On a sunny afternoon, as I sat on my deck, immersed in reading Oprah Magazine, a
captivating article "How to Love Yourself When You Feel Your Worst" caught my attention. It wasn't just the title that drew me in, but the vibrant, colorful woman gracing the page beneath it. There she stood, in a tiger-printed dress, hands reaching out to the sky, exuding vitality, joy, and boundless possibilities for life.

I read the article which beautifully unfolded the story of J.J. Martin, an American-born, Milan-based fashion designer who discovered her inner light during the darkest days of the pandemic. Two sentences, in particular, stood out to me:

"Cracking open one spiritual window back in 2014 gave me a deep itch to discover the whole glorious mansion within."

"So, a lot has cracked open from these energy eggs I fertilized."

Of course I had to invite her on the Cracking Open podcast, right??

J.J. Martin holds the titles of Creative Commander and Chief Spiritual Officer at La DoubleJ, a thriving fashion and homeware business. A California native, she arrived in Milan in 2001, spending 17 years as a journalist, contributing to various international publications and uncovering Italy's finest treasures as a contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar (US), WSJ. Magazine, and Wallpaper. Throughout this journey, she refined her aesthetic sensibilities and forged connections with creative minds in fashion, interiors, art, design, and architecture.

In 2015, J.J. launched La DoubleJ, a shoppable magazine with a dual purpose: to showcase her collection of vintage clothing and to celebrate Milan's glamorous women and legendary housewives. Fueled by J.J.'s maximalist energy, La DoubleJ soared, offering original collections characterized by feel-good fashion, effortless glamour, and a vintage twist.

Over the past two decades in Italy, a place she describes as her "first major spiritual
teacher", J.J. has cultivated a vibrant community of healers, educators, and soul workers, deepening her spiritual practice and becoming a trusted resource in the realm of spirituality and wellness.

All these facets of J.J.'s life reflect her genuine passions, seamlessly woven into a unique lifestyle brand that encourages women to discover joy within and without. In this episode, our conversation goes beyond fashion, fabrics, and design, taking a profound dive into her personal journey and how embracing vulnerability led her on a spiritual path. We explore topics not limited to the pleasant aspects of life but also delve into how to keep your heart open during challenging times and how to heal from loss and disappointments, especially when life doesn't unfold as expected.

I invite you to approach J.J.'s wisdom with an open heart. Her insights, though possibly
new to you, have the potential to profoundly impact your life. J.J.'s business and life mantra revolves around "raising the vibration". She is the perfect evangelist for this cause, and on this episode of Cracking Open, she shares her unique, heartfelt perspective.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about J.J. Martin and her work here
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