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Inner Circle: Melissa Grandkoski

Introducing Melissa, the charismatic magic-maker behind DANO, our neighborhood "plant-powered apothecary" full of only the best self-care essentials from incense to beauty to reaalllly good vintage. We've been friends with Melissa for years as she was our very first retailer here in Portland. It is such a pleasure to be in conversation with her around art, motherhood, intentionality, and dancing into the mystery of the unknown.

How would you describe your current phase of life?

If there was a book about Melissa, this current chapter would be titled "Radical Authenticity. I am focused on conscious decisions that actually enrich my energy not deplete it. Saying “NO” to things that are not in full alignment to me. Learning to love what is, and dance with the mystery of the unknown. There is a softness in allowing yourself to be present, but still believe in the magic of that which has not yet come into fruition.

I feel most myself when...

I am creating for myself and not out of obligation. This is so important for me as a small business owner and artist My path does not look the same as others who are doing what I am doing and I am ok with that. I am growing and shape shifting my vision as it feels natural to do so. I remind myself often that it is in those in-between moments where most of my creative ideas are birthed. And there is dancing! Freely dancing around my home just for myself brings me right back into my body. Dancing is my way to PLAY. We as adults still need childlike play to anchor back in to who we came here to be before the world told us who we should be and dancing does this for me.

What is your recipe for 'taking care'?

I am wholly devoted to my own healing mind, body and soul. For me this looks like long epsom salt baths, nourishing myself with herbal tea infusions and tinctures, castor oil packs, moving my body, and educating/empowering myself on healing plant medicines for myself and family. But this also looks like laughing with my girlfriends over fine wine and good food. Getting lost in an antique mall for hours is like therapy for me. Taking care is loving all the parts of myself without judgment.

Your favorite Under Luna ritual.

I love that you call it a ritual. Washing one’s hair or skin can feel so mundane, but when we slow down and make these basic routines a ritual, one can saver the moments of touch and care to oneself. These mundane moments are when we can give to ourselves so that we show up better for those around us. That being said, I love the Tulsi Bloom Shampoo and Tulsi Bloom Conditioner. I have fine hair that needs to be washed often, so the Tulsi is perfect for my hair. Flipping the head over for a shampoo wash, which I learned from UL, is a game changer. I only condition once a week due to my hair being on the more oily side. In our home, we use the Body Wash as a hand wash in the kitchen and for the whole body in the shower. Both my kids are big fans of the body wash too!