Spotlights is a space to celebrate some of our favorite boss ladies who inspire us and embody all that we stand for.
Meet Rachelle
Rachelle Tratt is a Los Angeles based yoga instructor, community leader, and entrepreneur. Her inspiration is drawn from growing up in upstate NY, with a love for nature, helping others, vintage treasures, and a desire to honor the legacy of her mother, who passed away when she was little. It as been the practice of yoga that continues to provide healing to her heart, body and soul. Rachelle created The Neshama Project, a yoga inspired, socially conscious jewelry company that gives back, as an extension of all that she believes in.
What are some of your favorite self-care practices that help make you feel your best?
Dancing. Yoga. Walking with my pup, Bailey. Yummy baths with candles lit. Face maskin'. Treating myself to acupuncture, a massage or even buying myself something special. Friday flowers from the farmers market. Making sure I am in integrity with my body, my thoughts, my speech, and my actions - that is the ultimate self-care.
What song really gets you into your body?
Just give me a deep house beat. All day. Every day.
If you wrote a love letter to yourself (or body), what would it say?
I love you. I am sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
The Neshama Project was born out of loss. How have you used your personal story to create a positive impact on others?
Sharing my story of overcoming loss has not only helped me in my healing journey but has also helped others along the way. Everyone in life has their own personal struggles, and I want people to know that they are never alone; that they, too, can be brave and survive and ultimately thrive. I am who I am today because of all that I have gone through and overcome. I am proud of the woman I am today, and who I am continuously becoming.
What brings you the most joy when creating and selling your jewelry?
The connection and personal stories that come from all of our loving and loyal customers who resonate with my personal story and the brand - this is what keeps me inspired to continue on.
“Connection” is a core value of yours. How does this play into your work as an entrepreneur, yoga teacher and retreat facilitator?
What's life without meaning?
What's life without purpose?
What's life without each other?
Understanding our unique "why" helps to thread connection and purpose in our relationships with our self, others, our work, and the world at large. If I am connected to my breath and body, I will be able to be that much more present and connected to whoever I come in contact with. My intention when teaching is to help people fall a little bit more in love with their body and life. It's that simple and sometimes that difficult.
Many of your customers and students view you as a source of inspiration. Who are some of the people who have inspired you on your own journey
Mmmmmm, what a beautiful question.
I am inspired by people who overcome deep challenges in life and are doing their part to now make their life and the world a better place.
I am inspired by people who take the path less traveled and those who create their own.
I am inspired by the underdog.
I am inspired by my siblings.
I am inspired by my wifey, Sophie Jaffe.
I am inspired by my bestie, Rachel.
I am inspired by one of my professors in my grad school program who is the head of the trauma department.
I am inspired by my mom who passed away when I was 9.
I am inspired by and my lil' healer, Bailey. She counts because she's my human who is trapped in a furry doggo body and makes everyone who crosses her path smile.
And on a very good day, I am inspired by me.
Photo credit: Late Sunday Afternoon // Thomas Brodahl
Connect:
https://theneshamaproject.com/
@theneshamaproject
@wild_brave_soul
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