Our June Sefte Sister: Rashia Bell of The Cristalline

We’d love to introduce you to Rashia Bell, our newest Sefte Sister and co-creator of our next collaboration, Sefte + The Cristalline, launching June 9th. A renowned interior designer, crystal and reiki healer, yoga instructor and so much more - we fell in love with Rashia and the foundation behind The Cristalline's work - a design process specializing in personal healing. 

 

 

We hope you enjoy getting to know Rashia as much as we have. For endless sources of inspiration, follow The Cristalline and Rashia on Instagram or join us to celebrate Global Wellness Day on June 9th at the Four Seasons New York Downtown where Rashia will present a holistic approach to meditation and chakra clearing and we will unveil our limited edition Sefte + The Cristalline collaboration.

We’re so excited about our collaboration. Tell us why you were drawn to working with Sefte Living?  

I love the whole ethos of the brand and the community it has worked hard to create and nurture! Additionally, I have always had a passion for textiles for the home, so this is a wonderful vehicle to get to play designer in a different product category!

How did you start The Cristalline?  

The Cristalline was formed really organically.  I have had 9 lives when it comes to careers, and it really came forth out of the cumulation of many things within my life. I don’t think it is ironic that my business partner Elizabeth Kohn and I officially met while on a wellness retreat. The Cristalline evolved out of our conversations as interior designers as to what it means to have and create an energetically balanced lifestyle. That combined with some elements of the very first job I had, being in jewelry, and my desire to learn and study crystal healing, allowed us to create a vehicle for both healing and design work.

What keeps you going every day - either in your craft or going about life?

I feel really lucky that there is so much variety in my work.  That is something that I sought out for a long time because my background from jewelry/fashion/beauty to interiors didn't exactly fit into one job description.  Being able to have the opportunity to work one-on-one in healing sessions, teach kids about crystals, to design and be creative, and to connect to the nature of stones every day is something that I didn’t know I was looking for and now is a case of 'can’t settle for less than' ticking all of those boxes to be well-rounded and fulfilled.

 

 

Do you have a “sister” (either literal or figurative) who has propped you up personally or professionally? And, how?

I have one brother, so I do not have a literal sister. I grew up with both my mother and my grandmother being extremely integral parts of my life, always supporting my passions even before their own.  So having grown up in that environment, it has taught me to be a sister to my friends, and I have been extremely lucky to be a part of many “sisterhoods,” that exist in many aspects of my life!

Where do you seek sanctuary - to dream, meditate, be creative or just find 'me time'?

This is something that I find constantly changes.  Currently, I feel that the part-time home I spontaneously decided to create for myself in Medellin, Colombia, is one that really helps me to refuel.

What have you done to create a sanctuary in your home and life?

Aside from the above, it’s no surprise any space I seem to come in contact with is filled with crystals. I really see the shift in where my life is now than before they played the large role that the currently do.

 

 

What do you do to try to remain present and slow down?

It’s definitely something I have to make a conscious effort at. I tend to run at full-speed which isn’t always complimentary to both my energy level and health. It’s really about constantly checking in, being able to press pause and not feeling guilty if you need to go away or veg out for a day. Making sure I am scheduling my meditation time and holistic practices as much as I do everything else. My friends are really great at helping me remain present and “come back” when I need to.

Where do you find inspiration for your work and for your life?

Travel in general has always been a great source of inspiration and creativity for me, it honestly is where I am happiest, so deciding to start living outside of the US, is one of the best decisions I have made personally. It has been really lovely to see how it has had a positive effect on my professional life as well.

 

 

Do you have any special rituals for making time with family or friends?

I am a big fan of planning wellness-related activities as things to do with friends outside of the typical “drinks outings.” Whether it is a trip to the infrared sauna, a workout, or a visit to a healer, I think it’s those common experiences that both help to maintain relationships, offer an opportunity to try something new, and help to make friendships a priority, which is important for me since I am always on the go and living part-time out of the country.

What’s your favorite Sefte product?

It’s so hard to pick just one! I am a naturally cold person, so I can’t resist the coziness of the Maya throw, which is why it was my first choice for one of the pieces to be a part of the collaboration - but with a twist. I’d take it on the airplane, from room to room with me, and don’t be surprised if you see me wearing it outside! I’ve also been a robe girl my entire life, so I couldn’t have been more excited to get to wear the Bedford robe from the Sefte + LG collab. Trust me, you NEED both colors!