get your shine on feat. Keba and Rachel Konte

'get your shine on', a monthly highlight of community mentors, artists, creators, innovators, entrepreneurs, educators.... a peek into their lives, their wellness practices/rituals and how they 'get their shine on'.

name:

Keba and Rachel Konte

who are you?

Rachel: I was born in Denmark and am of mixed Danish and Ghanaian heritage. I am a designer with 18 years experience in the denim industry. Currently, I am the owner and designer of my small boutique OwlNWood in Oakland CA. I am mother of 16-year-old Assata Sun-Ra Konte and proud owner of two bully pits Nina Simone and Pretty Penny.

I love family, good friends and time in nature.

Keba: I was born and bread in San Francisco and buttered in Oakland. I am the father of 16-year-old Assata Sun-Ra Konte and 28-year-old Jessica Moncada-Konte. I am an artist, food entrepreneur and community man. My artwork has been published widely and exhibited in museums and galleries internationally. I am the co-founder of Guerilla Cafe, founder of Chasing Lions Cafe and Founder/Roaster for Red Bay Coffee Roasters. In my spare time I enjoy aquaponic gardening, judo and making vegan waffles for my family while listening to ol’ time singer Valerie June.

what is your personal wellness practice?

Rachel:

Running is my meditation. I have been running since I was 14 years old and it has been my go-to workout. I love to run early mornings, outside in the fresh air with my wonderful girlfriends or my spirited dog Pretty Penny. If I run alone I always listen to music that puts me in a good mood like reggae. It's the best way to start my day. If I run in the morning I feel that I have accomplished this part of my routine early, leaving the day open for other things. Running makes me happy and relaxes my mind.

Walking in the hills is my other passion. I don’t do it enough but I have a small group of girlfriends that share this love for the hills and trees and we will connect to make the walks happen. I must say that I don't like to walk without my dogs so they are also a big part of the joy.

Gardening is an important part of my life as well. Anytime I can find time I will be out in our big yard and do real physical work like cutting grass, pulling weeds or pruning trees. I love to see the results and rewards after a full day of gardening.

I realize that my wellness is mainly connected to nature. My family knows that what makes me most happy is a walk on the beach or in the hills. I am a nature girl at heart.

Keba:

I like to do calisthenics in my garden, push-ups, pull-ups and burpees (also known as squat thrusts, are one of the only equipment-free exercises that work your entire body and give you a great cardiovascular workout). I also enjoy practicing judo and wrestling when I can fit it into my busy schedule and at times I practice yoga in the evenings. I work hard, but I enjoy what I do. A lot of it is very physical, varied between art projects, photography, cafe work and coffee roasting. I try to eat balanced, healthy and natural but don’t have follow any strict diets. I’m also lucky to get my share of my wife’s green smoothies in the morning

I am fortunate to have most of my family and love ones close by so spending time with them is a priority in my life. I love living in Oakland where we have a strong community network.

name your top 3 wellness products and/or rituals:

Rachel:

* natural skin care products like Lotus Moon or Gunilla Skin Alchemy

* green smoothies (now part of my morning ritual)

*kale/ mango/ mint/ lime/ banana and chia seed is my formula

* a strong, supportive relationship/marriage. Avoiding drama and always moving forward with lots of love, fun and laughter between us. Our happiness goes a long way.

Keba:

* natural skin care product SON by Lotus Moon

* Ibeji shea butter

* practice gratitude… every day is a gift.

complete this sentence: We shine because ..... we love what we do!

connect...

Rachel:

www.owlnwood.com

45@owlnwood.com

instagram: owlnwood

Keba:

keba.konte@gmail.com