One of my go-to blogs for holistic lifestyle tips can be found at thelocalrose.com—by Shiva Rose. Her quest for natural, eco-friendly and sustainable goods and ideas are perfectly displayed and executed on her creative platform. Her passion is set apart from most things I come across because she’s more than an interesting woman, she’s an interesting woman whose present passion is formed from her upbringing, her journey through life with her two daughters and her innate spirit of positivity and wellness. Good health and a sustainable lifestyle not only are important to Shiva, but it’s what fulfills her days and she shares such fullness with her audience. She curates her rich and deep journey of discovery and wonder all  through The Local Rose.

I am so excited to share my recent interview I had with this beautiful soul. Here’s what we talked about; learn more at @localrose

January Labs: What are your must have beauty products?

Shiva Rose: I use my own beauty products, oils, balms and serums that I create in my studio using various essential oils and beeswax. For makeup I use RMS products, and I also like your lovely ones January! I also use Egyptian magic for a glowing look.

JL: How would you describe your style?

SR: My style is probably eclectic bohemian with a touch of classic. I love to mix new shoes and bags with a vintage dress. I also like to dress in terms of telling story or how I am feeling. Lately it’s been a new age crystal goddess look with crystals and wither white or pale rose Grecian dresses.

JL: What are your daily rituals?

SR: Upon waking I mist my face with rose water that I have made or the kind I sell on my site. Then before I take care of my daughters and animals, I make a pot of Living tea, which is from old growth teas. I drink a cup in silence and reflect on what my day will bring. Later in the day I have a tea and raw cacao chocolate around 4pm. If time permits I will do a Kundalini yoga set and chant some mantras. I close each evening with a bath that has some of my sea salts that I make. Rituals, I feel are so vital for a balanced and peaceful life. Thank you for asking.

JL: Do you have any natural skincare remedies you can’t live without?

SR: Oatmeal baths for any skin rashes or bug bites!

JL: I love your blog. Your recipes are scrumptious, what is your favorite simple go to dish?

SR: I like to cook. I just got myself a slow cooker and that has been a dream! Yesterday I made a pot of black bean soup and it was so easy. Just fry up some onions, garlic, tomatoes and chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin and place all in the pot with broth and in three hours there is an amazing soup! I also make a lot of kale, cabbage salads with an almond, cilantro, bragg, olive oil dressing!

JL: You epitomize natural beauty. What led you to create your lovely rose oil products?

SR: As I was reviewing products for my blog my desire to learn about the properties of flowers and plants began to expand. I also was so worried about the toxic content of regular conventional products. I wanted to create something luxurious and safe! 

JL: Who has been most inspirational to you in your work and life?

SR: I was an actress for many, many years and I think reading classic books and watching classic films shaped me for those chapters. I am now so inspired by the incredible community of women and sisters that I see creating beauty in this world, and in a way that is bringing healing to our planet. I am also so moved and inspired by organic farmers who choose to grow real, wholesome food in the face of corrupt big agro companies. Vandana Shiva and Robyn O’Brien who are fighting for our seeds inspire me as well. They have taught me that to be an activist can go hand in hand with being a feminine woman.

JL: What advice would you give to other women you wish someone would have given you early in your life?

SR: Don’t take things personally and take chances life is too short to wonder, “what if?”