Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana Arellano.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in West Adams surrounded by the opulence of the Victorian Era in modern-day South LA, my childhood bedroom looked like it came out of Versailles, quite the juxtaposition. I was a very… well, let’s say interesting child. I wasn’t drawn to spend time with other children, I preferred to read my encyclopedias, practice ballet, befriend stray kittens, and watch Gone with the Wind. More than anything else in the world, I lived to visit the glamour of The Natural History Museum’s Gem Hall and run through the Rose Garden.
I knew growing up I was “different,” in Catholicism, my given faith, they call it the gift of prophecy, No person around me had this gift but the gem’s and flower’s seemed to have a similar essence. They lit me up whenever I was around them and I was hooked, they were and still are my best friends. That sense of childlike wonder and a deep belief in my Magick has never left me, I’m turning 26 this year and I’m determined to instill that sense of beauty & wonder in all my clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
HA! I’ve been to hell, made friends with my demons and ascended back in time for brunch. There is A LOT of sugar-coated spirituality going around these days, #fakewoke is a thing, there are energetic predators and its frightening. While it’s nice to have the “something is better than nothing” Buddhist approach, I want my cake and I want to eat it too,(Sorry Siddhartha) there is more to the movement than “love & light.”
In the metaphysical realm you have duality; your “light self” and your “dark self” as well as “Yin” and “Yang.” There were and still are times in my life where my “light self” is literally balled up in a fetal position crying unable to take forward action, that’s when we call upon the “shadow” to really get sh*t done. True self-love is loving EVERYTHING about yourself, even the parts you “dislike.” Full disclaimer, this is way easier said than done, and not everyone is ready to dive into the shadow, this healing stuff takes real work, but it’s all about a no pain no gain mentality bby cakes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Gangster Hippie – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My number one job is to hold honest, non-judgemental “space” for you. Even if you don’t purchase a product or service to incorporate into your daily spiritual practice, I am here for you gurl, SLIDE INTO MY DM’S!
I’m extremely selective in my acquisitions, suppliers, and clients. Everything is of very high quality, charmed and enhanced by me in my home. I’d like to think The Gangster Hippie has found a nice balance between Material Existence and Spiritual Awareness, You can be Boujie and still be Aligned AF!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be rooted in yourself. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do. Don’t change anything for anyone other than yourself.
I followed a “successful path” for years and I was miserable because it wasn’t what I really wanted nor was it the environment to support my growth. Looking back, I was seeking exterior validation and what I really needed was to look within. Identify what you want and go for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegangsterhippie.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: thegangsterhippie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegangsterhippie
Image Credit:
Talya Coviello Photography
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