Today we continue our 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.
We’re visiting with Bella Cirovic today. I knew Bella years back when I first began blogging and she was the curator of an online community project called 52 Photos Project. I’ve gotten to know her warm ways through her photography and the work she shares online as well as in print; it’s been wonderful watching her grow and explore creativity in new and varied ways. Right now, she’s deep in the work of crafting beautiful oil blends (I have one of her blends {Mercy} and it’s lovely.) I’m so happy to have Bella joining us today. I think you’ll feel her warmth and good spirit too. Are you ready? Here she is…
What does creativity mean to you?
It is almost like a purging of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I used to think it wasn’t a good idea to have my spoon in too many creative pots, but that is a limiting thought. The truth is, creativity is limitless. To me, creativity is an essential part of the cycle of being. I take in and must release, otherwise I will get stuck. It is energy that craves to be let go of.
Can you tell us about your creative work and business?
I am a maker of sacred anointing oils and perfume oil blends. I began this work almost four years ago when I was introduced to essential oils. The oils became a huge part of my self care practices. I soon began creating oil blends for myself and gifting them to friends. The next practical step was to open an online shop and get myself out to maker markets and fairs. That is the phase of my business I am currently in the midst of working on.
What inspired you to move into this particular work?
I was mostly intrigued by how the oils affected me on an emotional level. This led me to begin studying not only the medicinal benefits of each oil but what their emotional benefits and meanings were. I loved how by simply inhaling an oil my entire nervous system could relax or my body would feel re-energized. There was a mind, body, and soul connection that I could not deny learning more about.
Do you have any rituals surrounding your creative work (do you play music, light a candle, take a walk)?
One ritual I’ve had for years is to take a daily nature walk. I love how the fresh air declutters my mind. That’s the time I process life’s big questions or something that’s bothering me. Nature just kind of serves as the safe place where I can filter all the heavy stuff. I also really love to cook. It’s meditative for me. I’ve had some great ideas come to me while cooking dinner for my family.
Now some lighter questions…
What’s the weather like in your corner of the world?
Today is brisk and cool. The wind is blowing, the leaves are falling off the trees, the sky is cornflower blue, and the sun is occasionally peeking through the clouds.
What’s your favorite vegetable?
I tend to favor root veggies. Carrots and beets are my favorites and I prefer to roast them with olive oil and plenty of garlic.
Are there favorite colors that appear in your home?
Turquoise and marshmallow white are colors I’ve been infusing into each room. They both give a good pop of color.
Are you currently reading a book? If so, what is it?
Yes! I just started reading The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman.
If you close your eyes right now, what word comes to mind?
Move. Movement. Move.
And now for the giveaway…
Bella is generously giving a bottle of her Harvest perfume oil to one lucky reader who lives in the continental US or Canada. Her Harvest perfume oil (10ml Roll on oil) is a sensual oil blend infused with mysterious notes of tonka bean, clove, cardamom, and vetiver lifted with coconut & teak. This oil was created for magickal women who cherish scent as part of sacred ceremony and who revere sacred times. Vibe: cozy sweaters and caramel lattes. A loving mix of high grade essential oils and absolutes in a moisturizing argan oil base. Anoint on wrists, heartspace & neck.
To enter the giveaway, here’s what you need to do: Comments are now closed.
Leave a comment below. Tell us your favorite essential oil, or tell us what creativity means to you, or just say hello…whatever you like. Comments will close at midnight PST on Monday, October 23, 2017. The randomly-selected winner will be announced here in this post on Tuesday, October 24.
And the randomly selected winner…is Nellie!
(Nellie, an email is coming your way.)
Thanks to all of you who played along, and to all of you who took the time to enjoy this conversation with Bella.
And…Thank you, Bella, for being here with us.
Sending a little love your way, m
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As a photographer, Bella Cirovic is curator and keeper of life’s most sacred moments. Her clients have said she has a way of capturing them in instances of magic and whimsy and that her steadying presence helps them feel at home in their skin. She witnesses stories while living her own healing adventure. Bella’s photography and video work have been featured in domestic and international galleries, magazines, print, books, and documentary films.
An impassioned lover of nature, Bella works with earth and plant medicine for purposes of deep soul examination, sacred ritual, and ceremony. From this passion her enchantment with perfume blending was born. She now offers her handmade talismans and treasures in the form of anointing oils, elixirs, space cleansing mists, and oil concentrates in her soulful online boutique. She considers herself a light bringer, a companion for the journey who brings a playful and trusting energy to the fire circle.
She lives in the suburbs of Northern NJ with her husband Zak, daughter Angie, and furbabies Trixie the pup and Raven the cat.
Bella is the author of the blog She Told Stories.
You can also find her on Instagram as Bella Cirovic and SheToldStories Perfume Oils.
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Michelle GD 
What a lovely interview. I am new to essential oils but I have found orange and bergamot to be oils I want to have on hand. I have a little diffuser in my car now (I spend too much time in my car). I look forward to learning more about these oils.
Hello!
Fave oil right now: Geranium
So happy I found you. Good stuff!
Hi Bella! I don’t what I like best, do I have to choose?? I am a beginner in essential oils and love learning though.
no, you don’t have to have a favorite!! and so glad you’re a lover of learning!
I’m just beginning this journey, but anything citrusy or not too sweet appeals to me!
Such a wonderful article on one of my favorite bloggers! Bella’s writing is so beautiful and I always enjoyed participating in her 52 Photos Project. Thank you, Michelle, for featuring her this month! (Hi, Bella!)
Hey Grace!!
Interested in learning more about the *emotional* resonance of the oils…
One of my favorite resources for starters is Tara and sustainablebabysteps.com … She has a lot of info on the emotional aspects of each Oil. HTH.
Mmm vetiver is one of my favorite grounding oils. This blend sounds lovely. Beautiful interview !! xo
Hello…the harvest oil sounds lovely. My favorite combo lately is basil and a citrus oil.
A pen pal from Portland, Oregon first introduced me to essential oils by sending a few of her favorites. At first I used them in a very limited fashion, but when I took a mindfulness class I began to explore their use more deeply. I am not a sit still and meditate kind of gal, and I was feeling a failure at the whole process. And then I added the essential oils to my walking meditation and discovered the effect they had on my entire nervous system – able to transport me to a peaceful place. A joy to hear you’ve found your passion and even more so, that you are willing to share that passion to make life better for others. Thanks, Michelle, for the lovely introduction to Bella.