From the moment you walk into Alchemy Slow Living Studio you are enveloped in a feeling I can only describe as sublime bliss. I always find myself in those first few moments taking pause to just breathe in the energy and all the wonderful scents. From there my eyes start to search my surroundings delighting at all the carefully curated decorations, items, and potions all geared towards getting you to slow down and enjoy the simplicity and beauty of what is. But the real treat in this magical oasis situated on the third floor of an unassuming building in Ferndale, MI is its caretaker and creator Monique Herzig.

An alchemist, an artist, a perfumer, a purveyor of slow living, a beautiful friend, are only some of the roles I’d ascribe to Monique. While Henna is what she is most known for in the local Detroit scene I know her through our combined love of scent and sacred self-care. She recently gave me the honor of interviewing her for my Sacred Self-Care series and I couldn’t be more delighted to share her with you.

(Tara, Founder, THARA SACRA)

 YOU

I opened Alchemy in 2011 with a vague business plan, some mad skills and the fear of a desk job. The name Alchemy evokes ‘science + magic’ - with feet in both planes. My first degree is in Leisure Studies and a I am a licensed esthetician, and I believe we can have a more contented life through art an human connection. I live and work in Ferndale, where my family is fully embedded; sharing a home with two teens, my husband of 20-some years, and our dog, Lui.

DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE

Boundaries, balance and authenticity. (Plus, I prioritize the gym - and try to get enough water. We really can’t drink enough water)

FAVORITE SACRED SCENTS

Patchouli. Hands down. The stinkier, earthier, most camphor-y patchouli AND the lovely, ethereal, sweet, caramel-y patchouli. Patchouli is so versatile in perfumery and in skincare.

FAVORITE OBJECT IN THE STUDIO

This is too hard. All of the items at the studio are curated and collected because I like them and want us to have a functional space with pretty places to rest your eyes. I do have items that are heirlooms, items that belonged to both my Grandmothers. They both had a big impact on my life.

THREE THINGS YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM

Collaboration. Community. And henna artists that I have crushes on (Maple Mehndi, Ritual by Design and Hand of Fatima all come to mind).

FAVORITE SPOT IN DETROIT

I was born in Detroit. I was married in Detroit. I live just across 8 Mile from Detroit. Picking one is tricky. Let’s go with DIA. I love sitting in Kresge Court and people watching - or working. I love that you can breeze in there and wander for an hour  - Some of my favorite memories with my family are inside the DIA. My son was disappointed (years ago) when the Pop art didn’t Pop Out At You.

CURRENT MANTRA

With an open heart and fierce intentions

Henna Body Art 

For a glimpse into the magic that is Alchemy, Monique shares with us below a piece on the decorative healing practice of adorning the body with henna.

Impermanence + Acceptance (some lessons from a henna experience) - Shared with permission from Alchemy Slow Living

Want more from Monique?  If you are in the Detroit area book an appointment with Monique by visiting www.alchemyhenna.com. I recommend staring out with some henna and the Shavasana facial. For her gorgeous perfumes and slow living items visit www.alchemyslowliving.com. My favorites are her limited edition botanical perfumes and sandalwood incense ritual.

SAY HELLO to get the latest on new releases, and more... for more in our Sacred Self-care series visit here.