Life & Work with Marissa Clark of Santa Clarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Clark.

Hi Marissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Almost 10 years ago, I was freshly out of college and a newlywed struggling with pack pain and anxiety that were a constant in my life. A friend of mine suggested I try some essential oils she had… Weird, right? I gave them a shot but honestly didn’t expect much. I wasn’t used to using anything “natural,” so I was pretty skeptical. But I was blown away by how well they worked. Breathing in a drop of lavender made me feel at ease, and for the first time my ever-present anxiety was at bay. I began reaching for these little bottles all the time, curious what else they could solve for me. It felt like a little spark, a light bulb moment. What started out as curiosity, quickly became a side hustle, as I was eager to bring these oils to anyone who could use them. A few years later I became a mom and these oils have been my saving grace during many difficult days and nights: from nervous system regulation to ear aches. They were solving big and little problems that came up every single day. In the background, I was quietly building a social media following around motherhood: the highs and lows, funny/relatable moments, and parenting tips. It was a creative outlet during long days solo parenting. I found like-minded community online: moms that were conscious of what we put on our kids, without obsessing over every choice and shaming other moms for doing things differently. I took what a affectionately call a “crunchy without the judgey” approach to social media and parenthood. Today I have two kids, ages 3 & 1 (we are FULLY in the trenches and I love it) I share what works for our family online, along with in person holistic health workshops in SCV and surrounding areas. I love that I get to share the very same solutions that worked for me ten years ago and be part of others’ “light bulb moments.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not! There have been a lot of pivots and tweaks along the way. Early on I didn’t have the confidence to share these solutions that I do now. I had to practice a lot and find my people. I also struggle with finding balance while raising too kids. Our kids are so little and we’re in a season where they need us all the time. I’m so grateful that my husband and I are able to tag team.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I teach holisitic health workshops, mainly partnering with brick and mortars such as spas & yoga studios, and create content online around self care & motherhood. Because motherhood and my mental health journey are so personal to me, I think that sets me apart in the way I share and teach. These are two pillars of my story and so they are central to my workshops and content. I think others can really relate to a lot of my story and that’s why it’s so meaningful to me to help others who are struggling with their own health journeys.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I take a very measured approach to risk. I am a person that thinks through decisions thoroughly, and I love to plan. But at the same time, if I feel something I will go with my gut even if it doesn’t make sense. At the time, essential oils didn’t make any sense, especially when I had no background in holistic health. But sharing my experience and helping others lit me up, so I had to pay attention to that.

Pricing:

• I’d love to offer a complimentary 30 min consultation to your readers (virtual or in person) if they reach out via email or instagram DM.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialswithmarissa

Image Credits
Vanessa Debniak