We were lucky to catch up with Safi Contreras recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Safi, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
My mother Regina Contreras and the Mothers are my heroes. Y’all remember “Coming to America” and how the royal family would have flowers to walk on? That’s how I feel about all the Mothers, where are the flowers damnit!
I could never exhaust the many reasons why, my mother is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. If I had to hone in on a few virtues it would be the way she loved me. Growing up I was showered with hugs and kisses. Affirmed in everything I put my intentions to. She is the reason why I trust I can do ANYTHING! She also never complained, I wish she did though. Even in her last days she was joyous. I call on her when I need to invoke an attitude of gratitude.
Safi , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Soul Center was born from the passing of my mother in 2017. I sought none of my current reality out. This path was definitely woven for me. Accepting the calling was the challenging part. So often the things/talents that come to us naturally are not given the honor they deserve. I was finally starting to respect my role as an educator. Community centers have always held a special place in my heart and spirit made it clear that a virtual place to house our community and its many talents was needed. So boom, we formally launched.
Soul Center offers community resources for self actualization that are steeped in the ancient wisdom of our Ancestors. Preserving our ancestral wisdom, innovative genius and making it easily accessible to all of us is extremely important. Our study groups and directories are the backbone of this center because we are the ritual. While the quest for knowledge is natural, all the answers we seek are within. Some of our offerings are Body Literacy, Astrology and networking via our Directories.
Cycle Charting via the symptothermal method is observing and charting your waking temperature and cervical fluid. You can then determine on a daily basis where you are in regards to your fertility. You can use this practice for natural birth control, conscious conception and to gain deep insight to your reproductive wellness. We have astrology classes, a podcast and provide youth chart readings. We are privileged to touch the crown of many women via our Sisterlocks practice. Ogun’s Pot is a directory dedicated to highlighting the businesses of people who practice African-Diasporic spiritual traditions. This resource aims to clear our path by connecting us with like-minded individuals. We have insights via our blog and reproductive justice resources. As well as a shop with custom goods. Whew…
Honestly, we are just getting started. A lot of years were spent in community practicum and receiving certifications from Intuitions. I will forever be a student myself. Foundations and successions are important and we want to make sure that we can grow in a sustainable way. We are currently revamping our site and greatly looking forward to 2023.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
It’s word of mouth, all day-everyday! It’s also never been about new “clients.” I am definitely a quality over quantity, a retention over a revolving door type person. I want to connect and build a long lasting community with MY people. When you are intentional about curating sacred spaces, word spreads. While grassroots networking is our framework, we will be focusing on our “social media” presence more in the upcoming year.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
How much time you got chile, lol. My mother’s passing was the most transformative moment of my life. My mother and I had a far from perfect relationship and death has always been a close friend of mine. Yet, as my mother would say, “The world is a different place when your mother isn’t in it.” Even in her transition and passing she continued to drop jewels.
As her care provider, I knew I needed to be well and healthy in all aspects, so I did just that. In her passing, I had to close all her accounts. These companies say their condolences and ask for the death certificate, that’s it! For a woman who gave so much love to others and scraped to pay every single bill, it just put so much in perspective.
How was I going to live my life so that on my deathbed I would be filled with bliss? How was I going to live a purposeful and pleasure-centered life? To live your life in this way, in the face of capitalism and all the isms, is truly a gift only my mother could give me. Do I have it all together? Hell naw. Yet, the clarity that is brought to every situation based on this experience, I am blessed to walk with this gift daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asoulcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asoulcenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulcenter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/asoulcenter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLHmHrwJyo2jU8Eo1GHlupw
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asoulcenter Ogun’s Pot: https://www.ogunspot.com/
Image Credits
©Saphira Contreras