meraki [may-rah-kee] (adjective) "This is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe doing something with soul, creativity, or love — when you put “something of yourself” into what you're doing, whatever it may be."
Adrienne Fisher is a sister — the kind that is so unapologetic about her relationship with her Mother, that you are left nothing short of inspired by it, captivated, comforted. And by Mother, I do mean Nature and her vast, deep, all-consuming, absolute omnipotence. Adrienne is the founder and spirit behind Meraki Nomad, where she brings together her DNA's Native Traditions in ceremonial offerings, turning to Mother Nature for healing and providing. Everything Meraki-brand is hand made — whether it be her bundles, or the world market goods she brings back. I'm enchanted by Adrienne, by all that she emits. And since you are Nature — a divine aspect of Mother Nature — I know that you will be, too.
What elements of your homeland have impacted your journey thus far?
"I was raised by the deep, dark Florida river, a strong + grounded Grandfather Pine Tree (that strangely lived in front of my Florida home), Mother Moon's bright light shining through my bedroom window, and Father Sun's warmth, day after day, that gave me life. Those are the elements that deeply impacted me from a child. My papa and I would walk the river shore during low tide and treasure hunt as the warm water + soft mud soothed my soul. Each night my mama would be sure to point out the moon and say 'Look at the moon! Isn't she beautiful? Thank you, moon!' I was raised with gratitude for our Earth Mama, and I am so deeply grateful for that. Out of them all, the Sun is my everything— my healer, my guide. I am a daughter of the Sun."
What is your work?
"I create an array of offerings sourced from Mother Earth for healing rituals. Smudge sticks, oils, incense. I also have an online marketplace where I offer traditional, handmade, artisan items from my travels. My Father has definitely influenced a lot of who I am today and what I create. He has honored our, very small percentage, of Native American background and taught me so much. He would come home from horseback riding trips, visiting the reservations and bring back dreamcatchers, friendship feathers, tomahawks, art, etc. The traditional, Native crafts fill my parents home. I grew up surrounded by beautiful, handmade, spiritual gifts. It is not until I grew older that my soul found it's purpose and honored those traditions too. I then fell in love with handmade goods from all native cultures around the world."
What creative endeavors do you feel drawn to at this time?
"My next endeavor will definitely be herbalism. I really feel called to connect with Mother Earth on a deeper level and really understand her healing properties she provides us with. I'd love to move more into a spiritual, plant medicine, apothecary realm of sorts. I know this will not be for a few years though. I want to study for a very long time before I begin to create.
I also feel drawn to more travel & more collaborations with others."
How did you learn to tap into your intuition? Do you have rituals in doing so?
"Meditation, spending time with Mother Earth, Smudging (constantly), being in silence with myself to allow my own thoughts to flow, journaling to release, cosmic teas and herbs to help connect to my intuition; and trusting, listening, and loving myself."
What does "Beauty" mean to you?
"Beauty . . . Beauty is the way something or someone makes you feel inside. A burst of warmth, gratitude, and love. Beauty is all around us — seeing a stranger helping out another stranger, Mother Nature's surprises even in the midst of a busy city, a friendly smile — we just have to be open to receiving it — and if you are, wow it is just . . . well . . . beautiful."
* all images via Adrienne, @meraki_nomad