An Interview + A Giveaway {Heather Mattern}

Today we continue our monthly interview series. A series in which I introduce you to some very special people…individuals who work equally hard at their craft and at living an intentional life. Someone new each month, sharing thoughts on creativity and discussing current work dear to his/her heart. Each individual who joins us will also generously offer some sort of giveaway. It could be a handmade item, a spot in a workshop, a collection of stones or crystals…anything that’s connected to the feature artist’s work and life. Their gift to you is of their choosing. This series will, I hope, create space to explore what creativity looks like to different people; I hope it will also create space to spread a little love through the gifts of our guests.

Today we’re visiting with Heather Mattern.  Like many of the women with whom we’ve talked in this interview series, Heather explores multiple creative media…to name a few:  collage, photography, writing.  You’ll learn in this interview that she’s now working creatively with essential oils.  I kind of love thinking about her mixing these potions the way a painter might mix paint, the way a cook might stir ingredients, the way a poet might blend words.  I have always felt Heather to be passionate and free.  I think you’ll feel it too after reading our conversation.  I’m very happy that Heather joins us today. Are you ready? Here we go…

Can you tell us a bit about your creative work?

I love that you call it creative work. Mmmm. My creative work is intuitive, whatever makes my heart sing, I chase. Typically, my intuition speaks through my journal — which is my FAVORITE tool for creative work. My ideas are vast, sometimes a poem arrives and knocks on my soul that I can’t help but write, other times, it’s gift ideas for my oily tribe. My newest passion is creating custom essential oil roller blends for sisters with specific health concerns. All this to say, when creativity knocks, I chase it intuitively until another leads the way.  I love every moment of it.

What does creativity mean to you?  What role does it play in your life?

Creativity to me is all about capturing the beauty amidst the chaos in whichever way one feels led. Some paint beauty, others write it, teach it, dance it out, etc.

Is there a project on which you’re currently working?  What’s lighting your fire these days?

I’m super passionate about my new wellness biz. With the combination of journaling and Young Living Essential Oils, I’ve found full body wellness and it feels amazing! I’m leading workshops, sharing my story about leaping from fear to passion, and giving away handmade journals along the way. It feels amazing to be here. I was born for this!

Are there particular relationships in your life (to people, to nature perhaps) that inspire you to create?

The trees inspire me. Always the trees. There’s something so peaceful and sacred about them. I’m often found staring out the window, listening for answers and inspiration. They are full of them.

Do you have any rituals surrounding your creative work?

Every day starts with black coffee and my journal. After I scribble down my rambles, I end with gratitude and wishes for the day. This little ritual of sending wishes out into the world gets me excited and giddy.

What does a typical day in the Mattern household look like?  Where do you fit in (and shine) in all of that?

Oh boy. Let’s see. Mornings are ours. Mine and my loves. Coffee, journaling, and the gym. After our “gym date,” it gets a little crazy around here. Homeschooling three teens – you never really know what’s going to happen. I have one day a week blocked out for my biz and creative work. On those days the kids are left to themselves to get their schooling done and other responsibilities. It’s my sacred creative time. Sometimes I’m upstairs while they are downstairs. Sometimes I stay in the living room or kitchen creating my blends or writing love notes to my tribe. My kiddos know – every Tuesday is mommy is not to be bothered. J  And for the most part, they are great at respecting my “work day.”

 

Now some fun ones…

What did you eat for breakfast?

Today I ate half a banana before heading out to my gym date. J

Do you have a favorite day of the week?

Thursdays! Because my husband doesn’t ever work on Thursdays so our weekend gets to start early!

I know you’re a fan of essential oils!  Do you have a current favorite oil and/or oil blend?

Oh it’s so hard to choose a favorite. But I’m never EVER without peppermint! It’s like magic in a bottle.

What makes you smile?

Road trips! With my family, with friends, or even by myself.

What music are you digging lately?

My daughter introduced me to Andy Black recently and I’m sorta  kinda  maybe —  a little bit obsessed.

If you close your eyes right now, what word comes to mind?

Passion. Right now I’m all about passion. Chasing it, claiming it, living it.

 

And now for the giveaway…

 

Heather is giving away a custom roller blend of essential oils + a handmade journal (US shipping only, please).  The winner will correspond directly with Heather so that she can create a blend that supports whatever the winner is craving from life at this moment.  Awesome, right?!

To enter the giveaway, here’s what you need to do:
Leave a comment below.  Share a passion you’re chasing right now.  Or tell us what you ate for breakfast this morning.  Or just say hi. And, even if you live overseas (because shipping is for US only for this giveaway), feel free to leave a comment if inspired.  Comments will close at midnight PST on Monday, June 19 , 2017. The randomly-selected winner will be announced here in this post on Tuesday, April 20.  Comments are now closed.

The winner is…pumpkin sunrise!  (email coming your way)  Special thanks to everyone who left a comment.  

And…Thank you, Heather, for being here with us.

Sending a little love your way, m

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Heather Mattern is a romantic, she lives with her high school sweetheart in NC where they homeschool their three teenagers. Addicted to road trips and wanderlust, Heather travels around sharing wellness bliss with women, teaching them how they can have full body wellness. You can find her at ramblingheather@gmail.com and on Instagram.