Queen Bee ~ Part II

Now posting this, months after my beautiful facial with Jodi Shay, I am realizing how vital it is we nurture ourselves. As women we naturally give and nurture others through out our days, and if we don’t remember to fill up our reservoir from time to time, our capacity to bring love and joy diminishes. Jodi came over with her natural sheep yogurt, Malibu honey, oatmeal, gentle healing hands, and gave me the most relaxing facial that left my skin glowing for days. Her positive, vibrant energy is definitely contagious. I also have to say her salon for waxing is the best I have been to. I like many, hate the pain and nuisance of waxing, but after visiting Queen Bee Spa I am now a convert.  Interview and face mask recipe with Jodi below!

For more all-natural and organic beauty products and DIY beauty treatments, see The Local Rose.

The benefits of honey on the face
Acne: Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for acne treatment and prevention.
Aging: Full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging.
Complexion boost: It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow.
Pores: Honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog.

1) When did you start using non-toxic products?
Since I can remember. When I turned 13 (a long time ago!!) I became a vegetarian and advocate for cruelty free cosmetics and products. I used The Body Shop and makeup by Beauty without Cruelty. That was the early 80s. I use other natural products now since we are fortunate enough to have access to so many.

2) What are your top five products that you like and sell at your salon?
Epicuren Herbal Cleanse
Heather’s Tummy Tamers Peppermint Oil Capsules (90 per bottle) for IBS
The Local Rose – Rose Oil (obvs!!!)
Merben Jute Hand Held Body Brush
butter LONDON All Hail The Queen

3) Do you have a beauty secret?
Yes – I don’t eat any meat, processed foods or large amounts of dairy. It keeps my tummy and skin happy! However, this doesn’t mean to say I don’t indulge in some fabulous California Pinots every now and then. I find when my stress levels are at their highest, my skin gets cranky and it shows externally and internally. I’ve been practicing meditative breathing and using acupuncture for healing.

4) You seem like such an incredibly vibrant and positive being. Do you have a spiritual practice to get you there?
I try to wake up every day with an attitude of gratitude. When I feel as though I’m having a “down” day I turn my thoughts into the opposite direction, it’s taken some practice, but I feel as though I’m there. I love to laugh and goof around, so I surround myself by like minded happy people, children and animals. I was born in the heart of the English countryside and my spirituality comes from mother nature. When I get home from work I immediately take my shoes off and get outside in the grass – I crave the at-one-ment with nature, it is what fuels me.

5) Waxing at your studio seemed painless. Do you have a special technique?
Yes, I/we do have a special technique. Waxing has everything to do with the technician’s personality and their innate ability to know their clients needs. It’s not about slapping wax onto the skin and then ripping it off – we’ve all seen those movies and read the horror stories. Hair removal is an art – it goes back to the days of Cleopatra – and should be treated as such. We do use an amazing wax, but you could give me the cheapest wax on the shelf and I would still deliver a great wax. It’s not about speed, it’s about efficiency. It’s knowing how to make your client comfortable in an uncomfortable situation, getting their breathing down and having the gift of conversation. Once I’m done having a great chat with my clients, the wax is usually over and any discomfort is quickly forgotten! I train my waxologists in the same methods, and I know from the outset if you have the gift or not.

6) What is your dream vacation?
It would have to be out in the wilderness. I am not a beach girl. My husband and I took a trip to Alaska for our honeymoon and it was one of the best experiences of my life. For 12 days we hiked the tundra eating blueberries fresh off of the bushes, kayaking, whale watching, it was amazing. I am in awe of the beauty of this country. Since I love the feeling of rain on my skin, my dream vacation would be to fly up to Seattle or Vancouver and eat my way around the many islands off of the coast.

7) Are you a mermaid or forest fairy?
Hands down, no hesitations, I’m a forest fairy! Growing up in England I had access to many amazing forests. This time of year in England (spring) everything is coming to life. The crocuses and bluebells are coming up through the ground and the trees are just alive with birds and chatty squirrels. This is when I miss England the most.

8) What book is on your nightstand?
The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood
It makes me laugh and cry at the same time – not to mention giving me faith in humankind.

Face Mask Recipe:
We took a cup of organic sheep milk yogurt and blended in organic oatmeal that we had ground down in a blender, mixed in some local raw honey and blended it all into a consistency that would allow you to spread it onto your face with ease.
You need to cleanse their face gently before the mask, pat it dry then massage in a little of your amazing rose oil. Then apply the mask on top and let sit for 15 minutes. For optimal results you may apply steam to the mask to soften skin. Might be messy, but the results of amazing!