Brittney is an esthetician, model & entrepreneur.
She is a founding partner at ON&ON and was a lead esthetician & an essential part of our treatment development at our Hanalei spa. We’ve grown to become close friends over the years & have traveled around the United States hosting ON&ON home events together. Learning about Brittney through written Q&A was an incredible exercise. It’s always a delight to read how and what your friends express in writing. Read on for her honest insights.
SHARE AN EXPERIENCE THAT CHANGED YOUR PERSPECTIVE.
Birthing my daughter. Being a portal for life to come through is the most intense and magical experience. I learned to trust my body completely while surrendering to a 32 hour labor. The ironic thing is, since then, my mortality became very real and that trust I felt somehow dimmed with fear. All of the little things and possibilities become highlighted when someone depends on you for pretty much everything. I’m journeying back to trusting in my body, my inner knowing and the universe, it’s a process and I’m making my way back.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SURPRISED YOURSELF?
When I memorized and enacted a monologue for an acting class I’m doing. I didn’t think my brain was capable of remembering every line but, I surprised myself! I will never limit myself again.
IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Travel the world. Surf, shop, eat, connect with different cultures and people. Ultimately find a way to give back to humanity in little and big ways.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEVER DONE OR TRIED BEFORE THAT YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE?
Committing to learning Spanish, my family’s native tongue. I had the realization that if our generation of Valverde’s don’t learn to speak Spanish fluently and pass it on to our children, the language our ancestors have been speaking for thousands of years will be gone! That put things into perspective for me. Time to embrace my roots and start studying!
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU RECENTLY LEARNED THAT LIGHTS YOU UP?
I learned that the ground is right here beneath me. Meaning-sometimes a leap feels like you’re jumping into the abyss when really the ground is right beneath our feet. It’s the stories in our minds that makes it feel so far away and at times non-existent.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM BATHROOM/TUB SITUATION.
Ideally from a surf to a massage/scrub and into a beautiful earthen bathtub overlooking the ocean, filled with flowers, herbs and salts. The aroma of my favorite incense, music and a glass of bubbly. Mmm, that sounds nice.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF?
I love the effortlessness and ease that is my expression and appreciation for imperfection. I’ve never been a perfectionist, thank goodness. I rarely send myself over the edge.
YOU ARE HAVING AN OFF DAY, WHAT IS YOUR FIRST MOVE TO GETTING CENTERED?
Presence and breath exercises. It’s the fastest way to get me back to the present. I also do a lot of speaking to my inner child. I found it strange at first but it’s become second nature.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST SEEN?
I feel most seen when I’m living my purpose. Whatever that means, it changes moment to moment.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST BELOVED EXPERIENCE WITH WATER?
I am a surfer through and through. Each time I’m surfing is beloved. I’m almost always paddling out alone which I absolutely love, being with myself in that way is cherished. I can’t help but smile when I’m surfing. It’s kind of comical.
YOU HAVE GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR, WHAT TOOLS FROM THE ON&ON PANTRY SUPPORT YOU IN ACHIEVING THEM & WHY?
My new year goal is to not hold back. I want to feel alive in every moment! Yin Power is always essential to keeping me vital. Dry brushing daily gives me life. Gua sha with a beautiful botanical oil is heaven. All of these things keep me in my body. Sometimes I feel like I could float off into the ethers and these practices are grounding for my airy constitution.
