Tell us about you and your company/work.
My way in the world is to live a full creative life, to tune into the frequency of the earth, to create, to humbly move through the world with a sense of wonder and reverence —diving deep into discovery through travel. For two decades, I have worked in the photo industry as a prop/ interior stylist, set designer, editor, and co-author. Seven years ago, I created my home brand, Totem Home, born out of a desire to create objects and pieces for the home which have a life, that feels inspired by other worlds, travels, and the handmade. Totem Home supports the connection between the choices we make and the hands of artisans. We are currently working in Oaxaca, Portugal, and Nairobi, with products available at Nickey Kehoe stores in LA and NY, Gjusta goods in LA, and, for the past two summers, at a pop-up in the beautiful Particular shop at Casa Jondal in Ibiza.
What do you do and how did you get started down this path?
I stepped onto the path of styling after opening up my first issue of World of Interiors and Vogue Living Australia. Completely enamored by the worlds they created, the still lifes, sets, and interiors in far away places, I felt called. At the time I was 23 years old, sewing animals and working in this magical shop called Lake in the East Village, when in walked Sibella Court. I started assisting her and the rest is history.
Totem Home was born from a desire to bring to life all the dreams, inspirations, ideas, and objects I wanted to design and make. I started slowly — cups in Oaxaca, blankets in Morocco. I loved the process: sketching ideas, finding materials, and working with artisans to make my designs.
How do you approach staying healthy and relaxed on the road/when you travel by plane?
On the way to the airport, I sometimes visualize myself moving swiftly through the travel day with ease. I work with my thoughts and slow down my mind. Rather than focusing on what I won’t have in terms of comfort, I bring my essentials to boost my immune system and stick to what works for me.
For airports, planes, and on the road, I create my own little ecosphere. Music instantly transports me and helps me connect to myself, even in a crowd, so I always make sure I have playlists for different moods downloaded. To keep warm on freezing planes, I always bring a scarf to keep my neck covered, usually something versatile like a sarong from Auntie Oti, if I’m headed somewhere warm. And in case I’m stuck in an airport unexpectedly, I keep a few movies downloaded on my computer.
Do you take any particular supplements prior to traveling or during to boost immunity/stay healthy?
Yes, I take an herbal tincture blend for immunity. I have a few drops before, during, and after a flight, and always keep it in my bag. And oil of oregano.
Do you do anything special for your skin on a plane?
I apply a super moisturising face oil — either this one that my mom makes or the Osea hydrating oil in their travel-size roll-on bottle. For me, scent is a big one, so I love having it with me always.
Do you tend to pack any healthy food or snacks for travel?
Sometimes I pack dried mango or a protein bar, and I always have ginger candies —especially for small planes or long, winding drives to help with any car sickness. I also bring a few single-serve packs of bone broth, adding hot water to my travel thermos on the plane. Warm broth in freezing planes is a game changer.
Any strategies for dealing with jet lag?
Water is my medicine. I always try to have a bath with epsom salts (I pack a couple of packets), or, if I’m lucky, a massage. If it’s summer and there is a sea I get in. Honestly, I don’t fight it — if I need to sleep, I sleep. Occasionally, I’ll have an espresso at hours I normally wouldn’t. It’s harder when I’m traveling for shoots and have to hit the ground running, but walking and sunlight always help.
I also incorporate some of my morning practices, like a mix of yoga and energy-building movements. Meditation and grounding my energy through my feet helps me get into my body more. Small and simple movements for my spine and hips, along with body tapping are super helpful. I love using fascia flossing techniques from Bonnie at The Floss.
Do you have any rituals you use while on a trip to reset or ground yourself in a new place?
I always travel with incense so I can immediately shift the energy in a room. I have started bringing clearing sprays made with healing flower essences to spray in a hotel room or bed. If I’m traveling for work and have no control of where I’m staying, I always pack a travel-size kettle to make tea at night, and a pour-over filter and ground coffee to make coffee in the morning. I know that may seem extreme, but when we wake for early call times nothing is open, so this is my biggest hack.
Making an altar is another ritual I use to support myself. I find it especially helpful when traveling in cities — it supports my connection with nature and the elements. I lay down a small piece of textile, a small candle (representing inner light), incense (representing air), a small vessel with water to honor, and a flower (to represent earth). These are the essential elements. If I am somewhere for an extended period of time, I add small pieces of finds along the way. For me, this is a welcome comfort when I come back from a long day in a faraway place, a reminder of home in a space that is not my home.
Hotel baths or showers?
Baths all the way.
What are a few things you always pack for your beauty/wellness routine?
I always pack a small dry brush to flush my lymph system and a Gua Sha for my face to help with any puffiness. Moon Juice magnesium packets are a must, along with a small bag of clay for a mask to draw out impurities from travel days. My mom also makes a shea butter balm packed with nutrient-rich, hydrating oils, which I use all over.
I like Japanese Sandalwood with a little holder small enough doesn’t take up much room. Love this tube for incense — it’s the perfect travel size and small enough to throw in my toiletry kit. Or if I bring a candle I like these scented votives. Each one is unique in its notes, ranging from floral to woody and everything in between. And I love a spray for the bed, room, and myself — this one especially for cleansing grounding after travel. I always have a book of matches in my toiletry bag from restaurants or hotels, but these botanical matches are pretty special little gems. I’m forever a lover of orange blossom and Coqui Coqui makes a beautiful linen spray — if it’s too big I just transfer it to a small travel-size spray bottle. Being highly sensitive to interiors and surroundings, I love having a little moment that feels like me and my home on a bedside.
How do you stay fit while traveling?
Pilates and little weights — I do Melissa Wood Health from my phone or computer. It’s quick and keeps things tight. And I walk as much as I can.
What are a few of your favorite wellness destinations and why?
Recently in Nice, I stayed at Hotel du Couvent. The baths there are incredible — perfect for first-day arrivals and melting away jet lag in the water. Every detail is impeccable, each material they used in the renovation works together to create the most soothing and calming feeling. In Marrakech I love the hammam at Beldi Country Club — getting scrubbed down and laying like a lizard on the beautiful heated marble. In Lisbon, Silent Living – Santa Clara 1728 has the most beautifully designed bathroom of my dreams where I soaked in the tubs overlooking the garden. Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, California, has soaking tubs and pools filled with so many healing minerals. Stay in for 30 minutes and the lithium-rich water calms your nervous system completely.
Most memorable healthy food/dish you remember eating while traveling?
I think it has to be on a Greek island (Hydra, Paros, Milos), where so many meals stand out — whether at a seaside restaurant or on a boat or at home, grilling freshly caught fish over a fire on the beach, drizzled with fresh olive oil and sea salt. Pair that with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, white wine, and the company of friends as we dipped in and out of the sea—it’s perfection. A close second would be in Oaxaca, the squash blossom tlayudas from the organic market are an absolute favorite of mine.
Where are you dreaming of going next and why?
At the top of my list is Sterrekopje, a farm, sanctuary, and healing retreat on South Africa’s Western Cape. I’d also love to explore Mozambique and stay at Sussurro. I deeply align with their design and ethos and am intrigued by a land so unknown to me.
For retreats, my dear friend Rafael Chaman’s immersions are a mixture of hatha yoga and qi gong and are always filled with deep insightful wisdom. His upcoming immersion in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, is an alchemy of his yoga teachings, the essence and teachings of music and rhythm. Also always on my list, the Beautiful Nomad retreats take you to stunning locations for pilates, Chinese medicine-infused yoga, and creative workshops.
YOLO JOURNAL,
Travel Well by Alex Postman
January 2025