Andrea Ámez
"Nature is paramount to my life and work"
Q: How does nature influence your work?
A: Nature is paramount to my life and work. I’m a very proud Californian, and the ocean and mountains are forces that ground me. I love our land and water. I try to emulate the feelings of balance and restoration they provide in my treatments. I want my clients to leave feeling like they just spent the day outside, with a calm nervous system, glowing skin, and truly embodied energy.
Q: What does your personal oasis look like today?
A: My home and workplace are both my sanctuaries. I feel blessed! My home is a simple bungalow from the 1920s in North Central L.A. I’m surrounded by so much nature. I can see the mountains, and I catch a lot of great sunsets. My studio has a different energy. It's in West Hollywood and the building is more modern. It’s also very simple and spacious, but I fill it with meaningful art and artifacts that I collect from all over the world. Some clients get so cozy in the waiting room that they actually wish they had to wait longer for their appointments, which I think speaks to the serenity and style of the space.
Q: What's filling your creative cup right now?
A: I always look to my culture for inspiration. Guatemala has one of the highest indigenous populations in the world, and I have deep respect for my Mayan roots. I love spending time in Mexico too, and connecting with the Mayan culture there as well. Mayan craftsmanship is just incredible. Guatemalan textiles, especially tablecloths, are deeply inspirational to me, and I love Mexican glass and ceramics. I also love Mayan jade jewelry. Textiles are big for me. I love visiting Italy and pouring over napkins and place settings.
Q: What brings you back to yourself when life feels noisy?
A: Every night while falling asleep, I think about walking my dog Sailor the next morning. It's only a 15-minute walk to my local coffee shop, but it grounds me before a long day at the studio. I admire the plethora of adorable dogs in my neighborhood, although none quite as cute as Sailor, and appreciate the abundance of flowers, foliage, and fruit growing everywhere.
Q: Describe a ritual that has quietly changed your life.
A: Soaking in my cedar tub. My partner and I have one in our backyard, surrounded by the most luscious ferns, and we love to spend time in it together. I love baths too, but being outside gives it a different feeling that I just love, especially when my body is in any state of discomfort. I love being submerged in water.
"Ayond leverages unique textures and aroma profiles that benefit the skin and mind."
Q: How are you incorporating AYOND into your treatment room?
A: The integration has been seamless. I love that AYOND works so well in both my personal routine and my professional offerings. In my studio, I start with the Metamorph Cleansing Balm. As I give my clients their first cleanse, I’m also really intentional about using the balm to massage their faces and activate their pressure points. This gentle technique is a signal to the nervous system, letting the body know it's safe to relax
I reach for the AHA Zeolite Mask to purify and clear away congestion, especially within the t-zone. The Rock Rose Serum and Taos Barrier Cream are so gentle and aromatic. They offer my clients great hydration, especially those with sensitive skin. I love using the Amber Elix Oil as a final touch. It leaves such a sparkling glow, which is exactly what most people want when they leave my studio. Ámezing!
Q: What are your three AYOND essentials right now?
Andrea's Essentials
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