Interview: Nourish Your Soul with Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project

In addition to kick-ass, fun and playful yoga classes, we love bringing in members of our community to teach workshops that will further our practice and enrich our lives. We're so excited about our upcoming Nourish Your Soul Workshop at our studio in Silverlake on April 19th! A master sweaty and soulful detox class led by Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project, followed by discussion on how to create and dive deeper into a soulful, purposeful and meaningful life. Then an introduction to nourishing your body with a healthy, balanced and superfood enriched diet led by nutritionist Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie.

Last week, we interviewed Sophie. This week, we got some insight into Rachelle's mission with The Neshama Project plus a special bonus recipe for Fast & Easy Soulful Superfood Hummus.

Sign up for the workshop here and read on to learn more!

Rachelle Tratt

The Neshama Project

http://theneshamaproject.com

Tell us a bit about yourself and The Neshama ProjectThe Neshama Project is my passion project that has turned into a living breathing jewelry & lifestyle brand.

How did you come up with the idea for The Neshama Project? Years ago when someone from Israel gifted me a special opal hamsa, I found great meaning in wearing the piece close to my heart. In fact, I never took it off, and every day someone commented on it. And what I started to witness was how this special stone became a conversation starter. It allowed me to talk about the country where my parents met, the concept of overcoming love & loss, and principles of yoga. So in the back of my head, years ago, I said one day I will share this stone and my story with the world.

What is the meaning behind the word Neshama and why did you pick that name for your project? "Neshama" means "Soul" in hebrew, is referred to levels of consciousness in mystical Kaballah, and is used as a term of endearment all over Israel. The N is in honor of my mom, Nicole, who passed away when I was nine years old, and who inspires the very core of the company and my life.

What’s the most rewarding part of running your own business? The beautiful souls that I have been connected to from around the world, who resonate with our products and my personal story of overcoming tragedy & creating a meaningful life.

What’s your number one tip for those of us who want to find inspiration to follow our own dreams? If you are inspired to do & create something, what are you waiting for? GO DO IT!! Because, no one else is going to do it for you! And there is no such thing as failure in my world, only lessons to be learned about yourself and life.

On your website, you mention numerous times, your love of hummus. We love it, too! Please share - what’s your favorite recipe?
Fast & Easy Soulful Superfood Hummus

• 3 cups of garbanzo beans (preferably organic and then soak them in water for a half an hour)
• 1/2 of extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup of tahini paste (preferably an organic one)
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (i get mine from the farmers market)
• 1 or 2 large cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of Philosophie Green Dream
• Salt to taste
• Zaatar (a middle eastern spice) and extra virgin olive oil for drizzling on top.
• oh and lots of love :)