TALKING SCENTS WITH ELISABETTA PERRIS

When it comes to fragrances, there are so many questions - do you have a signature scent, who creates these phenomenal smells, what are the inspirations behind them and more! We chatted with Elisabetta Perris who is the CEO of Perris Group, who has Houbigant Parfums Paris, a noted French fragrance house within their portfolio of brands. Of course, we also wanted to know how she takes time when she's not involved with fragrances.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to the industry and being the founder of this brand?

ELISABETTA PERRIS: I’m not the founder of the brand, the brand was founded in 1775 by the Houbigant family. My parents have worked in this industry their whole lives, so as far as I can remember I have been living and breathing the world of fragrance at a young age. It was only natural for me to follow in their footsteps, as did my brother and my sister. You can say its a bit of a family tradition. 

AM: Tell us about Quelques Fleurs?

EP: The first Quelques Fleurs was created in 1912 and it was the first multi-floral bouquet in the perfume world at that time. It was the most beautiful long lasting bouquet you can gift a woman. With Quelque Fleurs Jardin Secret, we wanted to stay within the tradition and capture the myth of a new generation. I wanted to create a fragrance that would appeal to my generation, to the young women of today. Women that are strong and elegant but also fierce and confident and know what they want in life. 

AM: What inspires you to create fragrances?

EP: I draw inspiration from many things - sometimes the idea is inspired by the raw material that I fell in love with. With Houbigant, I am lucky to be able to draw inspiration from past archives, I have nearly 250 years of history to work with and sometimes I get to revive fragrances from the past such as Fougere Royale, it was originally created in 1882 and we relaunched with great success in 2010. It is an honor to keep the great tradition and to continue enriching the Houbigant brand with my designs.

AM: What is your favorite scent in your portfolio of fragrances?

EP: Iris des Champs, I love the iris as a raw material, it is made out of the root, not the flower itself and it is one of the most difficult to obtain, it takes 6 years and a lot of manual work to obtain this unbelievable raw material. The smell is soft, powdery, comforting and extremely elegant.

AM: What are your favorite ingredients  that you enjoy working with when you are creating scents?

EP: All natural raw materials, especially flowers, they have so many different facets and can surprise you. 

AM: When you're not creating or promoting your brand, how do you take time for yourself?

EP: My second passion besides perfumes is art. I design and decorate the limited editions every year. 

I recently had a baby, he is 17 months - so recently, most of my time has been spent on him.

 Read more from the April Issue and see Talking Scents with Elisabetta Perris in mag.

YELLOW IS A GO

Sometimes you have to give it up to get it back together - but how far would you go to make sense of your world and your place in it? Kim Dinan does that while adding goodwill into the world in her memoir, The Yellow Envelope. We took some time to chat with Kim to find out about her series of time traveling with her husband as a global nomad, those she met along the way, what she learned and how she has assessed her time post the journey that was covered in her book.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed this memoir, do you still go on nomadic adventures? How does it feel to be home with a routine etc?

KIM DINAN: I have not had a nomadic adventure since my husband and I returned to the states in 2015. The adjustment back to a “traditional” life was fairly jarring and we had a few months where we felt like we couldn’t tell the ground from the sky. Since we’d sold everything before we left, we came home with nothing. We rented a house, but it was completely empty. We didn’t own a bed, a couch, a car or dishes. So initially there was this out-of-control feeling as we re-acquired all of this stuff we’d purposefully gotten rid of. Then my husband went back to a 9-5 job and that was a real shock to the system. I had my book and freelance work to focus on, but all in all it just took a while to find our feet again. 

There were bright spots too, though. I longed for a routine and was happy to have one again. Toward the end of our trip all I wanted was an oven to bake bread in and dresser drawers to organize my clothes. The small things that I used to take for granted in everyday life became things that I really missed. To this day, if it’s raining outside and I’m inside, I thank the universe to have a roof over my head and warm water in the faucet. Those things weren’t guaranteed when we were traveling, and there are many people that do not have such luxuries. I just don’t take those conveniences for granted anymore.

For a long time we said that we’d never do a truly nomadic trip again because the adjustment back was so hard—but of course now we are plotting our next big adventure. Though when we hit the road next time we’re getting a storage unit!

AM: Are you still in touch with Michele and Glenn?

KD: Absolutely! Michele and Glenn still live in Oregon, and while we don’t live in Oregon anymore, we keep in touch via email and Facebook and of course we see them whenever we go back to the west coast. A few months after we returned to the states Michele took a six-month sabbatical and Glenn quit his job and they set out on their own trip around the world!

AM: Inspiration and being a role model when you may not realize it is a theme that we kept seeing in your book. Besides Michele and Glenn, who else inspired you on this trip? 
 
KD: I met so many inspiring people on our trip. I think the most inspiring thing was not one single person, but this realization that there are so many ways to live—and there’s no “right way.” In the U.S. there’s this belief that you should follow this very traditional and well-trodden path that’s like: high school, college (if you’re lucky), job, house, marriage, kids… you know it because everyone knows it. It’s just a part of who we are as Americans. There’s nothing wrong with it per se, it’s just not the only way.

It wasn’t until I set out into the world that I realized that there are people all over the world living in very different ways—and they were happy. Of course, I always knew this intellectually but to actually experience it was a whole new thing for me. There are people that have very little money, but are incredibly rich in community—their social fabric is so strong. 

I met people that had traveled for years and were raising their kids on the open road. I met olive farmers and doctors and rickshaw drivers and holy men and women and what I realized was that, you know, we all need certain things to have a good life—clean water and air, food, access to a good education, community—but after that life can take so many shapes. You don’t have to do it the way everyone back home is doing it. You’re allowed to live life
in the way that makes you feel really alive, even if it doesn’t make sense to other people. 

AM: You traveled for 2 years on this trip - what are 3 things you loved and 3 things you could have done without on the trip?

KD: We actually traveled for nearly 3 years! Not every country and experience made it into the book. 

When I look back on the trip the 3 things I really loved was, first of all, the time. Every single day was wide open. I had the time to really look inward, to ask myself what I wanted out of life, to spend time mentally sorting through my life and truly getting to know myself. I feel so incredibly lucky that I had those years—they changed my life. 

The second thing I really loved, and maybe this makes me sound a bit selfish, was that I didn’t worry about people. Since I wasn’t home and I didn’t have a phone I knew that I’d only hear about something if it was really important. I used to be the kind of person where, if the phone rang unexpectedly, I’d automatically think that something was wrong. I guess I’m a worrier by nature. But I stopped worrying because I was so far away from home and I couldn’t fix anything for anybody—and that feeling was incredibly freeing. 

The third thing I loved was the food. Oh man, the food. Especially the Indian food—even the airplane food in India made me drool. 

As far as the things I could have done without. Well, I really missed the people I loved. I missed being a daily part of people’s lives. You leave and the world keeps right on spinning and you realize that if you don’t show up for people they move on without you. I also could have done without the marriage tensions and problems that came to a head while traveling. But the thing is, I’m also grateful that I faced my deepest questions—about my marriage and myself—head on. It’s so easy to stuff uncomfortable thoughts and feelings down and ignore the truth and much, much harder to face it. No one wants to go through gut-wrenching times, but they’re necessary.  

AM: What lessons that you learned on the trip do you still do to this day?

KD: One of the biggest things I learned on the trip was to let go. I stopped being a control freak. I used to think that I was just born that way but, nope, it’s a learned thing and it can be changed. Now I know that the only thing I can control is my reaction in any given situation. So I just roll with things now. It’s so much better not getting worked up about small things! 

Because of the yellow envelope gift we were given, I also learned a lot about giving. I learned that giving will always be awkward and uncomfortable but that's no reason to avoid it. To this day I still give yellow envelopes away and I’ve even started something called The Yellow Envelope Project (find it on Facebook @yellowenvelopeproject) where I mail yellow envelopes to people around the globe and they use their envelope to perform an act of kindness.

AM: Prior to leaving on this trip, what are 3 things that you would have never done in your old life, but find yourself enjoying now?

KD: I used to be a planner, but now most of the time I just show up and figure things out when I get there. It leaves room for spontaneity and adventure.

I also used to be so guarded of my time, but now I’m more open. I make time for people—I almost always say yes to an invitation, whereas before I said no because my life was so scheduled and regimented.

I’m also just more curious about people and more trusting. I mean, I traveled the world for three years, relying on strangers the whole time, and time and time again people proved to me that humans are generally good and willing to help as long as you are open to receiving. That’s the thing; I wasn’t open to receiving things before. Now, I let people help me. And I do everything I can to help other people. We’re all in this thing together.
 
AM: What are your favorite mountains/hiking trails?

KD: Oh, there are so many!! First, I have to start in my own backyard because the United States has some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world. The National Parks are a national treasure—I could spend the rest of my life just exploring states like Utah, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

I have a very soft spot in my heart for the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrimage route through Spain that I walked solo (though it didn't make it into the book - maybe another book!). The Camino de Santiago is a special experience, there’s nothing else like it on earth.

I also have to give a shout-out to Nepal. My husband and I walked the Annapurna Circuit. That was some of the hardest trekking of my life (we crested a 17,000-foot pass!) but also some of the most magical. It’s not just the mountains, which are amazing, but also the villages that you walk through. It’s a special part of the world and I can’t wait to go back.
 

AM: What places/countries have you yet to visit that are on your bucket list?

KD: Namibia, Tanzania, Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, Bhutan, Tibet… should I go on? 

AM: Are you still in touch with the women you met in India or those that were on the biking trip in Vietnam?

KD: Somewhat, yes. Thanks to the wonders of Facebook and Instagram I’m able to keep up to date with most of the people I met on my trip.

AM: There are many people/experiences that you share - is there a moment that didn't make it in that you or Brian were impacted by?

KD: I think of a thousand small moments that impacted us—people stopping to ask us if we needed directions when we looked lost, people that asked us curiously about our life back home, just small moments when others took the time out of their day to assist us in some way. I think in general we’re all so caught up in our own lives and moving so fast that we rarely take the time to look up and see how we can be of service. I try to pay more attention now to small ways that I can help.

AM: Culturally you walked in the shoes of others throughout your journey as you experienced various "culture shocks". Share 3 with us and why is traveling to places different than your own so important?

KD: Traveling is so important because it teaches you what it's like to be a foreigner. It’s hard to be the odd man out like that. It’s impossible to know what that feels like and not have more compassion and understanding for people having similar experiences in your own country. Traveling teaches you that your way is not the only way. You don’t have
to get on an airplane and fly halfway around the world to learn this lesson. If you live in the country, go to the city. If you live in the city, head to the country. Be open and curious—you’ll learn something.

As far as culture shock goes, I think the biggest culture shock came when we transitioned from western to eastern cultures. In western cultures, thinking is very linier and logical. In eastern cultures, it seems like there is more wiggle room. If you try to use logic to make sense of the way some things go down in places like India, you’ll go nuts. But if you can just learn to laugh and accept things as they are, you’ll be fine. That was my experience.

AM: What was your favorite country and/or city covered in the book? 

KD: Well, when I look back on the trip I know that some of my feelings about certain places are clouded by my own personal journey. I was battling a lot of internal unrest in South America, so when I think back to some of those countries it's hard for me to separate my own unhappiness with my overall feelings about a place. On the other hand, I am in love with India. I loved the country, the people, the culture—but I also had a bit of an awakening in that country, so I’m sure the fact that I kind of came out the other side of things and found balance there is also part of the reason why I love that country so much. I’m almost afraid to go back because I love it in my memory just the way it is.

Read more from the April Issue and see Yellow is a Go in mag.

IN OUR BAG | GLAMPING

Glamping continues to be one of the activities that many opt to do. Being outside in large tents with a number of amenities to make your stay truly comfortable. With a luxurious setting, all you need is to bring in your must haves as you become one with nature.

| COTOPAXI Chumpi 35L Travel Duffel | FABRIQ Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker | JADE J PowerBoost in Obsidian | YES TO COTTON Facial Wipes | VAN DER HAGEN Gentle Glycerin Soap in Fresh | BETTER BODY FOODS Chocolate PBfit |

Read more from the April Issue and see In Our Bag Glamping in mag

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

There are so many tools that are great to have within your beauty lineup to apply the perfect glow to your body! As we get that much closer to summer we have the perfect combos that will ensure that you have achieved sun goddess status effortlessly!
 
| IT COSMETICS Confidence in Your Glow Palette in Warm | MAKEUPDROP Silicone Sponge | NARS COSMETICS Monoi Body Glow II | ARTIS BRUSH Palm Brush in Smoke |

Read more from the April Issue and Athleisure Beauty in mag.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Your mom and mother figures are meant to be honored every day; however, Mother's Day is a great way to pull out the stops and we have some items that we feel are perfect to give her!  

| STOKKE® My Carrier | NOT YOUR MOM'S Apple Pie Beer | PULSE™ Personal Lubricant  Warmer + Dispensary | LOVE BUDS His and Hers Earbuds |  VINEBOX Memership Wine | TRILOGY Certified Organic Rosehip Oil | MONTELLE Gatsby at Midnight Plunge Bra + Thong | PARROT POT Self Watering Smart Pot |  

Read more from Athleisure Mag and see the Mother's Day Gift Guide in Mag

TRAVEL CHALLENGE | HIS X HER

One of the tipping points between couples involves their travel compatibility! It's when you find out whether you can be outside of your normal surroundings and how you handle it. In addition, it's an eye opener on how you handle navigating in new cities, how stress levels affect you and of course how much one packs! We talked with the team at DUFL to find out how they are a solution to your travel needs as well as tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to your next destination!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is your background and how did it lead you to create DUFL? 

ANDREA GRAZIANI: I’ve spent the majority of my career in internet technology and software. Because of this, we spent a lot of time on the road traveling for business. On one particular trip, I’d packed for 14 days in London in a carry-on bag because my business partners all traveled with carry-on bags and there was no time to wait at baggage claim. We were heading back to Arizona on a Friday and had to spend the weekend unpacking, doing laundry, dropping off same-day dry cleaning and then packing everything in that carry-on again in order to be in New York on Monday. Our CEO and Founder, Bill Rinehart looked at us and said ‘there has to be a better way.’ And the notion for DUFL was born.
 
AM: What is DUFL and how does it make traveling easier?

AG: DUFL is a travel service that inventories, photographs, cleans and stores your business wardrobe in a DUFL virtual closet. When you are ready to travel, just open the DUFL app, enter their destination, arrival date and tap on the photos of the items in your DUFL closet that you’d like to pack and a professionally packed suitcase will meet you at your hotel. When you’re all done, request a pick up in the DUFL app, attach the provided shipping label to your suitcase and drop it at the hotel front desk.

We’ll ship it back to the DUFL warehouse where we’ll clean, inventory and store your items until you are ready to travel again.
 
DUFL eliminates the need to pack, do laundry, unpack and drag a bag through the airport or to client meetings or events. Packing takes about 60 seconds in the app and eliminates stress and gives our users approximately 3-5 hours of personal time previously spent on those meaningless tasks.

AM: Why is the notion of traveling as a couple such a big deal whether you're embarking on your first trip or the umpteenth one?

AG: I think there’s a different dynamic with couples, and a lot of communication around events, clothing requirements, who’s bringing the hair dryer to who’s bringing the shampoo. I tend to over pack when I’m traveling with my husband because we both have different ideas of things we’d like to do when we are on a trip.
 
AM: What packing tips can you share with us that are worth noting when traveling with your significant other?

AG: Try to have a bit of a plan - if not with pre-planned itineraries, then at least coordinate who will bring what so you don’t double up on toiletries, etc. For shorter trips, it’s sometimes possible to consolidate the packing into one large suitcase for the both of you. If you don’t want to check a bag, take advantage of the allowable two bags per person on the plane and consolidate your electronics and snacks into one bag to allow more room for clothes and shoes!

AM: When traveling to warmer climates, one would think that the packing is easier but what should we consider when bringing items with us?

AG: I personally hate to check a bag so knowing that I need to take items like sunscreen and bug spray creates a problem for me. Either take a few travel size bottles of each or purchase those items when I arrive at my destination. I’d also recommend taking light layers, a few swim suits if there’s a beach and ziploc bags for your wet and sandy items returning with you. I’d also recommend bringing anti-frizz hair products, moisturizers, and perhaps some oil blotting wipes to keep your skin regulated.
 
AM: What should we do upon returning from a trip to make it easier?

AG: I’d like to say unpack right away but that would make me a hypocrite as I may hold the world record for taking the longest amount of time to unpack :). Prior to using DUFL, I would try to do my laundry before returning home to make re-entry a bit easier.
 
AM: Tell us more about Battle of the Sexes: Vacation Travelling (i.e. women traditionally over pack and men tend to oversimplify. Do you see a difference in gender when it comes to packing?)

AG: I must say, I have been surprised to see that there are plenty of men who ‘over pack’ just like the stereotypical woman does! While women do tend to store more items in their closets, we think that because DUFL allows folks to take as much as they want with them (no sacrificing items to fit in a carry-on bag or stay under weight limit at the airport), our customers tend to take as much as they want. They bring business clothes, 70% of our users take workout clothes with them on their trips and sometimes things like pillows, blankets and robes make the trip as well.

AM: What are 5 essentials that everyone should have when traveling?

AG: Your own shampoo and conditioner, a good book, headphones, workout clothes, comfortable/sensible shoes, and bug repellent- especially to tropical areas
 
AM: What are 5 items that we should not bring when traveling?

AG: Too much jewelry. Stick with a few classic pieces so they don’t get lost/stolen during your travels and take up too much space, too many clothes- make sure to pack items that you can wear again, impractical shoes, expensive items and kids :)

Read more from the April issue and Travel Challenge His X Her in mag

#TRIBEGOALS

Whether you have a deck, rooftop, terrace - you have to get closer to that Natural Vitamin D. Enjoy it with these must haves!

| MEI L'ANGE Bikini | MUUNA Cottage Cheese | SAILOR JERRY Spiced Rum | SYMGLASS Glassware |
 

Read more from the April Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.

TALKING ILLUSION WITH JOAN JULIET BUCK

We live in an age where we have the opportunity to get an inside look in the careers and people's lives via social media, reality TV or directly from the person themself! Growing up, we enjoyed reading Vogue as a means to be transported to high style, fabulous designers, locations and more. As we grew up, we realized that this signified the best of the best regardless of what edition we happened to be flipping through. 

French Vogue represents one of the most iconic titles and has had a number of notables helm this cover. We had the opportunity to chat with Joan Juliet Buck, who shares her time at Vogue (1994 - 2001); growing up in a family whose connections to those in film; art and literature is astounding and how she navigated her world is a page turner. Readers see how she befriended Karl Lagerfeld; her love affair with Donald Sutherland; her connection to Anjelica Huston; and more interactions that are effortlessly shared in 'Price of Illusion.' As a writer for a number of prestigious titles (Vanity Fair, American Vogue, Travel + Leisure, The Los Angeles Times and Conde Nast Traveler), feature editor at British Vogue, Editor in Chief of French Vogue her memoir navigates her journey via frank honesty about her world, her participation in it  and how she was able to step back and take the life she truly wanted is one that is refreshing! 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the meaning behind the 'Price of Illusion?'

JOAN JULIET BUCK: It's sort of well, now you know because you read the book.

AM: Yes, so what made you decide to write the book and to make it so personal.
 
JJB: Well the only way to write is to do so completely honestly. I'm not interested in writing fiction. I think that the most important thing for me was to sit down and write. The original manuscript was a lot longer. I think I had 20 edits to get it down as I was numbering them. I kept thinking that I was finished and done, but I edited a lot. It took me about 2 years to write the first 1,050 pages and then it took me 4 years to sculpt the story out of it.

The thing that became more and more important was this guardian angel that I read about when I was 7 years old. The guardian angel says to the little girl, "Don't go playing with the pretty people of the gorgeous garden. The pretty children wearing the beautiful clothes in the beautiful garden - don't go." Of course what the guardian angel doesn't say is that if you go, you will pay the price of illusion.

Of course, I went into the pretty garden with all of the pretty children and the beautiful clothes and flowers. Just like in the dream in the book that I read at 7 years old, let's just say it wasn't for me.

AM: Do you feel that maybe because of your upbringing of growing up around Peter O'Toole, John Huston and Anjelica Huston that it became a natural inclination to go into this garden because you were born into that world?

JJB: Of course. I was and that is what I considered natural. But one way to reclaim it would have been to become an actress, but my father (Jules Buck, an American film producer) said don't become one. So I thought I would become a writer and of course, I went towards beautiful magazines. Then I chose the beautiful world. I first went to Conde Nast magazine for Glamour at the age of 19 and then Vogue when I was 23. I couldn't leave - it was a beautiful garden and I couldn't leave. I thought it was my reproduction of what I grew up in - you're exactly right - you got it completely!

AM: Obviously, we work in the magazine industry and we were struck by how you integrated the state of the magazine world at that time with the consolidations in titles, the merge to going online and how you dealt with creating great content with such lower budgets. What do you think of the state of the fashion magazine business which is still battling these issues now?

JJB: They're in a very difficult state. There are certain magazines that manage to be surprising and glamorous. W and Harper's Bazaar both manage. But so many of the other magazines have gone so mainstream. The way we managed in French Vogue, as you saw is that for example, the model Caroline Murphy was AMAZING. She would work for our shitty prices, we would have to borrow horrible places in the country where people were practically in sleeping bags and she wouldn't care! She was really a trooper. But these days, the people who still work with Vogue or used to work for me say, "they used to put me on a plane to do an interview and now it's all on the phone!"

AM: Would you ever see yourself going back to working as an Editor in Chief or starting your own publication?

JJB: No - I think you have to be young and full of energy. I realized a lot of stuff about myself in life and then again when I wrote the book. I'm one of those people who need a lot of sleep. I can't function on 6 hours. It's really grueling and a hard job. 

AM: I had to laugh as we don't get a lot of sleep around here so your point is very valid!

JJB: It's true - but you're having fun though right?

AM: We love our readers, sharing the athleisure culture and being able to share the voices in our community. Everyday is different than the next which keeps it interesting. If you're not passionate and in in tune with what you're doing, it can really suck you dry!

JJB: That is so true and the difference for being a writer as I had always been and then being a boss - which I had never been, was so different. The days were fuller with events that had to do with other people and it didn't exhaust me in the same way that writing does as you're birthing something. It's almost a physical feeling. When going to events, I felt punch drunk from small talk.

AM: Were you concerned when you were writing this book that you had to go back and let people know that they were being included in this book as you include a number of people such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino.

JJB: No because I had done enough reportage on my own life by keeping a diary that I didn't feel that I needed to speak to anyone about what had happened because I knew very well. It was all in my diary. Are you asking if I needed to ask permission?

AM: Well yes, I know a number of the people that you're talking about in the book and I think that you're spot on. But there's always what you know that happened and what people like to revise in their heads and I just wondered if in that process that you were concerned that there would be a letter or email from someone who may have had an issue.

JJB: You're always concerned. I was concerned with certain friends who looked in the index and saw that they weren't in it. But that's ok and we had a conversation about it. Remember, I didn't belong to anything when I wrote this book. I didn't owe anyone anything and I didn't have any allegiance. I was gone. That's a fantastic freedom.

AM: I think that's what really draws you to this book because of the frankness and honesty. When you're in the industry, there are politics and things to consider so it would be tough to write something of this nature while navigating those associations.

JJB: You can't write honestly if you're protecting something. I was in a very privileged position. I decided to make my exile from Vogue a privilege instead of a drawback. 

AM: What are some of the things that you liked while you were at French Vogue Paris and duties that you had to do as a part of your job that you may not have enjoyed?

JJB: Well, let me see - you know this very well, but to be the person whose decision is final. I had that when I was there and when I went back to American Vogue and my decision wasn't final - I could provide my opinion, but I had to go ahead with it. Just being the decision maker was great. Watching people spark to an idea and watching how this thing would be like firecrackers - that was very energizing. It would also make me wistful because they would go off to do the photoshoot or reporting and I would be sitting behind the desk and then going to a cocktail party. I don't drink, I hate going to cocktail parties as I don't like standing. I don't mind walking, but I don't like standing around and I really don't like small talk. It was all kind of a nightmare. I also liked having the access! I loved going to museum shows before they even opened. It was nice to buy my clothes at wholesale prices, but it was weird as you would order 6 months in advance at the showroom and it felt more like business than shopping. 

I didn't like having people do things that they didn't want to do. If they didn't want to do it, I could usually see why and it made me say things to get them to do it - which I didn't want to do - I'm lousy at manipulating people. The schedule - the fashion shows - putting on your costume and the marathon of shows! I need my sleep and I need my food! It felt like torture.
 

AM: After going through all of this, how essential is balance to you?

JJB: It's everything!

AM: How do you envision success?

JJB: Well that's interesting. Because for me success is being able to write what I want to write and not having to do things that I don't want to do. That's the number one. It would be nice if success came with an enormous amount of money to reward me for my efforts. 

There is a line from Gertrude Stein who says, "I write for myself and for strangers." The success of the book - right now what I'm feeling for the first time in my life is because I wrote honestly and didn't write - so many strangers are reacting to this book with a full heart. In the fashion world, you don't see a full heart. I'm seeing that. The communication and atomization of everything from letters, Instagram etc and there are all these hashtags from strangers who are reading it. 

They have opened their heart to the story that I told which is extraordinary. In a world of magazines, you don't think that that is possible. In magazines people react because they want something from you.

AM: If this became a movie who would play you and your parents?

JJB: So think of it more like a very long TV series like Mad Men - going on and on. I've actually got my casting. Have you ever seen Orphan Black?

AM: Yes we're obsessed with the show!

JJB:  Of course you have! I think Tatiana Maslany is it. She is an extraordinary actress and like me, she can look like a whole bunch of different people. It's not consistent and one of the interesting things that I found doing this book because I was excavating - I played all these different parts and role. So I think Tatiana's talent to look like so many different people and she's not really pretty but she can be - that is so me! For the young me, it's Hailee Seinfeld.

AM: Good choice - she's fantastic!

JJB: Didn't you love her in The Age of 17? Hailee looks so much like Tatiana so it's perfect! For my parents, I keep thinking of Michael Stuhlbarg for my father. For Uncle Don, definitely Mark Ruffalo. 

That's who he looks like and the feeling - slightly rumpled, sloppy but with a really big heart! For mom, Natalie Portman!

AM: When you were talking about your mother from her style, jewelry, and movement - she seemed to have such an ethereal air. That's a perfect casting choice! 

JJB: Mom was so classy and the absolute embodiment of grace, beauty, charm, and style. Not quite me!

AM: We were so blown away about the book as there are so many layers that intersect!

JJB: The thing is, this book is not about fashion, Hollywood - they're in there. But this book is about people who are obsessed with such a beauty and things being wonderful. Everybody has that.

AM: Yes and historically, there are events that you mention that are mirrored today in terms of terrorism/bombings - that these things unfortunately still happen but that life also has to continue on with our personal chaos along with the global one. The weaving of these elements is what makes it so intriguing.

JJB: I love it and am thrilled that you felt so connected to it!

Read more from the April Issue and see Talking Illusion with Joan Juliet Buck in mag.

MET GALA FAVE LOOKS RECAP

Last night's Met Gala took place last night. Known as Fashion's biggest night, this gala kicks off the new exhibition that is available for public viewing at the Met. There were a number of couples that stunned either solo OR with their significant other! Our favorites are below and we will continue to update throughout the day!

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez is wearing a Judith Leiber Clutch

KENDALL JENNER

Kendall Jenner is wearing a La Perla gown and Christian Louboutin heels

MARY J BLIGE

Mary J Blige is wearing La Perla

POWDER PLAY

As we continue into Spring with the thoughts on the Summer, we want to look our best to take advantage of fabulous weather, time with friends and just being able to look the way we wish. We took a moment to chat with Zyrtec Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg, who has a who's who list of celebrity clients, great tips to maintain great face even during allergy season as well as a really cool person to talk to in general in terms of her journey of being a Celebrity Makeup Artist.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and that moment you realized that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

JAMIE GREENBERG: I've always been into art and makeup. Before moving to Los Angeles, I worked at an ULTA -  really just to kill time and I loved being surrounded by makeup, so why not? The discount was a girl's best friend. The first time I gave a makeover I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life!

AM: What is an average day like for you versus during awards season or a press junket for your clients?

JG: A normal day usually starts with me feeding and getting my kids ready for the day, dropping my 6-year-old off at school and then heading to my work out. Next, I either have a client to makeup or I shoot video content for my YouTube channel. During award season and press junkets, I only have time to work! It's a full day.

AM: Who are your celeb clients and who would you like to have as a client?

JG: My celebrity clients include Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones, Lauren Graham, Kristen Stewart, Lauren Cohan, Katie Lowes, just to name a few. I'd love to work with Oprah, The Broad City Girls, Lena Dunham. 

AM: Why have you partnered with Zyrtec and how do allergies affect your face when we hit that season?

JG: This is my fourth year working with Zyrtec to help women across the country deal with their Allergy Face beauty challenges. You know what I’m talking about! The red nose, puffiness and watery eyes that come around during allergy season. As an allergy sufferer myself, I love the opportunity this program gives me to develop new ways to help women look better when the pollen count is high each year. Anyone can use these tips so they feel motivated to tackle their day in the spring time.
 

AM: How can those who suffer from allergies combat the effects with makeup and/or beauty hacks?

JG: You can find all of my Allergy Face tips and tricks on the beGlammed app and website - beGlammed.com/Zyrtec-allergy-face. Courtesy of the makers of Zyrtec, you will also be able to book any of my Allergy Face looks through the beGlammed website and app to receive Allergy Face makeovers from the comfort of your own home (through June 7th!).  

AM: What are the beauty trends that we should be infusing into our skincare or beauty routines?

JG: I'm really into oils right now, both before you put on makeup and after. Either working out or wearing a face mask while watching Netflix!

AM:  What are 3 must-have beauty products and 3 must have skincare products that we should have in our cosmetic bags? 

JG: For makeup, I can't live without my Sisley mascara, Mally shadow sticks, or Troy Surratt eyeliner. For skin care it would be Vintner's Daughter oil,  Is Clinical active serum, and Lano lips. 

AM: What is your personal style - what do you wear when you're working with your clients and what do you wear when you're out and about at brunch?

JG: When I'm with my clients I usually wear a dope pair of kicks, Rag and Bone Jeans, Maje shirt or my favorite Equipment Cashmere when it's cold!  When I'm out and about I rock all GoldSheep - usually to work out or to run errands. That line is addictive!

Read more from the April Issue and see Powder Play in mag

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | OUTDOOR PREP

It's time to get ready for the best time of the year - the weather is warmer and you get the chance to be outside all the time! With that said, you want to make sure that you are protected from the elements. 

Being outdoors is always fun, but swatting insects isn't! Although there are a lot of options, they include sticky sprays, smelly candles or harmful topical chemicals! Halo, from Thermacell, allows your backyard, sporting event, picnic and other locations with a 15 x 15 Mosquito Protection Zone in minutes! It's silent, virtually odor free and there are no open flames. The 48 hour fuel system uses up to 4 butane cartridges at once. The ZoneCheck system allows you to check your unit's status.

We're a big believer in Safe Sun (UVA/UVB protection) but we need to be mindful of products that are "reef safe" as well! According to the EWG, an estimated 25 - 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. About 25 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of submersion. When we shower, these chemicals wash off our skin and can pollute wastewater that ends up in the ocean as well. 
 
Australian Gold’s New Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions, is reef-friendly, with antioxidant rich formulas free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils. Their non-chemical sunscreen lotions have a powdery-clean feel and aren't greasy which is great!

The last essential protection comes from Koru Swimwear, an eco swim and sport line whose fabrics come from sustainable and organic fabrics.
 

HALO/THERMACELL

AUSTRALIAN GOLD BOTANICAL SUNSCREEN

KORU SWIMWEAR

Read more from the April Issue and see Something You Should Know | Outdoor Prep in mag

IN THE RING, LOVE NATTIE

Over the past few decades, we have been a big fan of the WWE - you get it all! There's the athleticism of the sport, the dynamic personalities, the drama of the storylines, the costumes and all of the backstories. Throughout the year, the members of the WWE travel to a number of cities domestically and internationally to perform, while also doing a number of acts of philanthropy to make the world a better place and spending time with their community to engage with fans!

This electrifying experience is fostered by the brands' athletes who put their own fingerprint on what it means to be a part of the WWE Universe! Last summer we worked out with some of the ladies of WWE Divas at TapOut Fitness on the UES to go through workouts that these women do. Included in this group was Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Lana, Maria Menounos, Naomi, Renee Young, Summer Rae (our Feb covergirl) and this month's cover girl - Natalya - also known as Nattie! A few weeks ago, right before her match at MSG, our team shot a gorgeous fashion editorial of this 3rd generation wrestler at Monarch's rooftop and then chatted with her about wrestling, being a member of wrestling's legacy family and her role on E! Total Divas which is back from their midseason break on April 5th and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You come from an iconic wrestling family - tell us about them and the impact that they made on the sport.

NATALYA NEIDHART: My family has been the biggest influence on me. Starting with my grandpa, Stu Hart, who built an empire by the name of Stampede Wrestling in the 1950's. I'm a third generation superstar and I come from Wrestling royalty. My grandfather is WWE Hall Of Famer, Stu Hart and my uncles Bret and Owen Hart and the British Bulldog have paved the way for me. My father is a two time WWE Tag Team Champion himself and formed half of one of the greatest tag teams of all time. My family's contributions to WWE have been huge and I'm deeply proud of them. 

AM: When did you know that you wanted to continue the legacy by being a wrestler?

NN: When I was 18 years old, I first started training in the dungeon… And from that moment on, I remember it crystal clear… I was hooked on wrestling. I knew it was what I wanted to do as my career. Wrestling is part of my heart... it's part of who I am... what makes me tick. I'm fortunate beyond words that I was able to discover my passion and touch my dreams.

AM: What was your journey to get to the WWE?

NN: I trained in one of the most notoriously hard wrestling schools in the world: the Dungeon, where only men trained. I was one of the only girls to ever train there under my family. I also had a world class Japanese coach by the name of Tokyo Joe, who helped train me for my first tour of Japan where I wrestled some of the very best Japanese female wrestlers in the world. I lived over in Japan for a while honing my craft and trying to be the absolute best I could be. I spent nearly 5 years sending in tapes and resumes and letters and pictures to WWE… Trying to get them to see that I was special. I went to Japan and England and all over the US to try to gain enough experience to get my big break. I was rejected for five years! It was so hard to get hired, but so worth it when I finally got my dream job in the WWE. Finally.... in 2007, I got the call and then the really hard work began!!!
 
AM: Your job allows you to do a lot from participating in the sport, philanthropy and even filming for E! Total Divas - what's that like?

NN: I am so lucky that I get to do so many different things! Giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding parts about my job… I never take that for granted. It just makes me feel good giving back! I love filming Total Divas, it's a great way for us to show that we're human… And it's OK to fall down, get back up. Working in the WWE allows you to wear many hats and be very diverse in so many ways other than wrestling. My job in the WWE has prepared me for anything in life it seems!

AM: What's a typical day like from working out/training, filming for Total Divas, taking time with TJ (Tyson Kidd)  etc?

NN: I am usually very busy. When I'm working on the road, doing live events and Smackdown Live, it's a grind of working out and eating healthy and driving and flying hundreds if not thousands of miles to make it to our shows. It's a whirlwind, but so fun. When I'm home, I run errands, relax with my husband TJ and decompress and enjoy my family. I also work on my weekly columns for the Calgary Sun and OK Magazine.com. I love to write.

AM: You spend a lot of time traveling, how do you bring a piece of home with you? 

NN: When I go away from home, which is a lot. I bring little love letters my husband has written to me. I keep them in the bag where I put all of my wrestling gear. I read them when I get lonely and it truly lifts me up! 
 
AM: Tell us about 2Paws as we're obsessed!

NN: 2Pawz is rich. He's famous. He's a rap guru. Named after the illustrious Tupac Shakur.... he's all about working to OWN... not to rent, lease or refinance! Lol. He's a Lilac Persian and basically the most intense, but sweetest cat I've ever had. I love him more than words can say. 

AM: We loved hanging out with you  during the photoshoot and saw that you're a serious multi-tasker as you had a match right after - how do you keep so many things going at one time?

NN: I just take everything one moment at a time and try to be efficient. In WWE, we are always busy.... we only have time for "one take," so we make everything the best we can possibly make it the first time! It's a lot of hustling at times, though!!!! Sometimes I go "hey... i need to use the washroom!!!! Everything else can wait!" LOL
 
AM: What's a day off look like for you?

NN: A perfect day off is relaxing at my home with my husband and having NO game plan at all!
 
AM: What's on your playlist right now as we know you're a fan of Lana Del Rey. 

NN: I love Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Kings of Leon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and anything Lana Del Rey! Love her!!!!!! 
 
AM: What is your personal style when you're outside of the ring if you're running errands versus a night out. 

NN: I love being comfortable. When I'm running errands or working out, I like a pair of great leggings, a cozy hoodie and tank top I can rock if I need to grab a quick workout. Lately I'm obsessed with Adidas, Goldsheep and Lululemon! So comfy and cool! I also love Roots of Fight! They make my favorite Tess with vintage boxers and athletes like Mike Tyson and The Gracie's. Soon they're making shirts with Andre the Giant! Eeeek!
 
AM: You're always busy - what are your go to's meals or snacks for energy and what do you splurge on?

NN: I always carry snacks with me. Protein powder is a go to -- ESP for hotel life! First thing I have when I wake up! And I am obsessed with Lenny and Larry's cookies the Snickerdoodle flavor. I also love to splurge on sushi. Like the fattening stuff with tempura and mayonnaise and avocado in it! I love sushi!!!!! 

AM: Summer is around the corner, what are some moves that you suggest for toned abs, arms, legs, and butt?

NN: Lunges, squats, deadlifts, and clean and jerks. I love Olympic lifting so much because it always gives me a total body workout! And it makes me feel strong and powerful. Keeps my body toned everywhere. I also love running. With the right running partner I can run for hours!

AM: As you're always busy, will you be adding anything new to what you already do in terms of business ventures, charity etc?

NN: I have been writing a fun column as I mentioned before for the Calgary Sun, I am also working on an advice column for OK Magazine.com. My husband and I have dreams to one day open up our own wrestling school since we both share a passion for wrestling .... but it would also be cool to continue to film reality TV too. I've loved the whole process of being on a reality show - SO fun!
 
AM: What's it like to be on the road with the WWE and who are your faves to hang out with?

NN: It's fun being on the road, but it's also a lot of time away from home. So you have to make friends because strangers become family! And sometimes family become strangers. I love Renee Young. I can turn to Dolph Ziggler about anything. I adore our girls in the Smackdown Locker room. I share a strong bond with the Bella twins because we started in the WWE together and have been through so much. Naomi is my girl.... and one of my husband's favorite in the ring. I always get jealous when he says "she's the best!" LOL!!!!! 

AM: Do you mentor other wrestlers in the WWE?

NN: I try to be there for all the girls. I love being able to pass on the knowledge I've acquired over the last 15 years to them. I definitely try to help the girls in any way that I can!!!! It's the best when our work comes together and ALL of us shine! 
 
AM: Tell us about Summer Slam and what we need to know! 

NN: SummerSlam is the biggest event of the summer. It's taking place in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center and you know that the females in WWE will be front and center ... stealing the show! 
 
AM: Why do you enjoy being in the WWE so much?

NN: Because I get to live my dreams! I get to travel the world and I get to impact people's lives in such a positive way through the global platform we have in WWE. And I get to bodyslam my arch enemies and not get in trouble! LOL!
 

Read more from the April Issue here and to see WWE Divas/E! Total Divas Natalya, our April celebrity cover girl in mag!

DOLCE & GABBANA AND A MEAL

This fall, your kitchens will receive the gift of style when Dolce & Gabbana releases their second collab with SMEG (they teamed up last Spring for their high fashion refrigerators). "Sicily is My Love" includes toasters, citrus juicers, coffee machines, kettles, blenders, stand mixers, and slow juicers. The designs embody Souther Italian and Sicilian folklore - lemons, prickly pears, bright cherries and floral patterns that embrace D&G's runway designs. Check out more from this collection.

GET WEEKEND READY | BAR MOGA

The days are longer, the weather is better and now you need to have the next bar on your list for upcoming happy hour, after work drinks and beyond. We suggest Bar Moga, which opens officially today! Moga is the Japanese version of flappers here in America. These stylish women were known to follow western fashion and lifestyles that existed in the 1920's. Much like in the states, they were sexually liberated as well as financially and emotionally independent women who loved jazz!

Across from Miss Lily's (if you have not gone here, then you need to add this Jamaican spot to your list) this east meets west bar as paintings inspired by moga, parchment screens, copper ceilings and ample seating. Drink wise, beverages are handled by a former Milk and Honey employee and a SakaMai chef has the kitchen covered.

While consuming, you can rest easy knowing that the Fempire is real here. The beverage director and head bartender are bot women. The wine list is sourced from all-female winemakers and a portion of the proceeds from one drink are donated to the ACLU.

Get ready for long nights here!

PHOTO COURTESY | Oleg March

COACHELLA STYLE | WEEKEND 1

The first weekend of Coachella is already in the books. The weekend included amazing music acts, branded parties and of course, tons of style. This week, we recap some of our fave Victoria's Secret Angels (Jasmine Tookes, Alessandra Ambrosio etc), Pretty Little Liars (Shay Mitchell) cast and more that made our heads turn as we deployed for amazing tunes in Indigo, California.

COLLAOBRATIONS BEYONCE'S STYLIST BRINGS THE STAR'S STYLE TO BARBIE

The iconic nature of Barbie means that she will reflect a number of styles, themes, careers and more. In the last few years, she has taken it to the next level in terms of various shapes, height and more. Of course when she collabs with stars and those in the know, it's truly epic. If some of the looks featured in this post seem familiar, then you recognize none other than Queen B, Beyonce's looks from her Lemonade album as well as her Formation Tour!

Beyonce's stylist for both projects are courtesy of Marni Senofonte who partnered with Barbie to bring these looks to little girls and of course those taking a break from adulting! You can see more from the Marni Senofonte x Barbie collection which will be out later this year. These looks are so playful and definitely athleisure minded as they are seamless when worn from one activity to the next (with some serious details and accessories).

WELLNESS - SNEAKERS & CANDLES UNITE

We couldn't believe it until it was in a number of our feeds but Air Jordans being turned into mini candles and soaps were everywhere! From red, white, black, metallics and more! Currently available at Paris' Colette, these little odes to sneaker culture can be picked up for around $21! What The Shape, the creators of this wellness meets athletic inspiration has an Instagram page which has even more images available. 

Now we're just waiting for our next candle lit yoga with these babies in the room!

A FIT MOMENT WITH SEJO

We took a moment to chat with a fresh italian pop artist, Sejo whose debut single, "Too Young" has been playing on repeat in our studios whether we're traveling, trying new fitness methods and styling our celebs - we feel it's a song of the summer without a doubt! With such a catchy beat, we wanted to find out more about this new artist, her song and how she stays in shape as she is also a dancer! She also shared an exclusive video with us on some great ways that she keeps her physique to the tune of her new song of course! 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your music and when you knew that you wanted to be a performer/entertainer as I know that you are a singer as well as a dancer.

SEJO: As a little girl I was always fascinated by the artistic World. I started dancing at the age of 5 and singing when I was 16. However, it was when I turned 19 that I decided it would be my life and future.

AM: Tell us about your single, "Too Young".

SEJO: When I read the lyrics and heard the track I decided it was for me because it inspires a carefree happiness that you only have when you are young and happy, like dancing in the middle of the road and just enjoying yourself.

AM: How are the areas of health, fitness, and exercise important to your career?

SEJO: Sports and Fitness is important for everybody in any line of work and the best and easiest way to keep fit is to jog.

PHOTO COURTESY | Luca Pozzaglio

AM: How does doing this work into your music?

SEJO: Being a dancer (ballerina) and a singer, I am always on the move but with music and to music, so I enjoy every minute of my workouts and just love dedicating myself to a body and mind fusion which is absolutely invincible.

AM: Tell us about exercises that you do for strong arms, legs and abs that are perfect to stay toned.

SEJO: First of all, you must remember that muscle build-up and strengthening for a ballerina is always not just a dynamic, but an emotional situation, it is never just a repeat kind of workout. Talking of which exercises that just everybody can do for your arms, bending and stretching; for abdominal exercises, I prefer sit-ups and for the lower abdominals, leg lift-ups while lying down. For your legs, I just love doing squats, with or without weights.

AM: As a dancer, what are 3 energy foods that are a must that we should have on our list to stay healthy?

SEJO: During workouts, Ballerinas and athletes must never eat foods that would give them a sense of heaviness, while training, they must eat nourishing food such as dried fruit, especially almonds, apples and one or two squares of chocolate.

SEJO TALKS HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH "TOO YOUNG" Add to your collection: https://EgoMusic.lnk.to/tooyoung Listen to more songs like this with our "Pop Dance" playlist! Spotify: https://EgoMusic.lnk.to/PopDance Follow Ego on Facebook: http://www.fb.com/EgoItaly Subscribe to EgoTV NOW: http://bit.ly/1hzlXkS Sejo is a beautiful 23-year-old Italian singer and dancer.

Listen to the acoustic version of "Too Young" here.

IN OUR BAG | BEAUTY TRAVELS

We love making each travel excursion a bit of a moment. Trade in your cosmetic zipped soft sided bags for these vanity cases that embody a bit of old world style with all of your must have goodies!

| MCM  Rockstar Vanity Case |  MERLE NORMAN Scrumptious | CURAPROX Ultra Soft Toothbrush | BUTTER LONDON Shadow Clutch Wardrobe Duo In Up All Night | BULGARI Eau Parfume au The Vert | FRE SKINCARE Customized Skincare Routine |

Read more from the March Issue or read In Our Bag | Beauty Travels i mag.

FIND YOUR DELICACIES | FOOD X JEWELRY

Food has always been an essential; however, the culinary scene has truly exploded after the last few years with the recognition of celebrity chefs, pop up restaurants and the cross over of this space into other areas.

Our favorite meals are components of dishes from meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. We took a moment to chat with the Co-Founder of Delicacies Jewelry, Nicolle Nelson, which brings our love of food and jewelry together with this fine jewelry, which has a portion of the line curated by Chef Andrew Zimmern who brings notable chefs to Chef's Table as collaborative portions of the line.

We talked with Nicolle about the line, how she stays inspired, how Chef Andrew Zimmern was involved with the line and what we can expect with the upcoming line. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Nicolle, tell us about your background and how you came into the jewelry business.

NICOLLE NELSON: I did media relations for about 18 years when I (quite unexpectedly!) got into the jewelry business. I was winding down my media relations career, living in Merida, Mexico, trying to figure out what came next — and was struck with dengue fever. (As were my husband and 5-year-old daughter simultaneously. Not so fun.) While sick and feverish one afternoon, I “awoke” to a vision of a bracelet featuring a single, tiny, gleaming garlic bulb on my wrist. As soon as I recovered, I set about to create that tiny bracelet I had seen, so clearly.

That original "fever-dream" bracelet now exists as the Delicacies Garlic bracelet!

AM: Tell us about the epicurean line Delicacies Jewelry and how this came about?

NN: Delicacies is the first ever full-line of jewelry for food lovers. My husband (and partner in Delicacies) has worked with Andrew Zimmern since 2001, so we’ve definitely experienced in the full-throttle growth in the food world in the past 15 years. Food has exploded! Food personalities are TV stars and chefs have rockstar status. Why not jewelry for food lovers?

Also, people are more conscious of what they are putting in their bodies each day. But besides simply sustaining us, food has other qualities as well that we have tapped into. Food carries memories for people, and can be used to bring certain “energies” into ones lives. (Think aphrodisiacs.) 

Some of our customers have gifted pieces for loss; an onion to remind a loved one that “sometimes in life, you cry” or a tomato pendant to remind his wife of her father, who had recently passed away and planted over 60 tomato plants in their yard every year. And some pieces are bought as tokens of luck, fertility, protection from evil, and my own personal favorite, perseverance. (Check out our ingredient “mythology" on our website to see what ingredient brings what energy into your life, and why.) 

AM: What is Chefs Table and what is Andrew Zimmern's involvement with this? 
 
NN:Delicacies’ Chef’s Table is our conduit for charitable giving. Andrew, a dear friend and longtime client and now business partner of my husband’s, agreed to serve as our Chief Giving Officer, and he helps identify and contact the chefs we want to make up our Chef’s Table. Each chef chooses an ingredient to represent them and a hunger-related non-profit organization. We then donate a percentage of proceeds to these charities (10 percent of ALL proceeds and 50 percent of each of the “chef’s ingredient” pieces sold.) 
 

AM: Tell us about the chefs who have collaborated with this line and are there others on the horizon that we should keep an eye out for?

NN: We are currently reaching out to chefs now, and finalizing our year two Chef’s Table. We don’t have any names set in stone currently, BUT look for all women to be on this year’s Chef’s Table. We feel a homage to women chefs and food personalities is most definitely in order for 2017. 

Last year, we had the following chefs join us on our Chef’s Table: Chef Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn (ingredient: tomato; charity SF-Marin Food Bank), Chef Gavin Kaysen of Spoon & Stable (ingredient: shrimp; charity: Appetite for Change) and Chef Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster (ingredient: chicken; charity: Three Goats).

AM: Tell us about your new addition of avocado into the line!

NN: Ever since we launched, there has been an overwhelming (excuse the pun) hunger for an avocado piece. And who are we to leave food lovers wanting? It took us awhile to get the avocados right; we realized the pendant had to be a 3D piece to show both sides of this delectable fruit. The avocado comes in the Delicacies bracelet, the sterling silver pendant, the 14K gold pendant and the pave gold pendant. We've already sold out of the pave avocado pieces - we are thrilled that people like their avocado with a little sparkle.

AM: What are your favorite Delicacies that are currently available in the line?

NN: I have two! I cannot pick just one. My favorites are the ginger and the octopus. 

The ginger because I simply love the ingredient itself and use it in my Thai curry pastes that I make from scratch. 

Second, I’ve worn the octopus pendant since the first one was created. The octopus represents perseverance and it is the energy which I have needed most since I started on this entrepreneurial journey. I never could have imagined the moments of doubt that I’ve faced in this journey, and each time doubt creeps in, I feel for my octopus around my neck and it reminds me that I have overcome setbacks before and that I will continue forward.

AM: What new ingredients can we expect to be introduced in the line that is not available yet?

NN: Look for rosemary in the next couple of months. I’m excited about this one because it stands for remembrance, and is just so beautiful cast in silver and gold. 

AM: Where do you get your inspiration from?

NN: I’m a bit strange, I think, because I love walking around farmer’s markets the world over. I find them so beautiful, brimming with colors, food stalls — and piles upon piles of produce. I think fruits and vegetables are the most beautiful shapes ever created by nature, which is why our jewelry line focuses on whole, simple ingredients. 

AM:  When you're not making jewelry, do you workout - if so where, and what foods do you enjoy eating for energy versus splurging?

NN: I love working out and try and do something about 3-4 days a week. (Some weeks I’m better than others…) When I’m in the States for the summer months, I do yoga with weights. When I'm in Mexico, I do CrossFit — more recreationally than serious, I enjoy the variety of the workouts. I also take a day every so often to just run a few miles.

I love food. (I created a line of food jewelry; of COURSE I love food!!) We cook a lot at home, and do a lot of Asian foods (Thai being my specialty; I make my own paste which is quite the production!)  We also do a lot of oven-roasted meats, stuff that goes stove top to oven all in the same cast iron skillet. And of course living most of the year in Mexico we eat our fair share of tacos, which would definitely be my guilty pleasure. 

AM: What's your personal style when you're out and about versus when you're going to brunch with friends?

NN: In the daytime, I’m in jeans all day long. I’m tall, so I prefer something a bit longer on top. And I love my shawls to combat overly air conditioned spaces, most of which I’ve found in my travels throughout Mexico. At night, I prefer simple (either classic or kinda flirty) dresses, a shawl, always heels, and my Angela Damman clutch handmade from beautiful natural fibers from the Yucatan. 

Read more from the Mar Issue and see Find Your Delicacies Food X Jewelry in mag.