When life gets overwhelming me for me, I like to drift off into imagining my life on kauai where I can soak up mana and goddess energy. Amy Woodruff aka Daughter Of The Sun, lives the sort of idealized version of that where she makes beautiful jewelry from Sunrise shells, raises her magical fairy sprite daughter Naia with her partner Augustine, sells her hand made wares from Peru, lives off the fertile land, and connects to our great mother every day. She has a wonderfully wise blog where in addition to selling her ocean jewels she expresses ways in which we can connect with the earth as the nurturing feminine. During our visit, our daughters played overlooking the majestically beautiful cliffs of Kilauea, our men had deep philosophical conversations, and I followed Amy around as she foraged for vibrant greens to make us the most delicious salad and then opened up fresh coconuts to quench our thirst. Seeing her with the machete opening the coco's truly made my day and made me an eternal fan to her goddess wonder!
1) What inspires you in your jewelry designs?
Oh, Pacha Mama in all ways. She continually shares with us her most sacred treasures. Working with her raw beauty is an honor. It's incredible the visions I receive for my designs and work when I allow myself the time to sit upon her soil and tune in. Meditation upon the Mother has changed my life. I am also inspired by indigenous cultures throughout the lands. So many are truly living their lives in tune with the Mama. They haven't forgotten the ancient technologies she has gifted to us. Simplicity being one of them. Most live such simple lives, not allowing room for too much distraction away from the natural elements. The indigenous have been some of my most potent teachers.
2) You seem to live connected to nature. Were you raised to have that respect for our mother
or did you learn it along the journey?
I was raised on a family farm where we grew most of our own food. My Papa is from Oklahoma and so the farming and connection to the earth runs deep. He has always taught us to give more than you take. I still think of him every time I reach down a grab a piece of trash up. So yes, it definitely was part of my up bringing. Our relationship with the Mama is such a beautiful journey, and I give thanks knowing we are all traveling together as one. I am completely humbled by her strength and beauty. Especially living here on Kauai.
3) You made me an amazing kale salad that felt like a shot of green oxygen love. Can you tell me what
the recipe is?
To start, I added a pack of sea kelp as the base and threw in a bunch of kale, tomatoes, basil and parsley for more greens. The dressing I just whipped up together in a cup which is how I like to make most of my dressings. I used olive oil, miso, chopped garlic, tahini, ume plum vinegar, honey, hemp seeds and chlorella for the green blast. Just play around with the ingredients until your feelin' it! You can never have too much seaweed so love up your body with all kinds!
4) Are you forest fairy or a mermaid?
A mermaid for sure. I am a Cancer Summer babe and triple water sign so I am surrounded by the mermaid vibes. My little one Naia (who's name means dolphin in Hawaiian) was born in the water and is also a water sign. It runs in the family!
5) What is your daily life like on Kauai with your little one?
Dreamy Days for us usually allow for a morning yoga sesh, play dates at the beach, farmers market, evening run and we always try to catch the sunset. It is of course always changing with Naia's flow. I am just now starting to take an hour here and there for myself. We're still nursing so she is super attached to her Mama. We also love spending time in the garden gathering plants and flowers. The flowers and wild food here on Kauai are incredible! I am grateful to have Papa at home with us as well. This allows us both space for creating, which we spend a significant amount of time doing.
6) What book is on your night stand?
The Priestess and the Magus by Jessie Ayani. This is her third book of this series. I recently found out she is coming to Kauai mid October so I just signed up for her workshop. Super light activation intensive!
7) Do you have any Daughter of The Sun island beauty secret?
So many! The island provides abundance in every form including beauty products! There is never a shortage of avocados here so I love to slather avos all over my skin and let them sit for a bit. Papaya facial masks are great too! The Aloe Vera plant provides a beautiful cool down after a long day in the sun. You can get coconut oil from the more mature sprouted cocos. I will find them on the beach, open them up and massage the oil all throughout my hair and body. Liquid gold! One of my favorite best kept secrets on the islands is the Noni. I use it as soap as Noni helps to restore damaged skin cells and also helps with the elimination of toxins. It has so many incredible healing properties inside and outside of the body. According to Hawaiian lore, little men coming from the sky who were "flying around in coconuts" delivered Noni to the islands. So given its E.T. origin, it is probably the most magical of them all.
Daughter Of The Sun Adornment from Peru
