmade Garden https://ahandmadegarden.comInstagram: @gardenercookBooks: Color In and Out of the GardenEuell GibbonsSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

There's a magical farm on Bainbridge Island that lives by the slogan "Your food has a story".   I love this adage because I think there is always more than meets the eye.   Any great experience will tell you that.   This charming, historic farmhouse delivers the story from the gardens, the farmers,  the farm to table community dinners, their CSA boxes, and the onsite bakery.  Many hands and hearts caring about guest and ground.  Let's meet the husband and wife duo, Tad & Tifanie Mitsui,  who own and run Heyday Farm. Both vibrant in food and hospitality, these born and raised Bainbridgers love the community and believe that simple food is beautiful food.  Sustainability and nourishment in our food systems should be increased and shared just as family farms did back in their heydays.They delight guests through all kinds of experiences, whether it a wine-maker dinner, wedding, community dinner or a retreat (just like our day retreat, Day Away!)So excited to be with them for Day Away on May 22.  It's a time to dis-connect in order to re-connect.  The best gift of a thoughtfully planned day meant to spoil you with goodness including food, creativity, nature, beauty, hand-crafted wares, & like-minded women is ready for you.     We will have a long table meal enjoying the food and wine from Heyday, and you'll even get to interact in the chef garden by picking some of the table elements.Heyday is the perfect escape to be a destination, but close enough to make it easy!Find out more details & register here:  DAY AWAYHeyday Farm website:  https://heydayfarm.comHeyday Farm Instagram: @heyday.farminfo@heydayfarm.com Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

I never knew I had so many questions about cherries.  Not just any cherries.  Plump local cherries, hand-plucked from a local orchard and bathed in a proper, traditional Italian recipe of maraschino (maraskeeno) liqueur.   Sought after cherries for any craft cocktail enthusiast.   I am, of course, speaking of Orasella Maraschino Cherries -a beloved favorite for most bartenders, bars and food & wine shops.  Anne SanGiovanni, the co-founder and owner, speaks to the evolution of Orasella-a journey that required well over 250 lbs of cherries to find the perfect finish to a cocktail.  Learn the proper distinction of your Shirley Temple cherry vs the honorable Maraschino that Orasella produces.   Hear the story of how it all began-2  working moms who sought each other's company while enjoying a creative outlet. Both seeking quiet from the chaos, saddled up at a bar one night, doing their R&D,  sipping cocktails thinking, "This drink is good, but...."      Listen in as Anne shares the learnings, trials, and victories of starting from scratch and establishing a well known brand for any sophisticated sipper.She also shares her tips for some local establishments slinging some of the best food & bev!  Orasella's one of my go to resources for thoughtful, intriguing cocktail recipes-hands down,Don't forget- Orasella is gifting a jar to one lucky guest at our April 28 event!Hope you're the lucky one.Orasella Maraschino Cherries: www.orasella.com, @orasellacherryMentioned:Sol LiquorSea Creatures, BarnacleRob RoyFinch & PineDeLaurentisSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

Find a place that exudes comfort, style, and neighborhood feels and you'll be set.  Find the local place that offers impeccable wine, food, coffee, and the warmth of familiar faces and smiles and you'll never want to leave.   Then, add Jen Doak, the owner and queen of hospitality, for the cherry on top.   I'm speaking of Seattle's charming neighborhood gastro-pub, Brimmer & Heeltap, which has expanded it's corner spot to include Red Arrow Coffee and Half Seas Wine club & bottle shop.     So, everything you need in one beautiful location.Join me in this conversation with Jen as we chat about everything from her love for the community, support of the Ballard Food Bank, extensive wine & hospitality background, necessary pivots during a hard 2 years and the desire to focus on the fun.  Times were tricky, and we don't have to make it hard.  I like this philosophy.She shared her favorite books, movie, answered great questions sent in by our Social Creative audience, and spilled the beans on some of her best pranks (apparently she's quite the prankster).JOIN US APRIL 28, 2022 @ 6:30 pm for a Spring dinner at Brimmer & Heeltap's outdoor dining space.This is your opportunity to get to know Jen more at the table, sip on delicious beverages, taste Spring's bounty, and connect with women in conversation and fun.    Thanks to Orasella Maraschino cherries for participating-someone will be leaving with a jar full of yumminess.Register today!   www.wearesocialcreative.comBrimmer & Heeltap : https://www.brimmerandheeltap.com   @brimmerandheeltapRed Arrow Coffee: https://www.redarrowcoffee.com   @redarrowcoffeeHalf Seas Wine Club & Bottle Shop: https://www.halfseaswine.com @halfseaswineBooks Mentioned:  (we recommend purchasing from local bookstores, if you can) Night Boat to Tangier, Wild Edge of Sorrow, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsMovies:  Jen- Life is Beautiful, Amy- Pretty In PinkSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

Seattle's El Gaucho Steakhouse is a long time upscale dining staple, or as they call it " fine dining of a bygone era".    The tuxedoed staff, the table side flambé'd desserts,  the dimly lit intimate seating, and the soft trickle of the piano keys set the stage for a luxurious dining experience that feels like you were transported right back into the nostalgically swanky rat pack era.    Theirs is a place for fancy celebration or to make an moment worthy of an occasion.    Such longevity of service and attention to detail has garnered them a high platform to speak to the art of hospitality and what truly matters most in it; the people.       From their family-like employee atmosphere to the level of attention they put into each guest experience, people are at the root of everything they do.    The art of hospitality is as important while dining for happy hour, an elegant milestone meal, or receiving a to-go box at home.  Listen to Anna Lee, El Gaucho Seattle's event director, speak to the core of hospitality for them and the challenging pivots made during a pandemic while launching the open of a moved restaurant location.    Hear the trials and survival that so many restaurants face(d) and the challenges to meet expectations for their guests.El Gaucho has been a special part of my personal story for the last 10 years. An unusual symbol of celebrating life.  You'll hear some excerpts of a toast I gave during a celebration of a 10 year milestone, calling us to live life now-don't wait to celebrate occasions.     I encourage people to say the things that matter, notice the character traits that carry weight and share what we admire.    Thanks to El Gaucho and the Fire & Vine Hospitality Group for their collaboration in Galentine's Soirée 2022.    To see all the details of Galentine's and El Gaucho's generous participation, click the link HERE: https://www.wearesocialcreative.com/galentinesdaysoireeFor more information or to visit El Gaucho:El Gaucho Steakhouse : https://elgaucho.comEl Gaucho Instagram: @elgauchosteakhouseFire & Vine Hospitality: https://www.fireandvinehospitality.comSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

I guess we ended Season 1? Ha.   Consider our last 3 months a long intermission before Season 2.For the last few months, we took an abrupt pause to get through the roller coaster that comes with sudden medical news.   This rolled right into an epic metaphorical and literal sacred journey on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, then ended with a radiation treatment to kill off the tumor that came back after 10 years.   (thankful for best case scenario modern medicine and much smaller tumor size this time around).Basically, we took a much needed break to focus on "first things first".    We all have to do this.Listen in as Amy shares a little about the last 3 months and what is coming.So, now what...Well, we miss gathering.     We are gearing up for more experiences through Social Creative Workshops-including our new recurring opportunity to meet people In Real Life!     Hear more about it, and also the live Instagrams we'll plan with WE: the makers where we talk in real time to real makers doing really cool things!And, we have more conversations coming for this platform!   Excited to connect us through this medium and talk about the things we find hard, exciting, intriguing, and true to our actual feelings-not the made up ones the world around us may be perceiving.Can't wait to dive in together in 2022.Social Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

Meet sibling duo Ashley Rodriguez and Chris Baron.  Two creative entrepreneurs blazing their own industry trails; but, together, they found a more rugged outdoor trail to discover and invite others to join them as they forage, cook, and share stories along the way.   You know Ashely from her well known cooking blog, Not Without Salt.  She's authored two cookbooks, Date Night In and Let's Stay In, and there is a third in the works!  She's featured in several publications, and guest chef's at many experience dinners-including collaborations with Social Creative Workshops.   Chris Baron is an award winning filmmaker and owner of Baron Visuals, whose talent through directing and cinematography has been featured on documentaries such as Food Inc and series, Intervention. Kitchen Unnecessary started cooking food over a fire at a family camping trip.   A delicious idea of sharing the beauty and accessibility of outdoor cooking as seen thru their eyes and taught through adventures with their incredible guests along the way.   Listen in to the utter silliness (true family flavor) and passionate drive of these two storytellers.   They weave food, people, and nature into visually beautiful and delicious conversation shared with the community thru their web series and podcast.   For more information on Kitchen Unnecessary:Kitchen Unnecessary Website: https://www.kitchenunnecessary.comKitchen Unnecessary Podcast: https://www.kitchenunnecessary.com/podcastKitchen Unnecessary Social Media: @kitchenunnecessaryAshley has been long time supporter and collaborator with Social Creative Workshops.  We are excited to have her, once again, showcase her talents as she demo's and shares small bites  at The Freedom Movement on August 10 at Seattle's Dunn Gardens.To join, register Here: Freedom MovementSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

Yes, I said exposing.   That's how I feel right now.  This could be one of my most vulnerable episodes, and I dragged another Enneagram 8 into the mix.  Solidarity.    Thanks to London Tierney from Particle Goods, you get a real look into some of the healthy and unhealthy behavior tendencies on an Enneagram 8.    We talk about everything from the struggle to carve out white space,  our trust issues, and how we'd much prefer the "rip the bandaid off" method over "beat around the bush".       Despite our tough, often big and confident personalities, we're vulnerable and fighting insecurities just like the rest.  And we're really tender momma bears who would fight to the death for you.   (if we trust you, that is.  we are suspicious...so bare with us.)Maybe this resonates?   Our whole goal is to grow deeper with each other and ourselves. We want to find the healthy self who can celebrate the strengths and learn from the 'less than positive' behavior tendencies.    Thanks to London for joining me in this conversation.   "Hey London, wanna join me for a bonus episode where we expose ourselves and our unhealthy 8-ness, share the blunt truths, and laugh at how silly our thought process can be?"        She said yes, just like a true E8 would.(And, once we come out of hiding, if you see us at a party....we promise we're not judging your niceness.  Maybe.)Book Resource:   The Road Back to You.Other Great Resources: RHETI Test, The Enneagram Institute The Sacred EnneagramEnneagram and CoffeeActual EnneagramSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops

London Tierney has a story to tell through each fragrance she develops.    It's personal and steeped in reflection and ritual.    Particle Goods shares a journey of finding healing, creating whitespace, and cherishing nostalgic places and spaces through every candle, incense cone or perfume put out in the world.   Scent is a powerful tool. It has the ability to transform a mood, prepare your body,  and set a tone for your home.Particle Goods is a small batch candle company located in Seattle and appreciated everywhere.    London is an experienced entrepreneur and creative.   In this episode we dive into everything from how scent has been stereotyped, to pandemic pivots and recent growth strategies including her latest addition as a seller at Seattle's famed Pike Place Market.  You may even hear us laughing (and wincing) as we share our struggles and strengths as Enneagram 8's.    Yes,  that's right.   The strong 8's got vulnerable.   And, you can hear more tears of laughter and deep reflection in our BONUS EPISODE (E18) following this one.  If you are an E8W7 or E8W9, this one might have some places of resonation for you.Grateful to have Particle Goods partnering with us again for our Freedom Movement on August 10.   See all the details, sign up and meet her in person.  She really is as cool as she sounds.London will help us discover the transformative power of scent, and select a custom perfume to go home with.  (btw: my fave is MESA)For more information on Particle Goods:Particle Goods website: www.particlegoods.comParticle Goods instagram: @particlegoodsSocial Creative Workshops | Social Creative Conversations PodcastAmy Vallejo | founder, co-collaboratorwearesocialcreativeworkshops@gmail.comwww.wearesocialcreative.com@socialcreativeworkshops