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Meet Ky Gabriel of Peacock Arts in Golden

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Ky Gabriel.

Ky, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had a very unique childhood. I was raised by hippies which is sort of like being raised by wolves only not as safe. I have had the opportunity to live in and travel to many parts of the world. The aspect of my upbringing that I am most grateful for is the spiritual path I was immersed in.

My mother started following an Indian guru in the 70’s. The Beetles were doing it so it was good enough for us! I grew up in and out of ashrams in Australia, California, New York, Colorado, India and Houston. Yes, Texas. I know. I learned mindfulness and meditation, yoga (before most knew what it was) chanting and the magic of malas! Malas are simply prayer beads just like you will find in any number of traditions. They help you to focus your attention during meditation, keep count of your mantras, prayers or affirmations and can even be used for setting intentions for your life and serving as a reminder as to where you want your focus, day to day, minute to minute. They are simple, beautiful, powerful and magical! Even just wearing one can make a huge difference. I have been using them since about the age of seven.

Several years ago I rekindled my deep love for these tactile talismans and was nudged by a friend and mentor to not only make them to sell but to teach workshops to the Front Range population on how to make them, utilize them and fall in love with them. I had other plans for my business but you know what they say about the best-laid plans! This was meant to be and here I am more than five years later and my whole world seems to be gemstone beads, string, knots, tassels and the most wonderful students and communities to work with. I am truly blessed and it is because of the malas in more ways than one. Teaching others and watching them light up with this practice is by far my favorite part of my work.

As a well-rounded artist who also does multi-media collage, jewelry design, any number of crafting projects and the occasional poem I naturally picked up henna body art. Henna is a natural, plant-based paste that temporarily stains the skin and has been used in India, throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa for thousands of years. As a side job and mostly seasonally I work as a henna artist, decorating bodies and making people smile. Life is good for this creative expressive single mama!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a well-rounded artist and someone who has always known that all I really ever want to do is create and grow, I have attempted many different home-based creative businesses for the last 20 plus years. It has been an enormous struggle. The American public often values cheaply made, mass-produced objects over artisan-produced higher quality pieces made with love. Small businesses tend to struggle in general in our economy and I am no exception. Sometimes things are flowing wonderfully and other times things are slow and make me question what I am doing. However, when you have a heart calling, a true passion for something, you learn to flow and trust and return to the fire where it all came from. Obstacles will always arise, that’s life, but obstacles are meant to be overcome.

Peacock Arts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have often been referred to as “the Mala Lady” and this is true but it does go deeper than this. I have a background in non-denominational spiritual counseling as well as my own embodied practice in meditation, mantra and ceremony. This practice has been honed and nurtured for the better part of 45 years. I was a toddler when I was immersed in the culture and lineage that my work stems from. This definitely sets me apart from some of the other teachers of this art form and the modality. It is easy to fall in love with mala making and the practices that go with it and it is natural to want to share that newfound love with others. Indeed there is nothing wrong with this, I do feel that my background, my experience with the practice including ways I’ve used them as a tool for transformation in my own life and my wealth of knowledge built over a lifetime brings a certain depth and passion to my offerings that may not be the same flavor you will necessarily find elsewhere. This is what I am most proud of in my offerings.

How does it work? A student signs up for a public class or is a host or participant of a private event (anyone can get a group together and host one). Once registered the student receives a PDF of my exclusive bead catalog. I use crystal and natural stone beads and each carries its own energy and supportive properties. There are close to 200 to choose from. The participant selects their stone ahead of time so that they are sure to get exactly what they want and the color they want for their cord and tassel. I create their custom DIY kit and bring it to the workshop. We learn about malas and how to use them, I lead a powerful guided meditation that focuses on your intentions for your life and where you want your focus. This energy is infused into the beads making them personal and supportive.

We then make our malas together. We laugh, we learn, we uplift and we grow together. It is very fulfilling and many great connections and experiences have come out of these gatherings. Students walk away with their own beautiful mala that they can wear and use in a way that supports their dreams and intentions. I also sell mala kits for people to make as many as they want at home for gifts or for their own collection. Many people repeat the experience and even more go on to make more malas. It is very meaningful to those who attend. I do also design and sell finished malas infused with love and supportive energy and these are just as well-loved.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is positively influencing and supporting others through my creativity and wisdom in a way that fosters joy and empowerment and being able to meet my family’s needs from the work I am passionate about. This can look a lot of different ways. There is obviously a financial bottom line but the markers I look for are in the feelings. Are people happy, uplifted, and inspired? Am I serving them from a place of humility and enthusiasm? Does everyone walk away feeling positive? Success feels like joyful fulfillment.

Pricing:

  • Workshops, including all materials begin at $67, Private and business events are available.
  • Finished malas begin at $60

Contact Info:

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