Cosmic Conversations: Olivia Lopez

 

Olivia is Manila-born but LA bred, with brief stints living in New York, CDMX and Paris.

Bon Weekender is her creative studio where she works in concept direction and design.

She’s also a partner and creative director at Seco, a community cafe and wine bar on Sunset Junction.

She loves art and architecture, music, dancing and natural wine. [And we really, really love her.]

Sun / Moon / Rising: 
Scorpio Sun, Scorpio Moon, Scorpio Rising



How do astrology / tarot / esoteric arts play a role in your life?
 

Given the extremity and consistency of my chart, I strongly identify with the Scorpio sign — both good qualities and bad. Scorpios are known to be mystic, psychic, and highly intuitive, qualities that naturally lend itself to exploring psychology and mysticism. 


Blended with my long standing love and study for yoga philosophy, the branch of tantra in particular is where I find myself leaning into the esoterica of energy fields.



What limiting beliefs / blocks have you worked through to get where you are today? Where do you still want to go?

A few years ago I took a “trip” where I was confronted with a series of large, giant blocks. As I climbed and walked through them, I realized that the only thing that’s ever holding me back from where I want to go is me.  

Then there was another moment when I went to Guatemala for my yoga teacher training. The first exercise our teacher asked us to do is to de-attach from our narratives. The scripts and stories we tell ourselves about who we are, albeit helpful, can often be chains, and those weeks I spent in Lake Atitlan, learning to de-program and cultivate an intuition in the inner self helped me reframe about how identity is fluid and simply just a construct.



Why do you think creative exploration and expansion are important in today’s world?

Creative exploration and expansion is as essential as breathing.

Cultivating new experiences and connecting to different places and cultures is the best springboard for inspiration.



What’s your approach to natural wine? Why do you love it? Do you have any rituals?

A few years ago, an ex bought me the book “The Beauty of Everyday Things”, which explores how in Shintoism, there’s a belief that the intention and energy that goes into artisan products vs. machine made produces an energy that is felt by the owner of the object. It is believed that hand-crafted items infuse an object with a spirit and soul. This is something that deeply resonates, and ties back to how the full supply chain of how things are produced brings forth a set of values and a standard of quality. 

While I strive to be a health-conscious individual, I love the ritual of breaking bread and sharing a bottle of wine. The culture of natural wine is one that is environmentally and socially conscious, and I find many of the production methods to be appealing, as well as finding the flavors to be a lot more distinctive to my palate. Natural wine producers captures a sense of discovery, authenticity and craft that I find very appealing. 



How do you nurture balance in your life? Any tips / tricks on how to enjoy yourself and stay grounded?

Everyone’s grounding practice is different — but I nurture balance by going inward. I fill my cup by taking yoga classes, reading, going into nature, and listening to music. Movement is the one constant in my life and dancing is my favorite form of kundalini.



What’s filling your cup this season? 

Literally: Electrolytes in sparkling water

Figuratively: Music by Caetano Veloso, simple meals with very few ingredients, and nature hikes with friends



Who and what is inspiring you right now?

The community at Seco — meeting creative individuals on a daily basis is a constant source of inspiration



Dream dinner party guests – dead or alive.

Alain de Botton and Salvador Dali




Where’s your happy place?

Punta Pajaros Beach in Puerto Escondido and Mazunte



What’s the best advice you’d give your younger self?

Be kinder on yourself - it will all work out in the end. And more importantly, enjoy the ride

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Playlist: Scorpio Season

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Playlist: Libra Season