Highbrow Hippie Blog

Since we landed on stress as our conscious living theme for March, there has been a lot of talk about what it is and how to identify it. A google search yields many different results, but for our purposes we are defining stress as a physical or mental response to an external cause. To put it simply, it’s a reaction. Our bodies are designed to handle and process stress in small doses, but when it becomes chronic it can have serious effects on all systems of the body including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Think about how you feel when you are stressed - your body feels tense, your breathing is shallow, your heart races, your stomach might hurt or you may feel nauseous.

When we opened the doors to the atelier, our dream was to create a space - our version of a salon -  where clients could find respite and escape from the world.  Where, when they sit in the chair, they can slow down, get still, and feel the ease and tension of modern living dissipate.  Since opening, we’ve continued to be intentional in offering solutions that aim to destress modern living. That being said, this month we’re focusing the conversation around stress. Too much stress comes with an array of negative side effects - both in the short and long term - and it’s a topic, especially in the last few years, that lands in our chair more often than not.  

Last night, after 3 long years, we were finally able to again have our annual gathering and in-person patio chat in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.And what a special evening it was. As often stated, we view our atelier not as hair salon, but a space that is a ‘salon’ in the true sense of the word. A gathering place, a safe space to share and talk, openly and honestly, and sometimes that means having hard conversations.

Well, here we are in 2023. You all know we tend not to follow big fads or trends, especially when it comes to the new year. So, in true Highbrow Hippie fashion, we'll be focusing on simplifying in the upcoming year. This won't be about making promises that feel far out of reach or setting unrealistic parameters in any way, it's more about cutting down on the noise.

This month we've been chatting about all things wellness and some of our go to's for a quick reset. For me, scent is in the top 5 along with sleep, proper nutrition, movement and time in nature. It's certainly one of the most important elements in my home and gives me an immediate sense of well-being. I tend to gravitate towards woodsy, green scents with subtle floral undertones. Scents that (at least for me) feel like a warm hug next to a fireplace, reading a book after smoking a joint and gazing out the window at the mountains beyond. I love having my place smell like me - it invokes a vibe and to me that is important.