Meet Sky Britnei | Holistic + Spiritual Wellness Practitioner, Apothecary + Botánica Owner & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sky Britnei and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sky, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I approach risk (and risk taking) from a place of trust. In order to take any risk, you have to be able to lean deeply into trust. Trust in Spirit/God/the Universal Power. Trust in self and your abilities. Trust that things are always working out for your highest good. Trust that no matter what, you are always in the right space at the right time.

I believe that everything we’ve ever dreamed of doing and accomplishing is on the other side of fear. And well, fear has the ability to propel us forward or keep us stagnant — which one it does depends on us and how much of a risk and chance we’re willing to take. How much faith and trust do we have? How much are we willing to bet on ourselves?

Risk has played (and continues to play) a huge part in my life and career because everything that I’ve ever decided to go after and everything I’ve ever wanted has required me to take a leap of faith — to take a risk. In 2019, I took a huge risk and quit my 9-5 in order to fully invest in my creative passion and business. The decision was rather impromptu, to be honest. But after years of playing small and feeling unfulfilled, I was ready to play big and bet on myself. Was it a risk? Of course! But what I’ve learned about risk is that without risks there’s no reward! And in order to take that risk and step out on faith, I had to truly believe that I was meant for more. I had to trust the process.

It can be scary, yes … but it’s also exhilarating and empowering to know that with each risk comes the opportunity to grow and learn and experience the fullness, expansiveness and beauty of life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Of course! I am a spiritual and holistic wellness practitioner and an artist. I am the owner of De La Jipi, an online Apothecary + Botánica. I create healing crystal jewelry, holistic skin care, spiritual tools and more to help Black and Brown folx feel like art, magick, beauty and divinity personified. I’m also a crystal, sound and reiki healer.

I love being in community and creating for my community. At the core of the work that I do is the belief that we are art, everything we create is art and through art and its creation we can heal ourselves and the collective. In addition to that, my goal is to make art and healing (in all of its beautiful modalities) accessible to Black and Brown communities — to provide a safe space for us, by us.

A bit of backstory — Art has always been a part of my life. I was the kid always doodling on random scraps of paper and printing out song lyrics to perform dances in my living room when no one was watching; queue Destinys Child – “Say My Name”! I used to write short stories and at one point convinced myself that I was going to be the next James Patterson — Black girl edition, lol. I even had those lip gloss and bracelet making kits as a kid. You name an art modality and 9 times out of 10, I probably tried it. So, it’s always been in my back pocket.

I became more intentional about Art during my junior year in undergrad (as a psychology student). Around this time I was going through bouts of depression and dealing with severe anxiety. It was at this point (through my studies) that I began to learn about art as a method of healing and therapy. Immediately I gravitated towards this concept and understanding and I wanted to explore it further. So, I did.

At this time I was also exploring my spirituality and holistic wellness and I felt really called to connect these experiences. I’ll never forget talking to my family about it and my mom and one of best friends gifting me $100 to get my first set of healing crystal beads to create jewelry with. I created from a place of sadness and stress until I began to feel light, free and joyous.

It was at that moment that I began to look at Art as so much more than a hobby. It became my livelihood. My saving grace. As I continued to create, my loved ones saw the change and felt the vibe. I created for them and eventually convinced myself that my extended community deserved to feel the healing vibe that I had cultivated through my creations. I decided to create my business and as time went on, I continued to add different elements of art, while fusing it with spiritual, holistic and mental wellness.

My business and career are so much more than just ‘that’ especially because it is so heavily intertwined within my personal life and journey. The work I do and the things I create — it’s my life, my passion and my purpose. I create for myself and my community. I create because God led me here. This is bigger than me. It is everything.

There are so many layers to my story and so many lessons and insights that I’ve learned along the way. So, I just want to share this one that I’ve been journeying with recently: “Nothing we do is small. Everything we do is big and we get to celebrate ourselves at each step along the way”. For anyone reading this that may be just starting their business, entrepreneurial or spiritual journey, I urge you to surround yourself with community that reminds you that you are BIG. That you are WORTHY. That you are ART.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Ohhh fun!

If I had a bestie visiting me in Brooklyn, the first thing I would say is let’s hit up some museums or art galleries. There are always pop up exhibits happening throughout NYC and the trains help give us access to all the boroughs! There are also staples throughout NYC, such as the Chelsea Art Galleries, MOMA, the Brooklyn Museum and so much more.

I’m also Caribbean, so if the weather (and vibe) allows, I’d also suggest hitting up a Caribbean social event, restaurant or party to set the mood and tone for the weekend. Again, living in the city means there’s ALWAYS something to do. Plus you can’t go wrong listening and dancing to a sweet blend of Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats, Reggaeton with a mix of Hip Hop & R&B on a Friday or Saturday night!

Last but certainly not least, I’m a hippie child lol! So picnic park dates are my favorite. I’d definitely invite my friend to enjoy nature at Prospect Park (one of my faves). Good music, a bottle of wine (or a cup of Matcha) and laying in the grass feels like the perfect way to end the weekend to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Wow. Community. Many thanks to the people that have poured and continue to pour into me. That continue to feel like soul nourishment. That remind me of my worth and my magick. That remind me of my power. That remind me that my voice is golden. That remind me that my art is healing. That remind me that what I’m doing matters. That remind me that I’m not alone. That remind me to rest. And so much more.

Community is everything to me.

There’s so many people to name. So many people that have helped me get where I am now and continue to help as I expand. But to name a few … my mama bear literally goes above and beyond to support my dreams. Simply put, she’s the GOAT (greatest of all time), lol! Shoutouts to my grandmother for simply being and my sacred ancestors for always protecting and guiding me. Lo, Charliie, Bianca, Zoë, Yvette, Justine, Shovonté, Dorisonia, Deidre, Tamika, French and Shandy — these beauties remind me that sisterhood is who we choose and what we make it — no matter the ebbs, flows and where our journeys may take us. Each of them have shown up for me in different ways, at different times and none of it has been taken for granted.

And last but certainly not least, I gotta give a shoutout to the community I create for. Everyday my community expands as I continue to share my art, creations and journey. To the people that see me, feel me, believe in what I do … I feel the energy and the love. Thank you for fueling my passion with yours. Thank you for exchanging energy with me. Thank you for being in community and sharing space with me.

This entire journey and process is a vulnerable one. I’m truly blessed by my community. So if you have supported me in any way, this shoutout is for you.

Website: www.delajipi.com

Instagram: @skybritnei

Twitter: @skybritnei

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwzHIQAs3vLVFLcAjJOHuUQ

Other: Business Instagram: @delajipi Tiktok: @skybritnei Pinterest: @skybritnei