Bric-a-Brac 24
Madrid’s artisanal shops and ateliers, the best Venetian mule for travel, and intuitive energy healer Dana Childs on some of the world's most spiritual lands plus an energy jet lag recovery hack
THE INSIDER: Madrid’s Artisanal Shops & Ateliers
by Annie Oakley Waterman, founder of AOW Handmade
It’s unusual for me to travel these days without a packed itinerary of scheduled meetings and studio visits, but I ventured to Madrid recently without much of a plan for what I’d do once I got there. I stepped off the plane with few expectations, but was truly humbled by what I was able to experience within a week.
While the city is vast, the circle of artists dedicated to design and craft is quite small when you start digging. One person led me to the next as I came to be acquainted with the city’s close-knit network of independent artisan businesses.
Here are some of my favorite finds, from boutique shops that offer the finest Spanish craftsmanship to small ateliers offering bespoke handbags and hats. This trip reminded me of why I love to travel—the spontaneity it brings when you go to a new place without too many plans and let things just fall into place through serendipity.
Cocol – Offering exquisite Spanish craft from small producers and artists throughout Spain
Casa Josephine – An interior design and architecture studio with a shop offering hand-selected home décor of superior quality. Check out their beautiful B + B to rent as well!
El Rastro – Flea market on Sunday for antiques and vintage finds
Antigua Casa Crespo – Pick up a classic pair of espadrilles while supporting this family-run business, which was founded in 1863!
Casa de Diego – Heirloom Spanish accessories, including fans, walking sticks and beautiful shawls
Capas Seseña – Making traditional and chic woolen capes since 1901
Antigua Casa Talavera – If looking for Spanish ceramics, be sure to stop by this 4th generation ceramic shop selling ceramics since 1904.
Guantes Luque – Making leather gloves since 1886
Llop – The founder of this shop collaborates with artists to create limited-edition apparel and home décor collections
Tado – Sylvie Fiachetti of Tado handpicks unique pieces from artists and makers throughout Spain – hands-down gorgeous!
Casa González & González – Step inside these doors and enjoy the charm as well as their collection of traditional household objects
Abbatte – A beautiful shop offering handmade textiles produced at the medieval abbey of Santa María de la Sierra—all their top-quality pieces are woven with natural fibers
Hijo de Epigmenio – For a unique selection of Spanish ceramics
Real Fabrica – Offering Spanish brands and items for the home with vintage packaging
Heredero de Crespin – One of the most prestigious and oldest frame shops in Madrid
I ran out of time but also suggest checking out Epoca Ceramics and Atelier Aletheia!
Top Ateliers in Madrid
Javier S. Medina – A talented artist and restorer in Madrid, making mirrors and unique fiber animal heads
Oficio Studio – Step inside this atelier and you will be greeted by Melina and David, who offer some of the most exquisite hand-crafted vegetable-tanned leather bags.
MALEZA hatmakers – For a memorable experience, schedule a visit to have the adorable duo of Myrte Sara Huyts and Javier Reta Gallego craft a beautiful bespoke hat, just for you.
Helena Rohner – Step inside Helena's atelier and shop to see where her designs come to life.
TRAVEL UNIFORM
I first discovered Le Monde Beryl in the gift shop of the Hotel Il Pellicano on my first visit there in 2015. I bought the Venetian mule in black satin, and wore them to death. They’re so comfortable, and because of the satin, they can be dressed up or down—which means they are, packing wise, a 2 for 1—so I bring them with me on every single trip, no matter the season. I finally replaced them a couple of years ago in the same color, but have also added ones in a green satin (which looks great with an all-black outfit, which I’m prone to wearing, especially when I’m on the road), and a smoky blue velvet pair. Because I can’t shut up about their mules, the founder sent me their newest Mary Jane style to check out. I have always been a Mary Jane fan, but have always worried they look a little bit too little-girl-going-to-church vibes—but these have a more narrow and long look, which leans less little girl and more feminine and chic. —Y.E.
TRAVEL WELL
Dana Childs, Intuitive Energy Healer
We’re not sure where we first started hearing about Dana Childs—maybe it was a Goop podcast? Or a friend reading her book, Chakras, Food and You. But we were inspired by her story of quitting banking, selling everything she owned and traveling the world to study the healing arts. We asked her to share a few things she’s learned along the way—and strategies for staying well on the journey.
Tell us about you and your company and how you got started down this path.
I’m Dana Childs of Dana Childs Intuitive. I am an Intuitive Energy Healer, author and educator. I mentor others on how to open their own intuitive gifts as well as work one-on-one with clients from all walks of life. I aid them in recognizing and healing old wounds and karmic patterns, so they are free to expand into their true essence and live a life of joy. I lead retreats in beautiful and powerful healing locations worldwide and offer online courses for those who prefer to learn in the comfort of their home. In addition, I train other talented healers how to use their unique healing gifts. If they are truly incredible, I invite them to join my growing Healing Team and offer their services to my audience as well.
In 2009, I was an unhappy corporate banker. The only things that brought me true joy were travel, learning and yoga. After a trip to China, I realized that I was never happier than when I was traveling and exploring another country. This dovetailed with a lot of painful events in my life including a divorce, the death of my dog and grandfather, and a slew of poor choices on my part. I knew I needed a different life. So, I sold everything I owned including my house and my car, packed a backpack and bought a one-way ticket to India. I traveled the world, mostly Southeast Asia, with the goal of discovering my true self and my purpose. I learned reiki, shamanic crystal healing, Baliana taksu, past life regression, and mediumship, among many other healing arts. In March of 2011 when I returned to the States, a friend asked me to show him what I learned. I did an Oracle card reading for him, helping him understand his wounds and painful patterns, what he was fearful of in a relationship as well as what his career was meant to look like. He was blown away. He sent me a friend. She sent me a friend. And before I knew it, the knowing dawned—THIS was what I was meant to do. Help others understand themselves and heal the beliefs and misperceptions that held them back.
Where in the world do you feel most at home?
I’m currently in search of where I’d like to call home once again. Just last week I sold all my belongings and will be embarking on a cross-country trip with my dog to find where we’d like to park our bodies for a little while. What I learned over a decade ago when I sold everything was that I can be home within myself. No matter where in the world I might be, I have the choice to feel grounded and peaceful. So, while I like to think that wherever I am is home, I also know that my energy expands and my breath deepens when I’m near the ocean. Any ocean.
Where do you go to feel revitalized?
Charleston, South Carolina has always held a special place in my heart. I always feel “new” when I leave from a visit there. And there’s a little mountain town in North Carolina called Mt. Airy. After I stayed a weekend there, I felt all the tired spaces inside me just fill up. Wherever I’m traveling, I love to find time to take short hikes or long walks in nature to refuel my spirit. Time spent digging my toes in the sand and floating on the salty water are like therapy. And a hot bathtub full of Epsom salt makes me feel reborn every time.
What are a few other favorite spiritual/wellness destinations and why?
Wow! This could be a really long list! Let me hit the highlights. As a spiritual destination, no list is complete without India. It’s full of ancient knowledge and expansive practices. I especially love the state of Kerala. Releasing grief into the sea in the small coastal town of Varkala or paddling up the river in Allephey. The hugging saint, Amma, resides there, but so do loads of parasites. So, if you go to India, please have a healthy gut, take your probiotics and take an antiparasitic. Trust me on this.
Hiking the El Camino, when done consciously, is a powerful experience. In 2019 I chose to hike The Portuguese Way for three reasons: 1. I was feeling very CALLED to do it. 2. I love the coastline. And 3. Since I’m an empath, I like to choose the road less traveled. Literally.
I currently have some of the Japanese spiritual pilgrimages high on my bucket list, like the Shikoku or Kumano Kodo. As well as Mongolia. These feel laden with a clean, earthy energy that helps one connect to the environment as well as the self and others. I can’t wait to take those trips!
Indonesia always tops the list, and not just Bali, but also Yogyakarta, Borobudur, and many other places within this archipelago. I’ve recently spent some time in Oahu. I was invited to partner with Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina to offer a healing retreat. The setting and energy of the land was ideal. This place offers a powerful mana that allows one to heal on a deep level if chosen. Hawaii certainly deserves a trek to the North Shore to witness the power of the surf and the jungly trails up to the many Pillboxes.
Personally, I’m currently feeling very called to the land of Arizona and New Mexico. I can feel that it offers an energy that supports expansion.
I think every land offers something unique. As a healer, it’s a delight to be able to plug into the geography and feel what it’s trying to gift. I led a retreat in Italy and the land supported the healing of family and ancestral patterns. Greece largely supports the opening of intuition and a healing of one’s personal history and story. Egypt holds resonance for opening one’s energy healing gifts and healing past lifetimes. What this means is that, if you’re ready and allowing of it, ANY destination is a spiritual and wellness destination.
Any personally expansive practices or rituals you have learned while traveling the world?
For simplicity, I love the art of chanting a repeating personal mantra while inhaling the offering of incense. This was a practice I learned in India. My favorite mantra is, “I am bliss.” It just makes me sigh happily to say it!
In China, I was introduced to Thai Massage. This literally changed my life. Thai Massage was one of the first healing arts I learned as I was in awe of what mindful massage could do for the physical body, the energy level, and the mental state. Now, when I travel, I love to explore the bodily healing arts in each country. If I’m traveling, you can bet I’m seeking out some local bodyworker or healer.
In India, I was coached into feminism. This wonderful group of women taught me to soften my appearance with softer clothing, how to add jewelry and be more conscious of fixing my hair. I try to be aware of these things as I travel, but honestly, sometimes I’m so eager to just explore and experience the country and culture that I spend FAR LESS time on my own appearance.
How do you approach staying healthy and relaxed when you travel by plane?
I always have these things: Noise canceling headphones, balanced snacks that include protein, fats, and carbs, lots of water, electrolytes, Annee de Mamiel’s Altitude Oil, a book, tissues, my smartphone with a full battery and downloaded Spotify playlists, and I always book an aisle seat so I can get up easily and stretch a lot. While I’m on the plane, I also consistently run energy on myself to keep clear of pathogens. It just helps.
Any strategies for dealing with jet lag?
Of course! Water and electrolytes. I like to intake at least a liter of water for each 2–3-hour flight segment. This is also why I book an aisle seat. I like LMNT or Ultima electrolytes, and I love to add a few drops of Microbe Formula’s Biomolecular Oxygen into my water to help with energy, oxygenation, and any altitude changes.
I have also learned how to move my energy with me through time zones, so I experience far less jet lag. It’s a useful and simple trick. Just imagine your energy as a massive rope that unfurls from your hips into the ground. When you’re on the plane and ready to take off, roll your energy rope upward into your body. When you land in your new time zone, envision that energy rope unrolling from your hips and driving down into the land you’re now on. This helps reset your biological clock to the land, and as a bonus, you can now pull up the energy offered from the place right into yourself. So not only is your jet lag much eased, but now you’re grounded into the land.
Anything you do to address when the energy of a place is particularly dense or off-putting?
If the energy feels harmful and I can leave, that’s my first choice. If I’m unable to leave, then I affirm (honor) my own spirit. This clears out energy that’s not harmonious with or doesn’t belong to you. Then, I affirm (honor) all other spirits and the Great Spirit. This puts me in harmony with my Source while acknowledging that there are other energies present. After I’ve done that, I’ll often open to see if I’m meant to help shift or clean and clear the energy in any way or if I’m simply meant to bear witness and let it be. These days, I don’t tend to visit places that aren’t calling me there. I’m not the person who wants to explore the haunted spaces or creepy old sanatoriums. No thanks!
What are a few things you always pack for your beauty/wellness routine?
I always pack my skin products, which include a clean body wash like Goop’s GTox Mineral Wash or Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and a clean coconut or shea-based lotion. Right now, I’m loving Shea Moisture or Kate’s Lotion Stone. For my face, I do not travel without my Naturopathica Manuka Honey Balm, Annee de Mamiel’s First Fix Stress Response, sunscreen, and my Retin-A.
I’m not really a make-up wearer, but if I do take make-up, it’s Beautycounter’s lip jellie, their mascara, and their lid glow eye shadow. Simple and clean.
Where are you dreaming of going next and why?
I was literally just making a list earlier today. Although I feel like I’m constantly updating my travel list. I’m traveling to Jackson Hole now and looking forward to exploring the Tetons and the sweet town of Jackson. Then I’m doing my cross-country trip with my dog to explore the desert areas including White Sands National Park, The Petrified Forest, and Joshua Tree. When the road trip is over, I’ll venture over to Costa Rica and do some healing there for a few days.
Idaho is on my list—enthralled by its nature. As well as the Badlands. Mongolia to meet the Reindeer Shaman and see the Flaming Cliffs, and Spiritual Pilgrimages in Japan. Hawaii is still pretty dreamy. I’ll head back there mid-September this year to lead another retreat with Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
I would love to partner with a resort chain in the US and do a healing road tour. Driving from place to place and imbibing the healing energy of all the land and then depositing those powerful vibes with those who come to the resort for a session. Why choose one location when you can go to all of them, right?
I could go on and on. I want to take in the whole world. It’s so brilliant, isn’t it? Travel just offers us so much.
What is the best way for people to find you?
My website, danachildsintuitive.com, is where people can find out about my upcoming destination retreats, explore my online courses and intuitive development mentorship program, as well as partake in my monthly group energy healings. And I’m on Instagram as @danachildsintuitive, where I offer guided healings, meditations, and tips to develop your own intuition—whether you travel or not!
Bravo!