The Culture-ist

In a world marked by chaos, overstimulation, and an overwhelming sense of loneliness, finding true moments of tranquility and connection can seem almost impossible. Amidst this backdrop, Angelica Olstad’s “Music for Healing” program emerges as a sanctuary of serenity. Going beyond mere sound, it weaves a holistic tapestry that stimulates all senses — from aural to visual to olfactory. This multi-sensory experience offers individuals a refuge, not only reconnecting them with their inner selves but also providing an opportunity for shared solace and understanding in an increasingly fragmented world. The program’s intricate design harmoniously blends elements like lighting, color therapy, and scents with music, creating a meticulously curated environment that resonates deeply with our present-day need for genuine connection and healing. (Continue reading with link in bio).

If you’re looking for an idyllic island holiday in the South Pacific and want to ensure your visit leaves a light footprint on the environment, then this sustainable travel guide to Fiji is perfect for you. The itinerary is a combination of sustainable boutique luxury hotel stays, organic and farm-to-table dining experiences, and exciting nature and conservation excursions that take place over 7 nights. (Link in bio).

Nestled within Italy’s northernmost reaches, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites beckons with a myriad of natural, cultural, and gastronomic charms. For the eco-conscious traveler, planning g a journey to the Dolomites can be an exciting venture. Check out our article on the best things to do in the Dolomites – a sustainable guide brimming with the region’s top-rated hikes, accommodations, dining options, and hidden gems. (Link in bio).

South Africa, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, has consistently been a top safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. This country offers a myriad of safari experiences that thrill the senses, fostering a profound connection with nature. In this article, we traverse through the best places to go on safari, exploring unique experiences that boast a rare blend of adventure, wildlife interaction, and eco-friendly accommodations. We also delve into immersive conservation experiences, offering insights into the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the efforts to preserve them.

South Africa, renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, has consistently been a top safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. This country offers a myriad of safari experiences that thrill the senses, fostering a profound connection with nature. In this article, we traverse through the best places to go on safari in South Africa, exploring unique experiences that boast a rare blend of adventure, wildlife interaction, and eco-friendly accommodations. We also delve into immersive conservation experiences, offering insights into the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the efforts to preserve them.

Todos Santos magic. 🖤

Desert escapes, beach jaunts or jungle journeys…which calls to your heart?

Hi Friends! We’re excited to share that we’ve relaunched The Culture-ist 🌳🎉🌎🌱! We’re looking forward to reconnecting with many of you (this used to be ’s account) and sharing your stories on the site. We also have a shop called 🪷PAZ which features sustainable and ethically made goods from around the globe. And we feature more information about our nonprofit which runs education, food security and sustainable development projects for women & children in Rwanda on The Culture-ist’s homepage. Lastly, we moved to California, so if you’re in the San Diego area let’s grab coffee- we love connecting with creatives. We look forward to sharing inspiring stories from around the globe with you soon!

The scent-free Nourishing Oil was designed to hydrate and restore dry skin, using super gentle, all-natural ingredients without any added essential oils or fragrance. Esker’s first product made specifically for those with sensitive skin, the Nourishing Oil formula is powered by organic prickly pear oil. This botanical delivers powerful antioxidants, cell rejuvenation and deep hydration amongst its wide range of benefits. Balanced with squalane and steam distilled fractionated coconut oil, this nutritive oil is non-greasy and fast absorbing leaving skin glowing and soft to the touch.

Each order includes an envelope of pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds. 🐝🪷🌱

Wishing you a peaceful weekend. Scroll for some self-love inspiration 🖤

These delicately textured and woven baskets were made by groups of women in intimate communities across Uganda and Rwanda in an ethical, fair trade environment. They use the raffia plant and banana fibers to weave them together. Click on the link in our bio to view the full collection.

Have you traveled around our immersive marketplace? Scroll to start the journey and indulge in products that are crafted by master artisans and are sustainably and ethically sourced. 🪷🌵

This powerhouse blend of rich botanical oils is packed with essential omegas and vitamins that renew and nourish delicate facial skin cells. Formulated with organic Rosehip CO2 and other supercritical extracts, this luxe serum is formulated to restore skin's appearance by encouraging cell regeneration and boosting elasticity. As easy to use as it is indulgent, this blend absorbs instantly to deliver deep hydration with no oily residue. Just naturally glowing, truly healthy, and resilient skin.

Made in Brooklyn, NY

Have you explored our desert-inspired products?🌵 Soft palettes, dreamy design and subtle textures add warmth and grounding to your home. Always sustainable and ethically made.

This plant-based formula is designed to nourish and hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes. Crafted with organic Mango Seed, Squalane, Blackberry, Avocado, and Meadowfoarm seed, this eye cream provides long-lasting hydration to keep your skin supple and smooth.

Our sensual Dry Brush is composed of grass tree wood, all natural bristles, and finely wound h**p twine around the handle. The ancient practice of dry brushing improves circulation from head to toe and exfoliates the top layer of skin for a brighter, firmer surface all over. The skin is left invigorated from short, quick strokes of the soft bristles across the entire body, including arms, legs, and torso.

"As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of consumerism on the planet, more and more people are looking for ways to make their shopping choices align with their values. Enter PAZ, an immersive online marketplace that offers a range of sustainable and ethical products.

Founded by Maria Russo, a writer, photographer, and Representative to the United Nations for Humanity Unified Int’l, PAZ partners with artisans, brands, and designers who create using slow, organic, regenerative, and bird-friendly processes. The platform features a variety of products including organic skincare, coffee, chocolate, accessories, home goods, and more..."

PAZ: An Immersive Online Marketplace for Sustainable and Ethical Goods - Culture-ist As the world becomes increasingly conscious of the impact of consumerism on the planet, more and more people are looking for ways to make their shopping choices align with their values. Enter PAZ, an immersive online marketplace that offers a range of sustainable and ethical products. Founded by Mar...

PAZ transports you to the shores of Italy where sun-kissed ingredients from Palermo lavishly nourish the body. We invite you to meet women artisans from the hills of Rwanda and their gorgeous baskets and wall decor. Admire beautiful sustainably made earthenware from Portugal and explore the Philippines where artisans are painstakingly crafting stunning home decor pieces. Always sustainable and ethical. Always made with intention.

In 2014, I traveled to the Amazon Rainforest for a column I produced for The Huffington Post. I remember learning that approximately 10,000 acres are destroyed every day, that's over 3.6 million acres a year. Several months later, I traveled to Rwanda to develop sustainable farming projects with women who were earning $0.87 a day. Those two experiences lead me to discover how poverty and the climate crisis are deeply intertwined. The choices we make as consumers can mean the difference between 10,000 acres of deforestation and a thriving biodiversity hotspot that provides clean air and climate moderation globally and critical resources for local communities.

PAZ was founded out of a deep respect and love for the planet and a need to support people who are committed to producing products sustainably. Many of our home goods and accessories are sourced from partners that employ artisans in the developing world and guarantee fair and ethical working conditions. Women in developing nations suffer the most from the climate crisis. As a Representative to the United Nations, I have learned the urgency of providing employment opportunities for women - with steady work comes food security, safety from s*xual predators and s*x traffickers, education for their children and opportunities to move into leadership roles within their community.

Our clean skincare is so much more than luxurious facial oils, scrubs and nourishing treatments - it's women-owned businesses dedicated to sustainable practices and providing organic, ethically sourced ingredients.

In Spanish, the word PAZ means “Peace.” This is what we are seeking to create through our immersive marketplace. We hope that you'll join us in supporting a conscious way to consume where every purchase makes a positive impact.

With Love and Gratitude,
Maria Russo
Founder, PAZ

Locally sourced and hand made here in California for a minimal impact on the environment, this fully organic, gentle cleansing duo is a match made in skincare heaven 🪷 Botanical Republic uses Certified Organic Hydrosols also known as distillates to conserve water.

These "flower waters," are produced by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. With similar properties to essential oils, the aromatic waters are much less concentrated. Their aromas are often soft and subtle when compared to their essential oil counterparts and contain many of the soothing, nourishing compounds with the added benefit of deep hydration for skin.

Art has the power to inspire us to dream and create. At PAZ we believe in the power of kind intention. The artisans, alchemists and designers we partner with believe that there is a path to consuming consciously and in harmony with nature. Discover our collections and join us in supporting ethical, sustainable, women-owned businesses.

We LOVE this mat because it’s made made from renewable cork + natural tree rubber. It’s also 100% biodegradable (including the packaging) and 10 trees are planted for every piece. Carbon neutral + planet kind, this eco mat is designed to support your body and our planet.

More on Cork 🌱🌎:

Cork is one of the most earth-friendly materials out there. No trees are cut down during harvest. The bark is collected entirely by hand every 9 years and regenerates itself. Cork oak trees can live up to 200 years and a harvested cork oak tree absorbs up to 5x more CO2 than one that isn’t cultivated. Cork trees support some of the world’s most biodiverse forests.
Practicing on materials from the earth is grounding. Our hands and feet have marma points or energy pathways. Practicing barefoot (and barehand) connects us with the planet's subtle energy. Grounding balances biological rhythms, calms the nervous system, and helps our body heal. It's nature doing its thing. Yes please.

Mom deserves some peace in her life, and we’ve got just the right gifts to make her feel relaxed and blissful. Scroll to see our picks (always sustainable & ethically made 🌱🪷🐇) ->>>

How is your heart today? Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Breathe and use these peaceful intentions to create a shift towards pleasure and joy 🪷

Take a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing. This can help clear your mind and support the flow of endorphins.

Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, go for a walk. Admire nature, feel a sense of awe in something you discover.

Practice gratitude by taking a few moments to appreciate the good things in your life. We appreciate you. 🪷🌱We send you love. ♥️

Reduce screen time by taking a break from technology or social media. Instead, spend time in nature or with loved ones.

Prioritize self-care by doing something that makes you feel good, whether it's taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or cooking a healthy meal.

Creating peace in your heart is all about finding what works for you. Be gentle and loving with yourself and see how it makes a difference in your day-to-day life.

This beautiful Bud Vase is a work of art molded by artisans in Portugal using local clay. The soothing elements of earth and the warmth of fire can be felt in its body. It’s the perfect piece to bring the energy of these cozy elements into your home.

Beautiful sun-kissed bodies need nourishment. Our Palermo Repairing Body Oil has
Cucumber seed oil, h**p seed oil, raspberry seed oil, meadowfoam oil, borage oil, and buriti fruit which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that help to soothe and protect your skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated.

Cucumber seed oil is known for its cooling and soothing properties, making it a great choice for calming irritated or sensitive skin. H**p seed oil* is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to moisturize and nourish your skin. Raspberry seed oil is high in antioxidants, which can help to reduce the signs of aging and improve overall skin health.

Meadowfoam oil is a lightweight oil that helps to lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and plump. Borage oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. And buriti fruit oil is packed with vitamin A and beta-carotene,
which help to brighten and even out your skin tone.

So whether you're looking to soothe, moisturize, or rejuvenate your skin, the Repairing Body Oil has got you covered. Let us know what your favorite oil is in the comments below! 🌿💆‍♀️💆‍♂️

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