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Well Woman Interview: Ally Walsh

Meet Ally Walsh! This effortlessly gorgeous woman has a sweet essence, a pureness to her soul. She migrated to California from New York City years ago when she began changing elements of her lifestyle and becoming more conscious about the nourishment she was providing her body.

Ally is a friend I met while living in Venice. I can’t quite remember the first time we bumped into one another but it got to a point where I was running into her more than anyone else. Meditation in Topanga? There she was. Birthday party? Yep there too. Going on a run? There’s Ally and Casey getting into their car! It was getting comical but it was also nice to have a big city like LA feel smaller than it actually was. Or maybe that’s just Venice. Anyway, after a few run-in’s we decided to sit down for coffee and get to know each other.

Ally is a natural beauty and it absolutely shines from the inside out. Her kindness and sincerity are refreshing. As we got to know each other we discovered many shared interests, common friends and a mutual admiration for the others work. It was so easy to sit and chat about life, community in LA, starting a business, food, election-time horrors, our relationship to money, visions for the future.

She invited me over to her and her partner Casey’s home one morning and we sat for black coffee with another friend and neighbour Jodi. I brought a delicious seed loaf from Bob’s Well Bread in Los Alamos which we ate with nut butter. It was right after the election so we all recounted our experiences, thoughts and concerns. Mornings can be intimate with strangers but this was open, honest and welcoming.

Ally and Casey have an admirable relationship and one that you’ll read about below which is rooted in mutual respect, communication and both the support and space to grow. Their love is infectious. Ally and Casey recently started a coffee company together, Canyon Coffee. They are committed to fair trade and source organic coffee beans from Guatemala and Columbia. I rarely drink my coffee black but theirs is aromatic and nutty and stands strong on its own. Their websites directs visitors to some of the health benefits of coffee which can be found here as well.

I’m grateful to have connected and become friends with this incredible and inspiring woman who opened her doors and heart to share with me and now you. Read more about Ally and her approach to nourishment, starting Canyon Coffee and how she spends her light-filled mornings.

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Describe who you are.

I’m a homebody who loves to travel. I’m a lover. I take pride in being a good friend who listens.

What is your favorite quality in yourself?

My curiosity and my passion. They both drive me to continue learning and exploring.

What are your morning rituals? What is the first thing you do when you rise?

I always try to start my day with a 20 minute meditation. Then I boil hot water, shower, make coffee (black) and gluten-free toast with almond butter!

What foods do you choose to nourish yourself with?

I eat organic and plant-based, and I love grilled salmon! I love going to the local markets to get what’s in season. Lately we’ve been making lots of kabocha squash, lentil stews, and eating lots of persimmons.

Quality of food is very important and so is quality of mind. How do you feed your mind?

I think meditation is most important, for stilling and quieting the mind. Self-love is equally important. So long as I have my sense of self-love, I can trust I am staying true to my path and following my own heart.

I always try to keep my thoughts in a place of having, instead of wanting.

Reading is also so important to me. Lately, I’ve been reading J. Krishanmurti a lot. Every other sentence seems to have the power to uplift or enlighten. I’ve also been keeping “The Pocket Pema Chodron” on my nightstand.

I really enjoy listening to podcasts, when I drive. My favorites right now are Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert and On Being with Krista Tippett.

When did you shift into a more holistic and conscious way of living?

It’s a constant process of growth and expansion. For me, it started when I moved to LA and began learning more about the importance of eating organic food.

What does it mean to you to feel powerful as a woman? Are there specific qualities you experience and feel?

I think it’s such an important time for women in the world. To be and feel like a powerful woman today makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself. I’m so inspired by the other woman leaders I see, and feel so grateful to be alive at such a pivotal time.

I feel a part of the movement as a young woman business owner, because I have created something I’m passionate about that gives me the opportunity to do what I love.

I think feeling powerful has a lot to do with feeling authentic. It’s embracing your flaws, and not trying to be perfect. It’s easier said than done, of course, but every day is a learning process. Power is giving yourself the freedom to make mistakes.

I’m sure many would agree that you and Casey have an admirable relationship. What is at the root of your bond?

Thank you! I think it comes down to a few things… respect for each other’s individuality, strong communication, and the freedom and support to grow.

History illustrates that power is the ultimate aphrodisiac in a man. As we shift into a more conscious era and as gender norms change, what do you feel is the ultimate aphrodisiac in your partner?

His kindness, and empathy. And spontaneity!

Tell us about Canyon Coffee. What is it like sharing a business with your partner?

Canyon started out of our love for coffee and travel. It connected the dots for many things Casey and I love and want to do more of in our lives.

Since we met, we’ve always loved finding local coffee roasters and shops whenever we traveled. We didn’t think much about it, until all our friends began asking us where to get coffee when they were in a new city. It made us realize how much we love the coffee world. So, the company really came about as a way for us to share that love. Plus, now we have an extra excuse to travel and visit more coffee shops!

It makes me so happy that I get to wake up and have this new purpose and creative outlet. Getting to share it with the person I love makes it that much more special.

Money is energy. It is dynamic and creative and it attracts. Can you describe your relationship to money?

Yes, I believe money is just that—energy. It comes and goes. I think it’s important to avoid the mindset of never having enough.

My relationship to money is positive. I always feel I will have enough. I don’t shop a lot; what I do spend on is healthy, organic food and things like travel, acupuncture, and massages.

What advice would you share with other women to encourage them to feel strong and confident?

Don’t limit the ideas of what you think you’re capable of. Just go for it. The only thing that stops anyone from doing anything is fear. Once you let go of that, you have the power to do anything.

What does it mean to you to be a Well Woman? 

Taking care of yourself, self-acceptance, and being good and kind to others.

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Follow Ally here and here for more inspiration.