IN THE EVERYDAY
We’d like to introduce you to our friend, Coco, who is part of the Everyday Oil team and who keeps us dancing everyday in the office. Self described as equal parts fashion designer, dancer, and self-portrait photographer, we would like to add, artist, community activist, chef, all around magical human and inspiration.
Photos by Antonia Esposito
Hi! What has been happening in your life lately that you would like to share?
I’ve been working on a collection of garments, photographs, movement films, and soft sculptures for the last year and a half. It’s been pretty consuming (in the best way) and we just finished filming a couple weeks ago and I’m very very excited to share this project later this year.
What are you reading? Or what have you loved reading?
I'm currently reading Undercurrents of Power: Aquatic Culture in the African Diaspora by Kevin Dawson. I'm really excited about this one. It feels like a doorway to exploring my thoughts on belonging to the ocean. I read Cien Años de Soledad by Gabriel García Márquez a long time ago and have recently started listening to it at night. I kinda like falling asleep to it.
Where or when do you find the most joy?
When I spend time in the sun, submerged in a body of water, when I get to dance, cook, and play dress up with new and old friends, collaborating on creative projects, and when I get to spend a hot sweaty day at the skatepark.
If you can imagine a personal utopia, how would you describe it?
I don’t think it’s very clear in my mind, but these are a few elements; living within walking distance of the sea, plenty of naps, dancing with friends and family, and endless amounts of fresh fruit.
Do you have any favorite sayings, passages, or quotes?
Probably something from Walter Mercado (:
What practices or environments make you feel whole?
Going on a walk everyday regardless of the weather, swimming laps, laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling, and engaging in some sweat-inducing physical activity.
Do you take or recommend any herbs, tonics, potions, or elixirs?
Big Hug from Heilbron Herbs and Sinus Blaster is what’s always on hand. I also usually add a blend of mushroom powders to coffee, tea, or a smoothie.
How often do you use Everyday Oil? Tell us everything :)
Every single day, head to toe (seriously). I incorporate Unscented into my daily hair care routine by using a dropper to get it into my roots and massage the scalp. I also wash my face with Mainstay in the morning and evening and use it in shower. If I could soak in a tub of EO, I really would.
If you have one, tell us about a favorite swimming spot or swimming hole.
Big East Fork is my go-to near Asheville. There’s a hike in and a lot of spots off the trail to take a dip. I’ll take salt water over fresh water any day though. I was swimming several times a day when I was visiting family in northern Colombia. I was so mesmerized by the landscape where the ocean meets the desert and the waves were almost flat, a clear blue, and so pleasantly warm.
Simple routines and rituals can help make space for effortless well-being, which is what we strive for with Everyday Oil. Can you share any other habits that help you pause and enjoy simple pleasures?
I drink a large glass of water while sitting in front of a window that is usually overflowing with sunlight first thing in the morning then move through some wiggles by stretching and dancing to at least one song, slow or fast, whatever the mood is. You Can Have It All by George McCrae has been on repeat lately. I could do this anytime of day but this as a morning practice makes me feel so vibrant and grounded especially after traveling to so many other worlds in my sleep. I like the idea of writing everyday and intend to, but this actually happens maybe three days a week in the form of a stream of consciousness, or poetry, or a dream journal entry.
Keep up with Coco over here :)
