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Clinical Herbalist Melanie Hill has followed a path that organically led her to teaching, consulting and creating.
Looped in by Carly Gouweloos
Hi! I'm Melanie Hill. I'm a clinical herbalist, an entrepreneur, a teacher and clinic supervisor, as well as a consultant and product creator.
Soon after I graduated from my clinical herbalism and acupuncture program, I had a psychic tell me that while I was down the right path, and in the right field, the exact direction of my career wouldn't be linear. She was right! Not only do I see private clients using herbal medicine and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), I also have a herbal based product line, an online and physical store, work as a teacher and clinical supervisor for students in the program I graduated from, offer workshops and teaching opportunities, and I also do freelance work helping other brands and companies with product creation and development.
Wearing so many hats has been really complex and difficult in some ways, but it's also been so vital for my creative mind. I love to create, collaborate and learn. Having so many things on the go allows me to keep the ball rolling in a way that keeps me motivated and creative. I am able to find comfort in the places that come easily to me, while still being able to push myself out of my comfort zone on the daily.
When I was younger I went to university for arts management and curatorial studies at U of T, thinking that was where my creative path would be best explored. I ended up hating it, and now see in reflection, that going down that path, I was denying my passion for nature, for connection, and for the human body. It's been so incredible discovering that creativity, and living creatively isn't part and parcel with the arts per se (though still a big part of my life), but through the way one chooses to show up in their lives.
To me, what makes someone 'a creative' is someone who lives their life in an authentic way with curiosity, wonder and are willing to take risks. To me it's someone who lives a life that is motivated by elevating the everyday through noticing and celebrating the subtle beauty in otherwise seemingly banal moments.
SO MUCH! Our greatest mother -- nature, connection + community, plant medicine, my relationships, learning, exploring, movement and bodies of water.
Wow, I honestly am so inspired by pretty much everyone in my life in some capacity or another. I don't have a one off idol that I can think of, but it's more of a soup of people who are strong, self-aware, vulnerable and interested in preserving mother nature and the greater good. Also, it's cliche, but I also definitely have to say my mom, and the many matriarchs in my life.
Being an only child with a young, busy, single mom, I spent a lot of time alone and entertaining myself. I would say a great majority of my time was spent outdoors, lost in daydream and fantasy. I loved to draw, write, read and create little worlds for myself. My childhood was very full of love, freedom and activity. I owe a lot to my childhood for the kind of person I am today.
The world needs SO much work right now. If there's anything I could realistically create and offer is space (whether through outdoor education, herbal products or body work) to connect to ourselves, to nature and to one another. I think by helping people learn or relearn those skills of connecting, we're then creating a less self-centered way of living, and that definitely allows for a much better way of life for everyone, and everything.
My late grandfather would always remind me to not "wish my life away". At the time it seemed like mundane advice, but as someone who practices mindfulness and tries to live in the present, I now see this as fundamentally great advice. It can extend to practicing gratitude, connection and being present in mind, body and spirit...something I'm always striving to achieve.
Things that keep me motivated include my curiosity, passion for growth and evolving and making connections. Inspiration comes to me from so, so many sources; food and wine, gardening, changing of seasons, nature, my friends and family, reading, my dog, walking, driving or running down new routes and getting new perspectives.
In this precise moment it's my dog at my feet, the sound of song birds and drizzle outside, feeling safe and grounded in my space and a warm cup of tea. In this chapter of life: my husband, my friendships, and being able to pursue my passion as a career.
Krista is a dear friend and constant source of inspiration. She is the source behind Golden Chain where she offers a wide range of kundalini yoga + meditation series and training. Through her own extensive experiences and also through collaboration with other teachers and creatives, Krista offers the wisdom and tools to live life in an inspired, elevated way. She's funny as hell, a great writer, a gifted teacher, a knowledge keeper and has a knack for posing the critical questions of life in a way that both cracks you open and cracks you up.
Krista is a dear friend and constant source of inspiration. She is the source behind Golden Chain where she offers a wide range of kundalini yoga + meditation series and training. Through her own extensive experiences and also through collaboration with other teachers and creatives, Krista offers the wisdom and tools to live life in an inspired, elevated way. She's funny as hell, a great writer, a gifted teacher, a knowledge keeper and has a knack for posing the critical questions of life in a way that both cracks you open and cracks you up.
A visual artist and designer based in L.A. I love everything she designs, but am also inspired by her creative and seemingly free approach to life. Anytime she shares a recipe, a visual moment, or someone who inspires her, you can sense the passion and essence of the moment.
A visual artist and designer based in L.A. I love everything she designs, but am also inspired by her creative and seemingly free approach to life. Anytime she shares a recipe, a visual moment, or someone who inspires her, you can sense the passion and essence of the moment.
A gardener, forager, creator extraordinaire for the restaurant at Pearl Morissette. I've known Deirdre for quite a few years, and spent time in my early twenties gardening and learning from her. She is so knowledgeable, and one of the most ambitious and creative gardeners and growers I know.
A gardener, forager, creator extraordinaire for the restaurant at Pearl Morissette. I've known Deirdre for quite a few years, and spent time in my early twenties gardening and learning from her. She is so knowledgeable, and one of the most ambitious and creative gardeners and growers I know.
I've never had the chance to meet Jasmine, but discovered her on instagram through friends. Her account is a constant source of inspiration. Her beautiful floral food creations, her movement classes, her perspectives and creative vision are all so incredible and inspiring. I am always excited when I see her share her content.
I've never had the chance to meet Jasmine, but discovered her on instagram through friends. Her account is a constant source of inspiration. Her beautiful floral food creations, her movement classes, her perspectives and creative vision are all so incredible and inspiring. I am always excited when I see her share her content.