We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Marisol Santana recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Marisol , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Sometimes it can take a lifetime to find one’s purpose, or to individuate, as Carl Jung described it. At fifty years old, I know who I am and what I love to do more than I ever have before. It’s like all the years of experimentation, experiences, pursuits, failures and successes stacked up, giving me a laser focus to do what I am meant to do. Like a seasoned archer, I have the confidence and experience to feel my internal compass, to hit the bullseye of what I feel I must do. Years ago, I asked my husband who is twenty years older than me how he found his purpose. His response was to quote mythological scholar Joseph Campbell: “Follow your bliss.” He also quoted his college counselor “Take the path that leads to your dream, because even if you never reach your dream, you will always be somewhere where you want to be.” So far, these words of wisdom have helped me live my life’s purpose to its fullest.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an artist, designer, educator, and entrepeneur. I started designing mala jewelry to ground myself in my body after years of writing my doctoral dissertation. I needed to heal and feel what it was like again to create from my hands, rather than my mind. After extensive research writing and soul searching, I didn’t know where to start again as an artist.
I signed up for a workshop to learn how to make mala necklaces which sounded relaxing. It made me happy, so I went with it. Pretty soon I found myself striving to make the most beautiful malas I could for the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City. I have given malas to friends and strangers to uplift their spirits.
The name “Soleil Satnam” has multiple meanings. Soleil is the French word for the sun, which represents light. It is a take on my own name “Marisol” which means sea and sun in Spanish. My mystic friend, Ys Mael suggested adding “Satnam” to Soleil. Satnam is a Punjabi and Sanskrit word used as a greeting or mantra by Sikhs and Kundalini yogis meaning “truth is my essence” or one’s highest, truest name. Satnam awakens the truth within, one’s highest purpose.
Soleil Satnam jewelry is made from natural healing gemstones and materials from the earth to help manifest one’s highest purpose, truth, and reconnect to the Divine of love, peace, light, and life.
Our malas reflect minimalist design, simple shapes and clean lines to create elegant pieces for meditation, formal dress, and everyday wear. Each mala made is unique. Many are custom-made for clients who might need a dose of bright, light-filled energy.
We’ve been told our malas have a touch of magic that elevates a person’s positive vibration. Many times, clients glow while wearing one of these malas. Our jewelry is handcrafted gemstone beaded jewelry that focuses on mental health and inner peace.
We collaborate with indigenous, Venetian, and other artists around the world with beads from Ancient Rome, Africa, Afghanistan, the Brazilian Rain Forest, and more.
Come and visit us in our new store within the Pico Roots Marketplace in Santa Monica, California!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. “Inch by inch, is a cinch.” A quote given to me from my wise friend Wendel Meldrum. Do one thing at a time, have patience, and pretty soon you will be well on your way to completing your project or achieving your goal!
2. Do a little bit everyday, even if it is just fifteen minutes (Same concept as #1).
3. Get your rest. Even body builders need to sleep like growing babies. Our muscles are built when we sleep. Good ideas can come to us in dreams. This can help us connect to the subconscious, where all creativity comes from. The more we rest, the clearer and more focused we will be!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I recently read an article giving tips from Zen Buddhism. What stuck out to me was to try to live “simply” and purposefully. It is important to take the space and time to do the simple things in life like eating, resting, walking or anything else you want to do. Dedicate specific times for each task, rather than always multitasking. Taking time to listen to your body, and giving it the space it needs to do one thing at a time is vital for preventing overwhelm. As someone who struggles with PTSD, anxiety, and OCD symptoms this has been really helpful lately- giving myself the space to breathe, reflect, and to do things simply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marisolsantana.com/malas
- Instagram: @soleilsatnam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soleilsatnam
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