We were lucky to catch up with Nina Blackbird Japaridze recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nina Blackbird, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’m Nina Blackbird Japaridze, a private chef and energy healer. Originally from Georgia, I moved to the United States two years ago. Before that, I was already living my purpose – my son Alexander and my healthy restaurant meant everything to me. It’s been quite a journey, and it’s still ongoing, but compared to my past, I’d say I’ve found my purpose. However, it’s quite abstract, and I still have a lot to learn, grow, and develop.
Listening to your heart and intuition is so important – understanding what your heart desires, what you can give to others, and how you can receive in return. My life-changing experience began with the book “Ikigai,” which explores the purpose of life and helps us find our own. I read this book 4 years ago, and I am now re-reading it. There are some important highlights in the book that really resonated with me. It’s mind-blowing how simple it can be to find your purpose and do what you love while getting paid for it.
I believe we’re blessed to be surrounded by people, books, nature, and plants, all of which are tools to help us develop, grow, gain wisdom, and find our path.
There have been times when my mind and heart were at war, questioning whether I was on the right path. But deep down, my heart knew that my purpose was to serve people, heal, and bring them happiness through food. For me, food is medicine – it has the power to either harm or nourish people.
Sometimes it’s a challenge to stay focused, live in the present, and truly listen to my heart, but I am here to learn and grow. Discovering my life’s purpose has been instrumental in shaping my habits and discipline.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Being a single mom, running your small business, and doing what you love is a blessing.
The book “Ikigai” was incredibly inspiring to me, so much so that I named my brand “Ikigai Circle.” My services include private chef, cacao ceremony guide, and energy healing. As I mentioned, I am a private chef, and I also facilitate deep emotional release sessions. I am offering private chef services for retreats, families, etc, as well as a cacao ceremony guide, and energy healing. I have found a passion for creating essential oils and herbal smoking mixes.
As I delve deeper into my authentic self and discover my skills, my capacity for holding space for others expands. A few months ago, I began guiding people through cacao ceremonies. Cacao, to me, is heart-opening medicine that aids in reconnecting with oneself and with the world around us. It also makes you feel calm and opens up your inspirational flows. Every time I drink cacao, I either want to dance, paint, or create new essential oils. I’ve found that people also enjoy journaling and writing about their emotions and experiences.
Right now, I’m working on my new project to teach people about clean and nutritious eating, and how they can naturally detoxify their bodies internally and externally.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I feel like dedication, listening to my heart, and patience are the keys to my journey. If you’re someone who is on the path of exploring yourself and finding your purpose, don’t be afraid of trying new things and diving into the unknown.
You will never know if you never try, right?
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Spiritual connections and collaborations mean a lot to me. I understand that doing things alone is great, but finding someone open-minded and conscious with whom you share the same visions can enable you to create magic together, build a community, and spread wisdom on a higher level.
If you are also seeking someone to collaborate with, let’s connect! I would love to get to know you and share some beautiful ideas.
IG @blackbird.9
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ikigaicircle.com/
- Instagram: Blackbird.9
- Facebook: Nina Japaridze
Image Credits
Images by Nina Japaridze
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