emileewilson - Tumblr blog

[emileewilson]

THE G WORD

 I wrote this blog months ago. It’s time to share my story and some exciting news! I’m re-branding my business to include herbal education, workshops, and more! The entrepreneurial journey has been fun for me as I grow and expand my offerings. I am so happy to offer skincare and beauty services, but my practice has evolved into so much more. The following true story is told from my heart and I hope you’ll embrace my new brand with enthusiasm and support.  This is my story from Gypsy Skin Spa to Wild N Rooted. 

 It has been brought to my attention recently that a word exists. This word is part of our English language and our cosmology. This word has many meanings, it is powerful, controversial, and mysterious.

 Gypsy.

 Some people believe it to be a racial slur, others believe it to be a lifestyle and some have no idea what the word is, means, where it comes from, how to say it, or even care. You can see where this may cause some issues and concerns. Due to its controversial nature, I used it once, but will refrain from using it moving forward out of respect for those reading this who deem it offensive.

 This is my story and how I birthed my lifestyle brand in 2015. This word resonates with me deeply in a very authentic way. It is an expression of my being.  After being attacked online and accused of being a racist, I strongly felt the need to tell my story. I want to talk about it. This dilemma, this idea, this age of offending is an opportunity for education and to begin co-creating a high vibe around the label.

 You see, our English language is convoluted in historical accounts that many of us didn’t even know existed. For instance, the word “Bucket List” actually comes from hanging someone by “kicking the bucket” out from beneath them before they die. Did you know that Hooligans are associated with the Irish? Vandals, the Germans? The G word are associated with the ethnic group, Roma or Romany, who immigrated into parts of Eastern Europe. The locals thought they were from Egypt or Egyptian (hence gyp) which we now know as they begin to have a voice in literature and other cultural affairs. They identify with Roma, Romani, Romany, or Rroma. I’m what you call a European Mutt, which is essentially a dog mixed with who knows what and I don’t like it very much. Alas, society has deemed that description appropriate.

 My focus is on the positive aspects of the G word discussion and how we can use it to free the people under this guise, not slander them. More importantly, that we stop grouping people together and/or generalizing, stereotyping subgroups of people or minorities in the first place.  There are good people and bad people. Period. There are all types of different people in this world. I mean, there are ALOT of us!  We have different ideas, perspectives, opinions, customs, foods, languages, fashions, economics, currency, status, religions, and experiences. This all happens simultaneously as life spirals along, upwards and outwards.

  My personal story regarding this particular identity began when I was 30 years old, also known as my Saturn Return, when the walls around me would literally come crashing down. My roommates and I were residing in Marina Del Rey, CA and we all lived peaceful, independent lives. A large development company purchased the property and our landlord told us to vacate. During this time, I also lost my job and couldn’t afford to pay my bills. A dance troupe that I created and adored fell apart at the seams and my Grandmother passed away. I went on unemployment and moved back in with my parents. Welcome to the Boomerang Generation.

 Although grateful for this landing, it was uncomfortable. I got a part time job in a small salon, but my business couldn’t thrive without clientele.  Soon enough, I decided to go back to College in Fullerton and soon I found myself back in Los Angeles living in West Hollywood. This was an interesting time. I had ditched an abusive boyfriend, my car was broken into, very important documents like college homework and documentary drafts were stolen. I was drunk most of the time falling into a deep state of depression. I had also discovered Ayahuasca as a medicine, something that would change my life in the most extraordinary way.

 Still to come at 32 years old, I was forced to file Bankruptcy, the banks wouldn’t accept my income loss or life changes. Eventually, I found another spa in Redondo Beach, CA and moved into a room with the generous Persian couple who owned it. A month later, I met a nice Indian man in Hawthorne and I rented a room from him. He was a single father with a daughter and a gorgeous white Shepherd named Bella. To supplement my income, I began working as a cocktail waitress while developing my clientele. No more than 3 months later, the restaurant folded. My inappropriate employer kept my last paycheck and I wasn’t making enough money at the spa to live on my own. I moved back to Culver City with my Aunt and shared a room with a friend. I lived there for, you guessed it, about 3 months. During this time, I was able to get another part time job in Santa Monica at a small spa called Petite Spa with a lot of potential, as well as taking up an offer to work for a high- profile ticket broker in Huntington Beach. This led me to a short stint in Orange County. I even got a third job working part time at another day spa. Less than 3 months later, I was fired from the office job and so I quit the esthetic job and moved back to Los Angeles. I found a small studio in Mar Vista, CA. One room, no kitchen, and it became my sacred space for 2 years.

 With hardly anything, but a strong will and a humbled spirit, my private practice as an Esthetician and Herbalist was born. The journey was already under way.

 In 2016 I studied in New York with a wise, old woman named Susun Weed, a Witch. All five of her apprentices were not allowed to say the word “guy.” It was unacceptable around her and she would only accept “Gaia” instead. It was difficult to change my habitual language, but eventually I started to remember. I admired how she created her reality, yet I feared her verbal abuse. Ironic eh? I lived on her land for two weeks and was initiated as a Green Witch, polishing my toe green as the final induction. The Washington Post wrote a great article about the word “guy” and its origins. Although now common language, the Oxford English Dictionary defines it as a “person of grotesque appearance.” When I came back to L.A, I began noticing how many people said “Guy” when referring to myself and women. It really bothered me. I attempted to correct them several times, then held my tongue, then it became plain awkward. Nobody cared. It was a construct. Once I realized my offenders never intended to insult or hurt me, I stopped physically hearing it. I can’t even remember the last time. I know they’re saying it, but I just can’t hear them.  The origin of “guy” has become a fun fact in Etymology. Now it means “a man or woman.” It’s amazing how our language morphs, twists and turns, along with history, experiences and ideologies.  

 Why am I telling you my life story? Well, because it all has to do with the G word. With all of that being said, we are still in a predicament because the G word is STILL used as a derogatory ethnic slur in other parts of the world.  In this very moment. In fact, people all over the world continue to oppress minorities and entire countries still deny genocides and documented accounts of massive human extermination. This pains my heart so. I dream of a peaceful planet where all cultures can learn from one another, respecting the language, food, music, fashion, art, and religious views. May we all migrate toward our tribes. This is a tall order; however, THIS is my focus, not how the G word has dubious meanings around the globe. My work is to continue finding my truth, my voice, and stand up for what I believe in. Of course, my writings and teachings are a part of this. I believe in service to the people, empowering women and leaving the world a cleaner place. It’s that simple.

 There is freedom and oppression within the G word. It has become an archetype. At age 3, my mother chose this as my costume on Halloween, dressing me in a gold scarf, bright red lipstick, blush and hoop earrings (clip on of course!). Let us think about it as an archetype. Like Witch, Faerie, Crone, Goddess, and Bitch, all those that we have reclaimed.  Allow for the good, the bad, and the ugly. I don’t subscribe to living in a paradigm that even allows for racism. Using the word racist and race separates us more than it holds us. I think that for people in the U.S, the G word conjures up feelings of traveling, romance, fashion, mystery, a free spirit, natural living, family, and determination. The irony and most painful part of this archetype is that one group of people on one side of the world felt and feel offended by it, and the other groups in the West have gained wild open-hearted freedom from it. We must ponder as a society, no matter where we were in the past, we are here today and need to continue moving forward together. We cannot suspend each other in the past. As my Mentor once said, “It’s ok to look into the rear-view mirror every once in a while, but you can’t drive the car that way.”  

 I consistently check myself and tune into my energy. When I’m feeling off, I have to take a deep breath and move it into a higher vibration. Living in society with different people has its challenges, but I believe it is our human right to feel happy and free no matter what our circumstances. I wish this upon all cultures. Instead of accepting a slur from the oppressors, the people of Romany are in a great position to reclaim themselves. Let us embrace the real G word and may they come into the light. Let the women tell their stories, entering into evolution. My prayer is that we release the word into the ethers and let peace fall upon the land of the aggrieving. My highest belief about this is that we are one human race thriving together on Planet Earth.

 So here we are back in my studio apartment. I knew exactly what I had to do. I had to create work for myself, with my own two hands. I had to discover my passion, my gifts, and share them with the world. I had to learn from other women and I also promised myself I would stay in one place as long as I could. Humbled by my life on the road, I was finally feeling confident, independent, and free once again. I began embracing my call to the wild, to ceremony, Paganism, the plants, and natural healing methods, reading books, apprenticing, and attending workshops. I studied myself. I studied others. Along with the Magician, The G word was becoming a strong presence in my life.  I still receive gifts to this day that represent G word magic.

What I did not know until recently is that the Romany are STILL being oppressed in Eastern Europe and the G Word is not a nice word at all.

I interviewed a couple Roma men that I found online. I interviewed Romany women who use the term in their business brand. They told me that the prejudices are still occurring against them. They all said they are not personally offended by the word, but warned that others may be. As a woman of mixed European descent, I am always searching for cultural traditions that I can call my own. I grew up with a small family and little tradition.  This is partly why I am so drawn to the archetype and the lifestyle, one that allows me freedom, contrary to what others feel the G word means.  

 I am a privledged white woman. I will use my voice to help others in need. I will continue to lead by example. I am a Lover. I am a Magician. I am a Manifestor. I am not an oppressor. I am not a racist. I AM wild and rooted.

 The Archetype that I felt would continue to represent my journey, my dream, and my passion was Gypsy (oops I said it), but after months of pondering the last three years of my life in the herbal world and reading historical accounts of this word and how misused it has been, it has left a rather bitter taste on my lips. I have decided to evolve myself, my name, and my brand to include more herbal knowledge, medicine making skills, and workshops. A name that I feel will bring the people together. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Things really do happen for a reason and sometimes buttons get pushed for a higher purpose. I will be launching a new website soon so stay tuned!!! I created a name that represents my most divine constitution. A name that is not controversial, or offensive, but one that remains powerful and meaningful to me. I belong to no one.  

 I AM WildNRooted!!  

Emilee Amara

Holistic Facials, Herbalist

[emileewilson]

Japanese Dream

I will admit that I am not the best blogger. I originally began to write as a way of sharing information, but more importantly as we rewrite our memories we absorb more and therefore, remember.

Soon after I started this blog journey online, I became reliant on the images of  the fast and furious pages of Instagram and the insta-contact to my followers. Here is the truth, It remains true to this day. I write for me. I continue this platform for anyone willing to read and who may be interested in similar things, but I am writing to remember and to hold onto this Japanese dream for as long as I can.

Konichiwa!

Now, let us get into it then. I recently traveled to the country of Japan, the land of the rising sun. It was my very first time in Asia and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and veritably, I was impressed. Their cultural aura is very clean, organized, and considerate. The toilet system is impeccable and the bullet train, better known as the Shinkansen, is the epitome of The King Fisher bird and illustrates biomimicry at its finest. I was thrilled to be traveling over 300 km in an hour several times a day. I travelled three times farther in less time than I ever have on the 405 in Los Angeles. Opportunity costs less in Japan and that was my best realization.

Itinerary: 3  nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in the Japan Alps, and last night in Lake Kawaguchi to view Mt. Fuji.



They utilize space. They are not wasteful. They have water. My client told me recently she was shunned for crossing her legs on the subway because it takes up more room. You must sit up straight at all times and mind your manners. That is, unless you are elderly, disabled, pregnant or nursing. Then you get the first seats on the train, they are reserved just for you. The Japanese have rules and they are meant to be followed. Unlike New Yorkers, there isn’t much honking or crossing the street unless the walk sign is on. 

So, where do I begin? How about with the 55,000 yen Sushi dinner? That would be about $510 USD. Don’t worry, it was well worth it.  We were a little late for our reservation and it was only a 10 seat bar to start so it felt a bit like royalty to be the only couple served and then stared at while we ate. Every 7-10 minutes, we were given fresh, thoughtful, and creative dishes. Made by hand, one by one, several courses came throughout the night while we Mmm’d and Omm’d. The ocean chooses what you eat in Japan and she is very generous with her gifts. We humbly accepted all of them, except the Cuddle fish. Don’t eat the cuddle fish. 

Going to a funky robot restaurant in the red light district of Shinjuku, walking through the Shibuya Crossing and shopping in Harajuku were all great expereinces in Tokyo. I have never seen so many people in there own head at one time. Nothing connected them except for the ground they were walking on. Each one of them on their phones, or following the path of least resistance, they were determined to get to where they were going. On occasion, we would see colleagues who knew each other exchange bows incessantly. I like the bowing. It reminded me of an evolved way of kissing the ground. How humble of them to show such respect in public. Bowing is acceptable, kissing not so much.

We took a walking tour of Ueno and saw our first temples tucked away in the old district. Shrines, Pagodas, and cemeteries proliferate the entire country. We went to the zoo and saw animals we had never seen before and then cooled off in the grand Tokyo National Museum and viewed historical prints, utensils, scrolls, swords, kimonos, and statues. We walked a lot on this particular day. 

Onward to Kyoto, a smaller village South of Tokyo in the center of Japan. The poplulation here is 1.4 million, nothing compared to the nearly 14 million people in the Tokyo capital. We could feel the decrease in activity and it was nice to settle down a bit. Long days of walking lie ahead and in fact the first night in Kyoto, we overslep our nap and missed dinner. We poured wine at 11 pm when we woke up and ate Snickers and snacks among a few other treats we found stashed in our suitcases. The following morning, we took a day trip to Nara. This was a highlight for me as I got to mingle with about 1200 deer roaming free in the vast park. To witness deer up close is a gift in itself, but to also interact with them is an entirely sweet experience. You can purchase “biscuits” for them and trust me, they know why you are there. To feed them and then feed them again and again and again. I even saw deer bowing their heads for treats and can only imagine that after all these years of such close human interaction, they have been trained to take on this trait. Astounding. We saw one of the largest bronze Buddha statutes here and back in the village of Kyoto, we did some biking around the city and along the Path of Philosophy. It was here that my my gifted me with this vintage Kimono blouse that I will absolutely treasure forever.



My most memorable  part of the entire trip was hiking the Japan Alps. We started at the Shinhotaka Ropeway in Takayama, Nagano. We landed in the snow and hiked to the top of the mountain. Then we made our way switchbacking down the other side through snow. Sometimes when it was too steep, we decided to slide, safely of course. Down, down, we went into the dangers of melting snow into rock and finally we made it to the bottom to a quaint basin village called Kamikochi. There wasn’t much to do there, but have a well deserved Kirin and smoked fish snacks.



Upon arrival by bus back at Shinsanzo, our traditional Japanese Inn called a Ryokan, we promptly undressed and melted into our privately reserved sulfur laden hot spring, known as an onsen. Our onsen was conveniently situated along the raging waters of the Hida river. My beloved and I truly felt like we had died and gone to Heaven. The landscape was surreal, the sound of tranquility abound, and I swear the leaves on the trees above me were flirting with us. We had incredible meals gracefully served to us that weekend and I finally feel confident about which slippers to wear indoors, outdoors, and in the detached bathroom. That is three kinds of slippers if you didn’t catch that. Oh, and they only have one size for everyone so if you have Flinstone feet like my Beloved, you may be subject to laughter with pointed fingers and an Iphone in the direction of your toes. Ah yes, this particular experience seemed to be the most authentic way of re-enacting the mountaineering Japanese life in the old country, when life was about resting in Earths hot waters,  exploring upward, eating well, and making love.

 I highly recommend touring this country. It was clean, efficient, kind, and there are so so many things to do. If in fact you are reading this now, chances are that I may have updated and edited this journal by now. Why? Because I want to remember each and every second of my adventures in Japan. What a beautiful and diverse world that we live in.



Last, but not least, I need to give an incredibly enourmous, reverential THANK YOU and ARIGATO to Mr. Shant Minas, my partner in crime, the man who took me on this pleasure filled vacation and satisfied my wild hearts desire. As the utterly intelligent geologist that he is, he took the land  into his own hands while I followed his lead. He read maps (like a real man), asked for directions when needed (like a real man), hailed taxi cabs (like a real man), and carried my heavy luggage. (you know the saying by now) I am so grateful for his efforts, his patience, and his ability to stay with me for 24/7, 10 days in a row without pushing me in front of the bullet train. From the bottom of my heart, Shant Minas, you have enriched my life, inspired my soul, and I love you with all my Gypsy Heart.



Yours truly, The Gypsy Emilee

Shopping , fish markets, parks, temples, bike rides, Ryokans, Japan Alps, Onsens, Sushi, Sake, Geishas, Kabuki, Kirin, Fugi, Toto, bullet trains,

Shopping fish markets parks temples bike rides Ryokans Japan Alps Onsens Sushi Sake Geishas Kabuki Kirin Fugi Toto bullet trains

[emileewilson]

I dream of this .. #amberlighting #wood #cutouts #spadecor #zanzibar #mydream #itspins #heavenlight #woodcarving #home #spa #reflections #art #lighting #cornerpocket as always ! Holding it down :) 🌟

[emileewilson]

How do you get your #magnesium? Food? Supplements? How about #transdermal #lotion.. 😍 I'm excited to #massage this gel into my clients #face and #shoulders today. Apply liberally anywhere you have tension or pain. #rawrevelations #cellular #natural #facials #holistic #esthetics #gypsyskin #skincare

[emileewilson]

I love how my client has absolutely NO makeup on in the second photo:) Only #lashperm and #lashtint! #gorgeous #lashes #lashlift #lashesfordays #dollylash #beforeandafter #petitespa #prettylashes #lashlove #esthetics

[emileewilson]

Full Moon in Virgo! Haay! ...had an awesome women's meditation with a strong circle of #females and I'm feeling lighter. #fullmoon #meditation #breathe #release #meetthegoddess #invoke #womb #sacredspace #ovulation #women #femininedivine #letitgo #letlovein #moondays #virgo #courage and shoutout to @iamhaizehawkerosen for the beautiful facilitation and holding a safe container for us to work. Thank you! 🌝🌹🙏🏼💞🌝

[emileewilson]

Turning my textbook into a #coloringbook! #plants #nettle #sacredserpent #wisewoman #herbalist #susunweed #healingwise #books #wellness #holistic #plantmedicine ..I should probably save this task for the plane😜🍀🐍

[emileewilson]

#WitchesBrew #nettle #dandelion #purplecarrot #turmeric #onion #bonebroth #seasonofthewitch #witchinkitchen #soup #medicine

[emileewilson]

#dancingdragons! This #music is still stuck in my head! So much fun last night in #Chinatown at the #temple. #yearofthefiremonkey🔥🐒 #chinesenewyear #newmoon

[emileewilson]

Stinging Nettle Recipe

As I embark on the journey to learn the Wise Woman Tradition, I also feel the urge to share some of the valuable information coming to me. Herbalist, Susun Weed will be my mentor this Spring and I’ve been reading several of her books and learning more about medicine in the form of food and herbs. Plant medicine is to be respected, much like our bodies, in regards to what we allow inside of our being. I decided to set up healthy boundaries recently as to what I ingest, knowing that it will affect me, my spirit, and my health. In my opinion, almost everything affects our skin, being the largest organ and all. You truly are what you eat and nutrition is so important to remaining beautiful on the inside and out.

I switched to organic about a year ago and do my best to eat only organic. Sometimes I can’t help the fact that my mother puts a regular ol’ #4 produce onion in with the pot roast. I will still eat it. How could I not? However, tomatoes and greens are truly best when organic and once you’ve had food in this way, it becomes medicine, nourishing your millions of cells that are rotating, shedding, and moving around every minute of every day. As an esthetician, I’m always interested in foods that benefit the hair, skin, and nails!

This small story is my take on a bizarre beauty food that is slowing moving into the limelight.

Along with herbs such as Burdock, Red Clover, and Red Raspberry leaves, comes the potent Stinging Nettle. This mighty green leaf is chocked full of nutrients, trace minerals, vitamins, and calcium.   It can be used anywhere you would use spinach and is several times more powerful and delicious! My mother recently told me that she bought a bunch of Stinging Nettle for me from the Farmers Market in San Diego. I was so excited to meet this plant as I’ve read and heard so much about her. I actually dreamt of her the night before with her stinging hairs and vibrant green color.

There isn’t much general information about Stinging Nettle yet as it is a very intimidating dish and not very popular to the general public so I thought I would share my experience. You MUST WEAR GLOVES when handling this plant because it releases a chemical through it’s tiny hairs that can cause a histamine reaction. Forgaing barehanded can cause your hands to itch and tingle all throughout the night. I saw in a documentary how Stinging Nettle is used by Shamans in Peru. The Shaman smacks the patient suffering from arthritis to stimulate the system. I will admit that I tested the sting on the back of my hand and it is very real. This is a more primal, gypsy way of using it, of course. I’m familiar with preparing infusions of this herb in a dry recipe, but decided that sautéing it in olive oil is would be just as powerful and yummy! I wore gloves the entire time, from washing it, to cutting the stems, until I tossed a small bunch into the pan.

Note: It really cooks down, just like spinach, so add a small amount at a time, while tossing gently in the pan. With the heat, the hairs immediately lose their sting and it becomes edible, similar to spinach!

Here is my SIMPLE recipe:

1.     Wash with cold water while WEARING GLOVES!

2.     Cut off any large stems, chopping the tops in two and pull away bottom leaves.

3.     Sautee lightly on low in olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic powder (you can use fresh garlic too!) for no more than 2-3 minutes.

4.     Squeeze fresh lemon on top and enjoy!

  I hope you are able to find fresh, organic Stinging Nettle at your farmers market. The farm selling it in San Diego is Suziesfarm.com. You can also purchase some extract here: http://www.catskillmountainherbals.com/herbal-extracts5.htm#NETTLESI am adding this vegetable to my new favorite list. No wonder it is such a hit in the Wise Woman Tradition, it really is a “dangerously” delicious plant. I will be cooking the rest of this rich side dish for my family tonight to accompany the pot roast.

[emileewilson]

The Faery who was kissed by #Pixies! #lovecard #farrykisses #tarot #sundaymorning #pull #inspiration #divinity #insight #openheart #lovetherapy #changeofheart #faeriesoracle #brianfroud #love! #mwah #jessicamacbeth

[emileewilson]

It's that time of year! Our Petite Spa holiday party is tonight and there's nothing I enjoy more than #giving #homemade gifts to all the #girls.. They work so hard! I can't tell you what's in the boxes, but I can tell you they are #special and were made in September! I waited 3 months to give them out tonight. #gifts #presents #handmade #estelife #spalife #sisterhood #spa #petitespa #santamonica #gypsystyle #handmadewithlove #gypsyskin

[emileewilson]

Behold my new #smudge #stick ! #TRIPLE #GODDESS #maiden #sage, #motherwort, #cronewort wrapped in the #wisdom of the #Grandmother #sage. #clearing #spaces in your #mind #body and #soul #smudging #smile #sweet #smells #transform #ignite #your #light and #letgo #breathe #relax #gypsyskin #holistichealing

[emileewilson]

Happy Friday! There is nothing better than decadent #organic #chocolate! A DIY #chocolate face mask that is. I used 100% #raw #organic cacao from #Peru, plain #Greek #yogurt and #aloevera juice. It smells delicious. I relaxed in my bath and ate #strawberries, you could even use any leftover to dip them! #antioxidants #probiotic #rejuvinate #skincare #homespa #estelife #gypsyskin #apothecary

[emileewilson]

If you could "see" the path you wanted to walk, what would it look like? Mine was a red carpet. 💃 Now, I'm digging the #redorange #iron #rich #path lined with #bright #mint #green #junipertrees🌵🌿🌕 #colorful #contrast #healer #beauty #fullmoonparty #mypathtoday #serendipity #fullmooncircle #cathedralrocktrail #drumcircle #fullmoondrumcircle

[emileewilson]

Check out my #girls #tat #unique #badass #fish #888 #24 #luckynumber #infinity #son #number #love #neck #sisters

[emileewilson]

#Plant #medicine for #Winter! So #grateful for my latest #supplements and #herbs. Never get sick, don't trust Doctors that prescribe a bunch of toxic #drugs! #askquestions #bebold #preventative #magicmushroom #reishimushroom #lemonbalm #newchapter #organic #vegan #nongmo #wellness #immuneboosting #estelife