Healer-In-Training. Recently completed my 1st year in Herbalism at Ancestral Apothecary in Oakland, CA, USA. An amazing experience I am so grateful for it getting me in touch with my ancestors through the use of intention, meditation, and herbs. They (my ancestors and the herbs) have brought me much happiness, health, luck, love, and friendship since getting in touch with them. I hope to connect with other healers in herbalism and energy work to help me hone in my skills to help raise the vibration of this planet, if not at least make living a more pleasant experience with my own humble contribution. I specifically want to contribute by helping others who also have eczema experience relief, healing, and regain the ability to be productive members of society. You can learn more about my story and services for eczema life/style coaching here: www.EczemaPhoenix.com

***For the record, I wrote in Bernie Sanders. I know he wasn't on the ballot, but he was the only candidate I believe/d in and still wish he was president of the United States instead of the current one.

I am also an eco-friendly and cruelty-free makeup artist and hairstylist in the Bay Area of California. I have been doing it since 2010 and love what I do! At first, I went completely green in 2012 to help people with eczema find safer, less irritating cosmetics to wear while expressing their true authentic style and identity. In 2014, I enhanced my skills by attending the (then) Empire Academy of Makeup in Costa Mesa founded and taught by Donna Mee, a 30+ year celebrity makeup artist veteran. But then, in 2016, I started to want to also use what I learned in the Ethnic Beauty makeup classes she offered to not just provide eco-friendly services, but ethnically-friendly, too. So many women of color don't get representation in the beauty and fashion industries and aren't always given the correct foundation to match their skin tone. And many makeup artists don't care to find out how to truly match them. But I can, so I do. I believe there is something for everyone in beauty! Where there's a will, there's a way!

Here is my website to see some of my most recent work: www.alabatabeauty.com

I am also a freelance eco-beauty blogger for beauty app Perfect365 where I share my knowledge of the green beauty genre to educate their customers on healthier beauty options!

Here are some examples of my most recent work with them:
https://www.perfect365.com/blog/2017/12/13/how-to-choose-the-perfect-red-lipstick-shade/
https://perfect365blog.com/?s=terry+alabata+

And finally, I am a karaoke addict! Bonus points if you're game to go out and karaoke with me! Preferably in a sober location, but bar is fine. Just be prepared to either make a lot of new friends and possibly play bodyguard a bit. I don't mean to sound cocky. I've been karaoking for 12 years and I know the patterns. I just love music, sharing it with others and discovering new tunes to practice singing!

Sometimes I post videos of me singing on my personal Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/terryalabata

In the future, I also plan to post videos on personal opinions about the world and life to promote healthier more considerate living. For example, I am disturbed that so many adults in the world are taught that the only way to have fun is to get drunk and "forget" about their problems. I know many people who drink to cope with emotional issues or stress at work and who have taken it to dark places. I have completely cut ties with those people for my safety and sanity, but I also understand that this is something that the media has brainwashed us to believe is a normal way of living as adults and it upsets me as a human being. Fun doesn't always require a drug or substance like alcohol to be fun. We need to transcend and expand our way of living so that we can all be healthier human beings together.

As you can see, I am very well-rounded person. I have also been told that I'm helpful, adventurous, respectful, and curious. I love exploring and learning anything new wherever I am.

Reason I Am Currently Unable To Accept Hosts: I would love to be able to offer to host, but at home, I live with my parents and uncle who are all shy, retired, elderly people ages 60-84 and they do not like strangers. I want to be respectful of their space. Whenever I get a place of my own, though, that will change! I am so grateful for this space and community of international wanderlust and learning!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

At this time, I am seeker a quieter, slower pace of life full of nature and being in the moment. I come from the Bay Area, home of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. It is busy! And crowded! Very different from what I grew up with. I miss having more space to myself, to drive, to walk on the sidewalk without bumping into someone. I'm getting claustrophobic. So, at this time, I am looking to travel around the South Pacific where I hear life is much slower and nature is more lush.

Right now, I'm in Auckland NZ and loving the weather! Having grown up with dry skin in the Bay Area, it's amazing how soft and hydrated my skin is down here, even without lotion! Amazing what a change of environment can do!

Interests

Music
Karaoke
Herbalism
Health
Eczema
Environment
Animals
Spirituality
Yoga
Meditation
Makeup
Beauty
Fashion
Sustainability
Marvel Movies
Transformations
Travel

• animals
• fashion
• coloring
• beauty
• make up
• education
• environment
• cooking
• yoga
• meditation
• movies
• traveling
• music
• communications
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
The Smiths
Morrissey
The Cure
Depeche Mode
New Order
B.o.B.
No Doubt
Alanis Morisette
Selena Gomez
Aaliyah
Sza
R.E.M.
Nirvana
Foo Fighters
Banks
Lana Del Rey

Movies:
Shrek & Shrek 2
Pirates of the Caribbean
All Marvel Movies
All Pixar Movies
The Neverending Story
Robin Hood: Men In Tights
Amelie
and many more!

Books:
The Sandman Series
X-men
The Secret
Blackberry Wine
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Huckleberry Fin
Tom Sawyer
Anne of Green Gables
The Beauty Detox Solution

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have recently launched a Youtube Channel called "Eczema Phoenix" about transforming the way one lives with eczema to offer education to those with or without it about it, and to build integrity and confidence back into the lives of those living with it, like me. I've recently started Eczema Life/style Coaching and my first client has shared that he has gained more confidence in life and his ability to be an effective father through my teachings. And this is even before trying the herbal recommendations I've offered. You can see some of the sorts of teachings and coaching I offer on my Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAShREuK-bWCZm4g8B8OKOQ

Use my talent and profession in makeup artistry and hairstyling to promote social acceptance, tolerance, and authentic self-expression in the following 3 ways:

Promoting the Green Beauty Movement (self-titled) through my use and online/social media/verbal promotion of eco-friendly and cruelty-free cosmetics in the conventional beauty and fashion industries. - www.instagram.com/alabatabeauty

Teaching transgender males-to-females how to look like natural women and express their true identities through mastering their own makeup applications and transformations, and offering emotional support and encouragement through these makeup lessons

Teach, Learn, Share

Herbalism/Ancestral Healing - can offer lessons on how to make tinctures, salves, oxymels, flower essences. Can make suggestions for herbs to take and how based on any ailments you may have. How to channel your ancestors to help guide you on your path in life if you are lacking direction or want help finding it.

DIY Beauty - lessons on how to make your own lipbalm, lotions and even mineral makeup! With recommendations for ingredients customized to your preference of texture, smell, and therapeutic value you are after.

Makeup, Skincare, and Haircare/styling Lessons

Makeovers

Beauty/Skincare Consultations

Insight and Education on Eco-friendly and Cruelty-free Lifestyle and Beauty Options

Image Consulting (I am very good at making a strong first impression, so if you have a job interview and want advice on how to look and behave to get the job, I'm your gal!)

Color Analysis (tell you what colors look best on you based on your complexion, haircolor, and eyecolor.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Respect
Honesty
Integrity
Herbalism
Makeup, Skincare, and Haircare/styling Lessons, Makeovers, Consultations
Cooking
Cleaning
Insight and Education on Eco-friendly and Cruelty-free Lifestyle and Beauty Options, Beauty & Fashion Trends, Image Consulting, Color Analysis (tell you what colors look best on you based on your complexion, haircolor, and eyecolor.
A great sense of humor, adventure, open spirituality, and non-judgmental attitude.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Philippines

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States