A Moment with Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken

A Moment with Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken

Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken has always found comfort in stillness.

The Italian-born nutritionist (and wife to environmentalist, Paul Hawken) was drawn to plant-based alchemy—and quiet moments in nature—from childhood. After working in fashion in New York City, she moved to Venice, California, where she opened a studio and quickly developed a cult following for her botanically-based detox protocols.

Now, working in conjunction with “green chemistry,” she has launched Hairprint (a non-toxic treatment meant to restore gray hair to its original color) and Olio Maestro (which is designed to purify the body and battle stubborn fat deposits), available from Erewhon to CAP Beauty. Soon, she’ll be offering this more, under the umbrella of Products for Humanity.

Here, Scalesciani-Hawken talks about the importance of making space for the less favorite parts of ourselves:

Live The Process: What drew you to the world of self-care and exploration?

Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken: I grew up in a wild part of Sardegna, Italy, where there wasn’t much of anything other than its Mediterranean rocks, wild herbs and salty air—and the force of Mother Nature. I feel that these experiences with wildness strongly informed my values and career choices of today.

What I call “meditation” is what I naturally did as a child, watching a sunset or studying a plant and making potions. Without screens, I was blessed to follow a simple lifestyle that cultivated stillness and observation. I think we all come in with a certain predisposition and mine innately favored alternative healing practices and inquiring into the nature of self from a very young age.

LTP: How did you come to launch your beauty lines?

JSH: I was born into a family who has been in the skincare business for over fifty years. My father produces healing collagen remedies sold medically all across Europe. When I moved to Venice Beach eleven years ago, I began a nutritional consulting practice. I specialized in detox protocols, and the number one question I heard from my women clients was how to reduce fat deposits and cellulite that were starting to accumulate on their thighs. I heard this question many times, but there was nothing I could recommend. So, I began to make body oils for my clients, remedies infused with the potent pharmacopeia I had learned about over the years. They loved them and wanted more. Demand grew and I became known as the go-to cleanse nutritionist in LA. However, I never made these formulas to sell outside my practice—until now.

Both my companies, Hairprint and now Olio Maestro, are founded on the principles of chemical-free, plant-based beauty through and through. Hairprint Color Restorer, for example, is the only hair coloring treatment that restores gray hair to its original color without the use of dyes. It’s effective, has no smell and is so clean, it’s even safe enough to eat.

LTP: Rumor has it that you’re launching a larger endeavor called “Products for Humanity:” What is the concept behind this new venture?

JSH: Today, there are dozens of so-called natural products on the market that make claims. I read the ingredients and know they are inadequate because they are laden with synthetic chemicals. The body thrives with nature and the extraordinary healing power of plants. Inspired by my lifelong love affair with wild botanicals and herbs, I want to make products that are truly botanically-based through and through (from the fermentation process to the preservatives) and that respect the entire cycle of life, available to everyone. I can’t talk much about Products For Humanity yet, but it will be unlike anything the beauty world has seen.

LTP: Aside from your own lines, what are some current wellness obsessions and rituals that keep you feeling balanced and healthy? 

JSH: I’m in love with the brand Ojai Wild. Partly because I call Ojai my second home and the flowers, herbs, and plants Janna (the founder) uses are grown there, but also because of how the scents themselves are made and feel so refreshing and true to nature. I apply them various times per day to keep myself inspired.

The work of Byron Katie has been a foundational part of my life for over 15 years now. My daily routine consists of a short HIIT workout (usually on my home spin bike), and then I sit with the practice of Byron Katie called “The Work,” as a meditation every morning.

When friends stay over, we usually meditate with one of the questions from my card deck, “No Self,” which has the slogan, “Realize Who You Truly Aren’t.” (You can find them at ABCHome or at noself.co.)

This year, I’ve been focusing primarily on taking mushroom extracts by Paul Stamet’s company Host Defense. He is the world leader in mushroom research, in my eyes. I typically take a concoction of 6-8 mushrooms per day. 

I also take Spagyric remedies, regularly. I discovered these in Switzerland, where my mother lives, and saw how commonly used they are there and how little known here in the US. They are the quintessential vibrational medicine therapy for our times.

When in Europe, I usually stock up on herbs and teas from any “Erboristeria,” and I especially love to take artichoke ampules to cleanse the liver, which I use 2-3 times per year.

LTP: What does happiness look like to you?

JSH: Feeling at home in my self. In my mind and heart.

Living an inner life, connected to nature and away from the distractions of social media.

A day when I’m laughing, playing and adventuring with my husband.

LTP: What does it mean to you to Live The Processand how can we all do that more each day? 

JSH: To “Live The Process,” to me, means staying with all the bits that feel confusing, uncomfortable, ugly or unforgivable, and creating a bigger container for them to exist in me and in others—without opposition. I see my capacity for loving and acceptance is rooted in my understanding of all the parts of myself to allow greater gentleness within.

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1 comment

  • Very motivating! Thank u!

    Maritza

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