I so enjoyed this email! Thank you for letting us (especially women) that we can say “No” and that walking away from something is better than staying in it and destroying our soul. The pandemic has taught me that time is precious. We’ve lost so much of it in the last 2 years.
I worked at your store for a short period of time and as a young woc, he made me feel stupid, embarrassed and disposable. I'm so sorry for your experience, seven years is a long time. Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish you nothing but love and healing. <3
Oh my heart, my deepest deepest apologies though they are so belated. I can't tell you how angry I've been at myself for allowing such a piece of shit man exist within the business and so profoundly negatively impact women like yourself. I am embarrassed and ashamed, and anything you feel is so valid. I wish you too, so much love and healing. I'm proud of you for getting out when you did, and I wish he had never been a part of any of it.
Even though my name was on the building, by the end of the business, he and his best friend owned 60% of the business, making me a minority share owner, which now looking back, feels INSANE that I let that happen. It feels insane that Iet him convince me I too was stupid, that all I was was a pretty face, that I was superficial, lacking in logic; I just let him emotionally beat me up to the point that I basically was his product churning bitch. It disgusts me, and I am so so sorry I was so lost in my own fear and self shaming that I didn't protect you and all the other incredible women in the business, the majority of whom were also women of color, from his cruel and demeaning bullshit.
I am so sorry. and I am so grateful you are still here. You owe me no kindness for what I allowed space for with his constant cruelty. Thank you for existing, I hope you never have to deal with a man or anyone like him again. Thank you for your kindness, I hope this message feels like true empathy and love and kindness back. You are so deserving and I appreciate you.
Thanks so much for sharing. Your store was my favorite for gifts over many years, and I think that's how I got on this list. I'm a writer/artist living in Los Angeles and also the co-founder of a group for trauma survivors called CO(OP. You can find us on IG @coop_collective. We're currently building out an exhibit for December with other writers/artists processing their experiences through storytelling and mixed-media art. When I read your email this morning, I felt compelled to reach out and tell you about what we're doing. If you're curious, let me know how to get in touch and I'll send over the one-sheet w more info. And either way thanks for being so honest and authentic and sharing your inner life this way. It makes the world a safer place for others to do the same.
Thank you for sharing this. The quote from your therapist hit me like a ton of bricks because my previous therapist said something so similar to me, but I have yet to act on it. I know I will get there at some point - thank you for inspiring me this morning to do so. Regarding candles, Seattle Candle Co. is local and has some great Fall and NW-inspired candles. I love the evergreen, coffee and fig scents best.
I’m so glad that that quote could echo your own therapists voice. It’s ok if you’re not quite yet ready to hit the NO button, keep trusting that you are building your courage. The time will come. And it will be right. Keep building your power.
Rooting for you in this newsletter, but also in just general everyday :)
I have a great candle recommendation, too: a lady from my hometown makes amazing candles in a variety of scents that are unique and smell SO good. Armitage Street and Sweet Tobacco are my favorite. I have a *really* hard time with most scents being too overpowering, and these are much lighter, I find, than most scented candles...that sweet tobacco...hoo-boy!
Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to hear such honesty and openness. I hope the best for you in your journey towards healing and growth. Please check out Rachel Beyer Artist Apothecary https://www.rachelbeyer.com she’s a wonderful friend of mine down in Portland who puts her heart and soul into every candle she hand makes herself. Explore her story and see if her work resonates with you. Enjoy!
Aw I will definitely check out her shop! I miss being immersed in the handmade maker world so much, though I miss none of the grueling parts of managing a business. I have so much respect for every maker and shop owner and I can't want to shop from all of the beautiful candle makers and shops people have recommended!
Thank you so much for sharing this Moorea — it was SO nice to see you pop into my inbox this morning. You've been through A LOT in the last few years. You're not alone in that and know I'm rooting for you, wherever this new embodiment of Moorea may go next (three cheers to letting go of societal pressures to please) I'm here for it and thrilled to be along for the journey!
Thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear how much hardship came with that beautiful shop. Glad to hear we’re on the up and up.
My favorite candle right now I got at Slowdance, the new vintage store in cap hill by the lovely lady behind Prism. They carry MarMar candles, I got the Mono No Aware, Tobacco and Vervaine. Lovely and earthy as it gets chilly and crisp out and it’s this really pretty deep orange. When I was in Portland the other week I got a really Smokey candle by Paddywax at a cute plant store called Ecovibe: Palo Sanyo Suede. I’ve never seen this form by Paddwax, super cute ceramic and is lasting forever. Great combo to have the Smokey candle and the warm candle going together.
I so miss your beautiful curation you had in the shop. I wonder if your new form of the newsletter can include limited selects on your favorite things at the moment 💕 Excited to see what’s to come for you, no matter what that may be.
Thank you so much for the recs, I had no idea Slowdance was created by the founder of Prism, this makes me so happy! I will check it out.
And I miss curating special products and things I adore too, so YES I will be adding curated goods to my newsletter too :) Thank you for affirming you are interested in that!
Favorite candles are from Sugar & Grace Candle Co. BIPOC woman-owned business and she makes the loveliest scents. Her winter sweater candle was my favorite last winter. She has much less typical smells but all SO good. And great for gifts. :)
Good to hear from you. Thanks for your honesty and transparency. It’s a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to more when you are ready. No pressure from us. It’s a process and there are ups and downs with every process. No expectations or judgements here.
Thank you so so so much for this sweetness. It's scary putting it all out there, but I'm craving some honest voices right now so I might as well get it started! So glad it was refreshing for you.
And I will check out Sugar + Grace! Excited to see what Fall/Winter scents they have, I so prefer the less predictable scents. They are their own breaths of fresh air ;)
Hi Moorea! Candles: I love the Good and Well Supply Co. National Park series of candles. They have their own brick & mortar in Seattle now, and also found at Standard Goods. I have definitely grown A LOT from the pandemic and not spreading myself as thin socially nor mentally. The time I keep is precious and who gets that energy from me is just as precious. Cheers to you for being so transparent in your happenings and growth. You got this! :)
Aw thank you Aimee, so happy to hear that you savoring what precious time and energy you have and not people pleasing before pleasing yourself. A beautiful lesson to learn and practice. And thank you for the candle rec! Love hearing about local candle companies.
THANK YOU! Seeing this sweet comment as the very first one in response to this email made me feel so comforted. You're not alone, and thank you for making me feel less alone too <3
This whole email gave me life and spoke to me in exactly the way i needed, thank you✨️ Every word and emotion had me like 'me toooo'.
I live in Port Angeles and we have so many great candle makers here! One of my favorite creatives is Upper Left Candle Co. Hurricane Ridge scent is my fave.
This made me cry. Thank you so much for responding and I'm so glad it resonated and made you feel understood <3
And I will be checking out that candle company stat! I love Port Angeles. Many moons ago I actually got engaged there hahah. It wasn't what I had hoped, proposed to in the back of a bar (but that checks out for the close but not right marriage I once had), but I love the town. It reminds me of where I grew up in Nevada City, CA.
Oh my goodness i feel all of the emotions with your story from laughing to crying because dang it if we don't have stories like that where we hoped it would just be different. Ive been rewriting a lot of those stories for myself lately. They sound more wild and free now that ive healed those growing pains. Anyway, im super excited to be connecting here. You are a light and a hope to finding freedom we all crave in ourselves. In a eorld searching for the next like and outter acceptance, you are just searching for truth and love and what feels right inside. So from this soul seeker too, i see you and i honor your journey✨️✨️✨️
I am so sorry to hear about your incredibly difficult journey the past few years. I started following you when a friend gave me one of your 52 lists journals a couple years ago, and I realized we had gone to college together when I took a closer look!! Your apartment looks beautiful and cozy, a perfect place for writing and reflecting. I am currently living in Philadelphia, but I’m always in the PNW in my heart. I miss almost everything about that best corner of the world. I look forward to reading more of your newsletters!!
This is so kind, and hello hello from past shy and reclusive college Moorea as well as current, more self assured and self aware me :) I've never been to Philadelphia but I've had a few friends who have lived there who loved it. It sounds like a really cozy city. Just my vibe. Big hugs!
might not be fall per say, but i found REWINED - malbec in a small shop in Hood River, OR - i didnt buy it and have regret. I have been thinking about it ever since.
I love the 52 Lists! I have given out several as gifts to friends. I am very sorry to hear about the Store closure and the troubles you have had. However, I am happy to hear you are moving forward with your life.
I moved from the Seattle area in 2020 to Lake Havasu City, AZ. The weather is amazing, with sunshine over 300 days per year! My Husband and I packed up our businesses and household and high-tailed it out of Wa. St. for many reasons which are too much to get into. Our businesses are thriving and we are happy. We had to leave for our own mental health. Our grown children, some friends and other family members are still in Seattle and we visit quite often, but we are much happier in the land of sunshine, water and desert. We spend our time enjoying each other and lounging around our pool, riding in the desert in our Side-by-Side, working and running our Airbnb.
My wish for you is that you find your happiness and run with it! Choose you and all the wonderful gifts you have to offer others! Keep up the positive attitude and live your dream. I will continue to purchase your books and see what you have in store for the future.
Aww Shannon, this is so kind. Thank you for sharing a little about your own journey. It's so refreshing to hear about other peoples journeys and how they have changed their lives as prompted by the pandemic.
I was just in Arizona for the first time ever! My sister and her family just moved there and she just had her 3rd and final kiddo. The desert is BEYOND beautiful, like WOW, the giant cactus, the color contrasts of the blue mountain rocks, the orange desert, and the green desert plants. I'm so happy you are soaking up all that sunshine and warmth :)
Thanks for the update! Wow! You have a pretty tough time the last few years, however, I feel a lot of hope and pride in what you have done so far! I think you are making some outstanding progress and I am looking forward to what is to come with you!
Thank you so much Karen, what a wild journey it is to keep growing and discovering what is healthiest and the right choice for you. I'm grateful to be pursuing what is right for me and so grateful to hear from you and so many!
I so enjoyed this email! Thank you for letting us (especially women) that we can say “No” and that walking away from something is better than staying in it and destroying our soul. The pandemic has taught me that time is precious. We’ve lost so much of it in the last 2 years.
Big big hugs 💛💛💛
I worked at your store for a short period of time and as a young woc, he made me feel stupid, embarrassed and disposable. I'm so sorry for your experience, seven years is a long time. Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish you nothing but love and healing. <3
Oh my heart, my deepest deepest apologies though they are so belated. I can't tell you how angry I've been at myself for allowing such a piece of shit man exist within the business and so profoundly negatively impact women like yourself. I am embarrassed and ashamed, and anything you feel is so valid. I wish you too, so much love and healing. I'm proud of you for getting out when you did, and I wish he had never been a part of any of it.
Even though my name was on the building, by the end of the business, he and his best friend owned 60% of the business, making me a minority share owner, which now looking back, feels INSANE that I let that happen. It feels insane that Iet him convince me I too was stupid, that all I was was a pretty face, that I was superficial, lacking in logic; I just let him emotionally beat me up to the point that I basically was his product churning bitch. It disgusts me, and I am so so sorry I was so lost in my own fear and self shaming that I didn't protect you and all the other incredible women in the business, the majority of whom were also women of color, from his cruel and demeaning bullshit.
I am so sorry. and I am so grateful you are still here. You owe me no kindness for what I allowed space for with his constant cruelty. Thank you for existing, I hope you never have to deal with a man or anyone like him again. Thank you for your kindness, I hope this message feels like true empathy and love and kindness back. You are so deserving and I appreciate you.
Thanks so much for sharing. Your store was my favorite for gifts over many years, and I think that's how I got on this list. I'm a writer/artist living in Los Angeles and also the co-founder of a group for trauma survivors called CO(OP. You can find us on IG @coop_collective. We're currently building out an exhibit for December with other writers/artists processing their experiences through storytelling and mixed-media art. When I read your email this morning, I felt compelled to reach out and tell you about what we're doing. If you're curious, let me know how to get in touch and I'll send over the one-sheet w more info. And either way thanks for being so honest and authentic and sharing your inner life this way. It makes the world a safer place for others to do the same.
Wow I’d really love to participate! Shoot me an email at moorea@mooreaseal.com. Thank you for creating this, it sounds so moving and encouraging 💛
Thank you for sharing this. The quote from your therapist hit me like a ton of bricks because my previous therapist said something so similar to me, but I have yet to act on it. I know I will get there at some point - thank you for inspiring me this morning to do so. Regarding candles, Seattle Candle Co. is local and has some great Fall and NW-inspired candles. I love the evergreen, coffee and fig scents best.
https://seattlecandlecompany.com/collections/shop
I’m so glad that that quote could echo your own therapists voice. It’s ok if you’re not quite yet ready to hit the NO button, keep trusting that you are building your courage. The time will come. And it will be right. Keep building your power.
Rooting for you in this newsletter, but also in just general everyday :)
I have a great candle recommendation, too: a lady from my hometown makes amazing candles in a variety of scents that are unique and smell SO good. Armitage Street and Sweet Tobacco are my favorite. I have a *really* hard time with most scents being too overpowering, and these are much lighter, I find, than most scented candles...that sweet tobacco...hoo-boy!
https://waxbuffalo.com/collections/the-x-candle
Aww thank you sweetest Sarah 💛💛💛
Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to hear such honesty and openness. I hope the best for you in your journey towards healing and growth. Please check out Rachel Beyer Artist Apothecary https://www.rachelbeyer.com she’s a wonderful friend of mine down in Portland who puts her heart and soul into every candle she hand makes herself. Explore her story and see if her work resonates with you. Enjoy!
Aw I will definitely check out her shop! I miss being immersed in the handmade maker world so much, though I miss none of the grueling parts of managing a business. I have so much respect for every maker and shop owner and I can't want to shop from all of the beautiful candle makers and shops people have recommended!
Thank you so much for sharing this Moorea — it was SO nice to see you pop into my inbox this morning. You've been through A LOT in the last few years. You're not alone in that and know I'm rooting for you, wherever this new embodiment of Moorea may go next (three cheers to letting go of societal pressures to please) I'm here for it and thrilled to be along for the journey!
Thank YOU!!! This means SO much to be received with such kindness.
Thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear how much hardship came with that beautiful shop. Glad to hear we’re on the up and up.
My favorite candle right now I got at Slowdance, the new vintage store in cap hill by the lovely lady behind Prism. They carry MarMar candles, I got the Mono No Aware, Tobacco and Vervaine. Lovely and earthy as it gets chilly and crisp out and it’s this really pretty deep orange. When I was in Portland the other week I got a really Smokey candle by Paddywax at a cute plant store called Ecovibe: Palo Sanyo Suede. I’ve never seen this form by Paddwax, super cute ceramic and is lasting forever. Great combo to have the Smokey candle and the warm candle going together.
I so miss your beautiful curation you had in the shop. I wonder if your new form of the newsletter can include limited selects on your favorite things at the moment 💕 Excited to see what’s to come for you, no matter what that may be.
Thank you so much for the recs, I had no idea Slowdance was created by the founder of Prism, this makes me so happy! I will check it out.
And I miss curating special products and things I adore too, so YES I will be adding curated goods to my newsletter too :) Thank you for affirming you are interested in that!
Favorite candles are from Sugar & Grace Candle Co. BIPOC woman-owned business and she makes the loveliest scents. Her winter sweater candle was my favorite last winter. She has much less typical smells but all SO good. And great for gifts. :)
Good to hear from you. Thanks for your honesty and transparency. It’s a breath of fresh air. Looking forward to more when you are ready. No pressure from us. It’s a process and there are ups and downs with every process. No expectations or judgements here.
Thank you so so so much for this sweetness. It's scary putting it all out there, but I'm craving some honest voices right now so I might as well get it started! So glad it was refreshing for you.
And I will check out Sugar + Grace! Excited to see what Fall/Winter scents they have, I so prefer the less predictable scents. They are their own breaths of fresh air ;)
Hi Moorea! Candles: I love the Good and Well Supply Co. National Park series of candles. They have their own brick & mortar in Seattle now, and also found at Standard Goods. I have definitely grown A LOT from the pandemic and not spreading myself as thin socially nor mentally. The time I keep is precious and who gets that energy from me is just as precious. Cheers to you for being so transparent in your happenings and growth. You got this! :)
Aw thank you Aimee, so happy to hear that you savoring what precious time and energy you have and not people pleasing before pleasing yourself. A beautiful lesson to learn and practice. And thank you for the candle rec! Love hearing about local candle companies.
holy shit! didn’t think i could relate and feel so touched. thanks for that. read you soon!
-axelice from massachusetts
THANK YOU! Seeing this sweet comment as the very first one in response to this email made me feel so comforted. You're not alone, and thank you for making me feel less alone too <3
This whole email gave me life and spoke to me in exactly the way i needed, thank you✨️ Every word and emotion had me like 'me toooo'.
I live in Port Angeles and we have so many great candle makers here! One of my favorite creatives is Upper Left Candle Co. Hurricane Ridge scent is my fave.
This made me cry. Thank you so much for responding and I'm so glad it resonated and made you feel understood <3
And I will be checking out that candle company stat! I love Port Angeles. Many moons ago I actually got engaged there hahah. It wasn't what I had hoped, proposed to in the back of a bar (but that checks out for the close but not right marriage I once had), but I love the town. It reminds me of where I grew up in Nevada City, CA.
Oh my goodness i feel all of the emotions with your story from laughing to crying because dang it if we don't have stories like that where we hoped it would just be different. Ive been rewriting a lot of those stories for myself lately. They sound more wild and free now that ive healed those growing pains. Anyway, im super excited to be connecting here. You are a light and a hope to finding freedom we all crave in ourselves. In a eorld searching for the next like and outter acceptance, you are just searching for truth and love and what feels right inside. So from this soul seeker too, i see you and i honor your journey✨️✨️✨️
Gosh, more tears. THANK YOU <3 So looking forward to reading more of your responses in future newsletters.
I am so sorry to hear about your incredibly difficult journey the past few years. I started following you when a friend gave me one of your 52 lists journals a couple years ago, and I realized we had gone to college together when I took a closer look!! Your apartment looks beautiful and cozy, a perfect place for writing and reflecting. I am currently living in Philadelphia, but I’m always in the PNW in my heart. I miss almost everything about that best corner of the world. I look forward to reading more of your newsletters!!
This is so kind, and hello hello from past shy and reclusive college Moorea as well as current, more self assured and self aware me :) I've never been to Philadelphia but I've had a few friends who have lived there who loved it. It sounds like a really cozy city. Just my vibe. Big hugs!
might not be fall per say, but i found REWINED - malbec in a small shop in Hood River, OR - i didnt buy it and have regret. I have been thinking about it ever since.
Ooh snap, Malbec is my favorite wine. Sounds delish :)
I love the 52 Lists! I have given out several as gifts to friends. I am very sorry to hear about the Store closure and the troubles you have had. However, I am happy to hear you are moving forward with your life.
I moved from the Seattle area in 2020 to Lake Havasu City, AZ. The weather is amazing, with sunshine over 300 days per year! My Husband and I packed up our businesses and household and high-tailed it out of Wa. St. for many reasons which are too much to get into. Our businesses are thriving and we are happy. We had to leave for our own mental health. Our grown children, some friends and other family members are still in Seattle and we visit quite often, but we are much happier in the land of sunshine, water and desert. We spend our time enjoying each other and lounging around our pool, riding in the desert in our Side-by-Side, working and running our Airbnb.
My wish for you is that you find your happiness and run with it! Choose you and all the wonderful gifts you have to offer others! Keep up the positive attitude and live your dream. I will continue to purchase your books and see what you have in store for the future.
Stay Blessed!
Shannon
Aww Shannon, this is so kind. Thank you for sharing a little about your own journey. It's so refreshing to hear about other peoples journeys and how they have changed their lives as prompted by the pandemic.
I was just in Arizona for the first time ever! My sister and her family just moved there and she just had her 3rd and final kiddo. The desert is BEYOND beautiful, like WOW, the giant cactus, the color contrasts of the blue mountain rocks, the orange desert, and the green desert plants. I'm so happy you are soaking up all that sunshine and warmth :)
Thanks for the update! Wow! You have a pretty tough time the last few years, however, I feel a lot of hope and pride in what you have done so far! I think you are making some outstanding progress and I am looking forward to what is to come with you!
Thank you so much Karen, what a wild journey it is to keep growing and discovering what is healthiest and the right choice for you. I'm grateful to be pursuing what is right for me and so grateful to hear from you and so many!