Okra Woman • Elsa Wu
Drops in the Ocean - Stories and Reflections from the Okra Collective
A series of intimate talks that explore the inner lives of fellow Okra collective members. Like the single drops that form the ocean, each woman holds worlds within herself that take on new meaning when shared. Connect and unwind with us as we immerse ourselves in the quiet beauty and wonder of their life stories.
1.Tell me about the jewelry you’re wearing today.
I wear the Snake ring and the Earth pendant from Okra daily, as well as some other discrete jewelries mostly from my mother that I practically never remove. Many of my jewelries have become an extension of my skin. I don’t feel them anymore, but I am uncomfortable when one is missing. On more special days Mama Gaia pendant is my go to and the Vanilla tea ring and the Island treasure ring are my newest favorites. I also love precious and semi-precious stones on jewelries.
2. How do you choose jewelry for yourself? Does wearing it transform your mind or mood in any particular way?
Love at first sight:) They usually reflect my personality. Some are for daily use: thin, practical, comfortable and of quality so I can keep wearing them for years. Some other ones are for special occasions: those are of charisma, authentic, elegant… My jewelries hold precious stories, sometimes they comfort me, and some other times they give me a sense of confidence. I believe they enhance my qualities and inner strength.
3. Daily life is rich with opportunities for creativity, from cooking a beautiful meal to styling your hair to having a deep conversation with a friend. Are there any special ways that you like to “make your life into art”?
Anything that has the power to awake my senses can become an inspiration to make my life into art. I often blend essential oils; I Iike cooking, but I never can replicate a dish twice; The spices I use, the tastes, they all vary according to my mood that moment; I hand make: whether it is with few bundles of yarn, macramé, threads and needles, paper and glue, paints… you name it. I also enjoy creating structured Yoga sequences. Sometimes I also don’t have any sequence for myself and move freely, ecstatically.
4. Are you a morning person or a night owl? How does that affect the daily rhythm of your life?
Definitely a morning person. I feel more energized when I wake up early, more productive, healthier, more alert and in tune with myself.
5. From opening your eyes in the morning to getting in bed at night, what would a “perfect day” look like for you?
Gaze at a soft sunrise, sipping a cup of hot herbal tea. Most ideally beach front, but balcony view will do just fine too:) Few rounds of Sun salutation. Meditate. Journal. A short bike ride while the city is just awakening. A good coffee with a good read. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. Prepare a whole pot of comfort food. Spices. Aromas. Tastes. Spend some time with a good friend. Have a good witch-like belly laugh. Dance. Practice yoga. Sweat it out. Rest. Candles and essential oils. Another cup of tea. Cookies. Sleep early.
6. Is there a source of inspiration that you turn to again and again, like a favorite book, film, album, piece of clothing, etc.?
Book: Women who run with the wolves, obviously:) by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Cheers to my fellow wolves women around the world.
7. When you get stressed or uncentered, what do you do to feel like yourself again?
Close my eyes, get some essential oils, and breathe. Consciously breathe.
Get some fresh air. Remove my shoes if I can and feel the earth.
Mind map or journal. Get it out of my head, on the paper.
Dance it out, shake it all out.
8. What’s a quote or mantra you keep in your heart?
“Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha” sage Patanjali, Yoga Sutra 1.2.
Yoga is stilling the fluctuations of the mind / Yoga is the cessation of unnecessary thought waves.
Follow @elsa_wellnesswithin on instagram for inspiration on cultivating a serene and mindful lifestyle that prioritizes, yoga, wellness and balance.
Photography by Karen Pang in Mauritius and Anna Dobrovolskaia in Shanghai
See more of their photography at @karen.pang and @annevilwill on instragram
Shop Elsa’s jewelry pieces:
The Vanilla Flower Tea Ring captures the calming ritual of brewing tea. When I close my eyes and think of home, I can smell warm Vanilla milk tea in the air. It was always at our table. The shape of the ring’s band represents the ebb and flow of water and the physical and spiritual nourishment it provides. The vanilla blossom is unfurled in full bloom, infusing life with beauty and sweetness. Wear it when you want to add some sensuality to your day.
Details
Each piece is carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Material
Brass gold plated
Pre-order
All pieces are handmade, please allow 3-4 weeks for us to make your jewelry.
Fire, transformation, action
The snake ring represents creation in its most active, intense form. The fluidity and flexibility of the snake’s body reminds us that transformation can move quickly, inspiring fast change and forward movement.
Details
Each piece is carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Available in
- Brass 18K Gold Plated
Pre-order
Preorder your piece today and allow 3-4 weeks for us to make it for you.
In Greek mythology Gaia is the Mother Earth, the goddess of creation, creativity, fertility and the embodiment of our planet. Some say, Gaia is so ancient that she is the soul of the earth.
The Mother pendant represents Earth. The Spiral pendant is always a reminder to go back to the source and the Snake pendant represents rebirth, a new beginning.
I invite you to experience this collection and incorporate the pieces into your own daily rituals that bring you into balance. They are made to be worn as amulets of awareness and a constant reminder of the inner compass that brings your body, mind, and life into a state of divine equilibrium.
Details
Each piece is initially drawn and carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Available in
Brass 18k gold plated with gold filled chain
Pre-order
Preorder your piece today and allow 3-4 weeks for us to make it for you.
Cowrie shells are one of nature’s loveliest gifts. These tiny shells are smooth to the touch, with a vulva-like shape that reflects and honors the sacred feminine within us. The Island Treasure Ring is a celebration of this unearthed treasure from the sea, capturing the playful and meditative process of collecting seashells from the sand and symbolizing the beauty of nature mirrored in the body. Wear it to enhance your feminine energy and sense of play.
Details
Each piece is carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Material
Brass gold plated
Pre-order
All pieces are handmade, please allow 3-4 weeks for us to make your jewelry.
“Connected to the direction of the North, EARTH is the element of generosity and fertility. To be like earth is to be grounded, committed to a place and a community. It's the element of patience and wise determination. It has the knowledge of all seasons and cycles and it invites us to come home to the earth itself, to Gaia. We draw earth into our lives when we give freely, act authentically and when we defend our truth.” - Maria Souza
I invite you to experience this collection and incorporate the pieces into your own daily rituals that bring you into balance. They are made to be worn as amulets of awareness and a constant reminder of the inner compass that brings your body, mind, and life into a state of divine equilibrium.
Details
Each piece is carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Available in
- 18K Gold Vermeil - thick 18k gold layer on sterling silver
- 925 Sterling Silver
- 14k Gold with a gold filled chain
How to choose your ring?
Choosing your ring can be an opportunity for deepening your intuition and relationship with Gaia. You can choose your ring by reflecting which element you would like to bring to your life, enhancing something that might have been forgotten. Or you can choose the element you already feel most connected to, and honor it. You can also reflect with each ring and trust that the right element and symbol will speak to you.
Pre-order
Preorder your piece today and allow 3-4 weeks for us to make it for you.
“Connected to the direction of the North, EARTH is the element of generosity and fertility. To be like earth is to be grounded, committed to a place and a community. It's the element of patience and wise determination. It has the knowledge of all seasons and cycles and it invites us to come home to the earth itself, to Gaia. We draw earth into our lives when we give freely, act authentically and when we defend our truth.” - Maria Souza
I invite you to experience this collection and incorporate the pieces into your own daily rituals that bring you into balance. They are made to be worn as amulets of awareness and a constant reminder of the inner compass that brings your body, mind, and life into a state of divine equilibrium.
Details
Each piece is initially drawn and carved by hand and then replicated using an ancient method known as lost wax casting.
Available in
- 18k Gold Vermeil - thick 18k gold layer on sterling silver
- 925 Sterling Silver
- 14k Gold with a gold filled chain
Chains
Adjustable 58cm gold filled chain or silver chain
How to choose your element?
Choosing your pendant can be an opportunity for deepening your intuition and relationship with Gaia. You can choose your pendant by reflecting which element you would like to bring to your life, enhancing something that might have been forgotten. Or you can choose the element you already feel most connected to, and honor it. You can also reflect with each pendant and trust that the right element and symbol will speak to you.
Pre-order
Preorder your piece today and allow 3-4 weeks for us to make it for you.