My City Series | Rashia Bell
Energetic Interior Designer and Crystal Healer Rashia Bell, is the co-founder of THE CRISTALLINE, a multi-faceted lifestyle company that works to help you create balance within all areas of your life.
After more than ten years working on the business side of Fashion, Beauty, Jewelry and Luxury industries for companies such as Mikimoto, Vivre, and Monique Péan, Rashia found her creative outlet and expressive voice through Interior Design. A graduate of both the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York School of Interior Design, she has also completed two Crystal Healing Certifications by the Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts, is a Level 2 Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Healer and has completed yoga certifications in English and Spanish.
Rashia has taken a uniquely holistic approach to the spaces she transforms for THE CRISTALLINE, by incorporating the energetic and healing powers of crystals and stones into her Interiors. The foundation for this design process is specializing in personal healing work, where Rashia has lead workshops for all ages, private events and retreats around the world. Her work is to show her clients how to find balance within themselves and greater encompassing the spaces they inhabit.
Rashia is currently a resident healer at the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, and works with selection of their other properties including the recently opened Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center. At this new property, The Cristalline installed over 700lbs of crystals in the structure of the spa to enhance and create a mindful experience. The Cristalline has done custom product collaborations with Onda Beauty, Pamela Love, Sefte, & Fitness brands Equinox & Pure Yoga. Most recently, they launched an exclusive activewear crystal collaboration with luxury retailer Carbon38. Rashia & The Cristalline have recently been featured in The New York Times, Forbes and on Net-A-Porter and Goop.
Born and Raised or Expat?
Born and Raised in Philadelphia, but my adult life has been as a Downtown New Yorker. I currently split my time between NYC, Philly and Colombia – where I have developed a series of workshops and wellness retreats over the last several years.
What led you to choose your current profession? And, what steps did you take to get there?
I studied and worked in the fashion and design industry for most of my career. About 5 years ago, I started exploring different modalities of wellness as part of my personal self-development and creating a commitment to having more balance in my life. I was a dancer for much of my life so the discipline (and body aches) that came with that launched a deep exploration of mental and physical components of wellness. Having had stints in jewellery and in wanting to have mindful connection to my interior design work, I saw a real opportunity to merge the energy of stones into fashion and design and that ultimately birthed the powerful energy healing work that I have the pleasure of doing today.
What does your Day-to-Day routine look like?
This varies so much depending on what projects are happening and where I am! In New York, this could be a morning workout and meditation before a day of literally dashing to every corner of the city to see clients to work on their spaces, conduct private sessions or events. When I am not running around it is a mix of working with clients virtually, business calls, and overseeing the fulfilment of orders for our retail partners and website. In Colombia, my days are just as full, but at a different pace. I am either participating in or preparing for an upcoming wellness retreat – so that may be site visits, retreat planning, programming preparation or continuing certification courses. Being there gives me the space to get things in order to be able to hit the ground running when I am back in the states and traveling from coast to coast.
What is your favourite brunch spot, and why?
Butcher’s Daughter. No matter which location you are at whether in the city or Brooklyn, you always run into someone you know! I am addicted to the Spicy Kale Salad, and it doesn’t help that my business partner also happens to live right next door to one of their spots!
When you have guests, where in town do you like to take them for dinner?
How has your city grown and changed since you’ve known it? Which changes did you like best? Why?
The city has definitely changed a lot since I was in college and first arrived. The fact that it does so never ceases to amaze me. I can be gone for a few weeks, and then come back and feel like I am walking around seeing everything for the first time. It is constantly ever-evolving, so I think it really pushes you to do so in your thoughts in your, aspirations and endeavours. It inspires and always keeps you on your toes!
What cool festivals/events, if any, happen in your city?
My favourite events usually pertain to Art & Design. Frieze Art Fair on Randall’s Island both in setting and experience is something that is unique to New York. Going to the US Open is a highlight of every summer. You get to watch amazing tennis brought to life, and have a blast, all in this little microcosm within the city.
Where do you go to escape? How does this space bring you peace?
Finding an escape within my city is usually centred around wellness and self care. A trip to Higher Dose to sit in an infrared sauna always clears my head. I am grateful to be a resident healer at the Spa at the Four Seasons New York Downtown, when I have the time to pop in for a service there I forget I am in the city and leave feeling rejuvenated.
9. What’s a local brand in your area that we must know about?
Second Sight is an amazing online brand with clothing designed & made in NYC, each month they drop a limited edition of styles. It’s female founded and supports size inclusivity, so not only do you look great but you feel good about your purchase!
10. Where, why and when is your next adventure?
On the more adventurous side, I am headed to Nicaragua which in addition to Colombia we will be adding as a new destination for my Tropical Transformation retreats!
11. Does Travel breed creativity?
Travel is the heart and soul of creativity for myself. As an interior designer and creative there is endless inspiration that is cultivated through experiencing a local culture, architecture, textiles, cuisine and most importantly your interactions and experiences with those that live there. As a healer, travel has allowed me to create a greater connection to myself that has allowed me to visualise my dreams and is the vehicle that allows me to share my work with those around the world. For me travel is Freedom!
12. As for connecting the mind, body and soul, what do you do to promote self-love?
Working with crystals is an act of self-love. When you allow yourself to surrender and align with the energy of nature, magical things happen within the body, within the psyche, within the self.
13. A notable figure throughout history that has particularly brought you inspiration, and why?
One living source of inspiration that I recently lost in my life was my grandmother. She was a woman that was dedicated to her community and helping others, fearless in her determination and with a limitless capacity for love, so I carry everything she shared and taught me at the forefront of my mind each and every day.
14. Are there any philanthropic programmes or projects that you’re passionate about or would like to shed some light on?
I am constantly looking for ways to explore emotional expression, and mindfulness through movement and energy work with kids’ and young adult programs. I believe that work only serves to empower youth. The Brotherhood Sister Sol is an organisation in NYC that does great work!
15. Entrepreneurs, Tastemakers and Trailblazers, where do people like you hangout in your city?
AbcV, Dumbo House. I find in NYC it isn’t just about food or partying, it’s about experiences. So from Sound Baths to Fitness classes, it’s anywhere we can get a wellness dose at places like Clean Market.
16. What is the importance of global connection to you?
Global connections are pivotal to my friendships, work and life. They create expansion and are humbling and motivational for me as my crystal healing work develops through clients, group retreats and innovative design work. So much of these things are region specific, I am inspired by how different this work can manifest for different people and in different locations. In my new business (more on that below), my co-founder Iva is based in Hong Kong, which immediately allows us to have different vantage points and access to a wider network and consumer markets.
17. Give a shout-out to someone in your city that is doing groundbreaking things, and what is it that makes them a trailblazer?
I feel very lucky to be in a circle of amazingly powerfuI, dynamic, and entrepreneurial women. One that I am continually inspired by, is my dear friend Hilary Pereira the founder of Splash Mixers. Her fearless nature, dedication in creating an amazing natural product, and having the ability to see how she has grown her award winning brand into a leader in the difficult to enter beverage and spirit market, inspires me in my own pursuits to be a leader in everything that I do.
18. Advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Collaboration is key. Both on projects and within your own business. I have a business partner Elizabeth Kohn, and in my new endeavour I do as well. I think it only helps to expand creativity, reach farther and have a support system at your side.
19. We’re living in a world where our attention to new innovation doesn’t seem to have longevity, how do you find your inspiration to make new waves with long-term prosperity?
I think there can’t be longevity with innovation, it functions as its best when it is able to evolve and change. I think that’s were wellness comes in, as this is where people are seeking and finding that grounding place. For me the only long-term inspiration I follow is the understanding that I am on a journey, and there will be twists and turns and you can choose to view them from seeing the abundance that lies within the learning. That’s what makes what’s to come even more exciting.
20. Tell us about what you are currently working on?
We recently launched a collaboration with luxury activewear retailer Carbon38 x THE CRISTALLINE that merges the energy of crystals with stone energy inspired activewear that we are really proud of. The Cristalline is continuing to grow in various areas as far as products and our design work, and we have added The Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Centre, as another destination in addition to NYC where people can regularly experience my private one-on-one crystal healing session.
I can’t reveal too many details, but this fall along with my co-founder Iva Millereau, we will be launching RE.VITYL. It is a lifestyle brand featuring products that are all about rest and recovery, that are absolutely perfect for travel. So stay tuned HERE!
21. People can often look at the end result of success and think that the journey has been easy. In your darkest moments, what was your motivation and inspiration to keep going, despite the obstacles and challenges you faced?
I’ve stopped thinking that there is an end result, which has helped. Sure, for the design work there is something that finishes the project, but if I am doing my job – then the experience of the space only begins when what would be considered “my part of the project” ends. Same with the retreats and one-on-one client work – there isn’t an end point, every day our needs are different. So I carry that with me, to help me when I am not sure what the next path should be as I am charting my step. My work is so often in the in between, there isn’t a book or a professional guidance counsellor to turn to, it is whatever I make it – which can be dark or light – depending on the day- so I work to remind myself that every day is part of the journey, not the end result. This is something that I have come to understand only after years feeling weighed down by energy of the darkness, and it only served to keep me there. So now I ONLY keep reaching for the light and it continually propels me forward.
22. A book that impacted you?
The Untethered Soul, by Michael Alan Singer
23. A quote or mantra that you live by?
“I have the simplest tastes, I’m always satisfied with the best.” ~ Oscar Wilde
24. Please share a playlist that embodies your work. What about this particular music brings you inspiration?