A native Californian, I grew up in my mother's garden, cultivating
an early love of flowers and plants and wildlife. My most cherished
memories are of my mama’s hands covered in dirt, deep in soil, nurturing
the roots of new life. I learned to see the world through the lens of a quiet observer, noticing what others often overlooked while appreciating the intricacy of the little things. It's a perspective I've woven throughout my creative practice, as I gently nudge my community to slow down
and savor the beauty within and around them. To me, life is
about paying attention to those little everyday things.
More stories over at
The Seeds of My Story
Stef Etow (eh-tōh)
I grew up in my mother's garden. It was here that I was enchanted by plants and flowers, and where I watched, with wonder, what hands can make and mend. Memories of my mama's hands, covered in dirt, deep in soil. Washing zucchini and tomatoes. Rolling and molding pasta from flour, eggs, and oil. Her hands braiding my hair, opening jars that seemed impossibly sealed. She was my original muse, her hands carrying stories of her creations.
My own story is a blend of roots, a dance of wildly distinct cultures. My maternal lineage is from the Greek island of Lesvos, and from an early age, I tasted the poetry of our ancient language, the lyrical sensuality of Sappho, the slow rhythm and salty air of life near the sea. I remember the earthy smell of our garden after the rain and stories of stone washed with the sacredness of the gods. My curiosity of where certain words came from, always guiding me back to Greece.
Within me, too, are whispers of creativity from Osaka and the canals of Yanagawa, my Japanese ancestors breathing stillness into my being and a reverence for beauty in the simplest of things. It is through my paternal lineage that I see much of who I am — a quiet observer, listening to what is unspoken, savoring the subtle dance of seasons within and around me. My obachan the seamstress,
my ojichan the gardener, each teaching me their story, our story, through their hands.
My Japanese great grandfather '"americanized" our last name when he immigrated to California, so here's some help on how to pronounce it:
I grew up in my mother's garden. It was here that I was first enchanted by plants and flowers,
and where I watched, with wonder, what hands can make and mend. Memories of my mama’s hands, covered in dirt, deep in soil. Washing zucchini and tomatoes. Rolling and molding pasta from flour, eggs, and oil. Her hands braiding my hair, opening jars that seemed impossibly sealed. She was my
first muse, and her hands are featured throughout my work, carrying stories of her creations.
My own story is a blend of my roots, a dance of wildly distinct cultures. My maternal lineage is from the Greek island of Lesvos, and so, from an early age, I tasted the poetry of our ancient language, the lyrical sensuality of Sappho, the slow rhythm and salty air of life near the sea. I remember the earthy smell of our garden after the rain and stories of stone washed with the sacredness of the gods. My curiosity of where certain words and concepts came from, always guiding me back to Greece.
Within me, too, are whispers of creativity from Osaka and the canals of Yanagawa, my Japanese ancestors breathing stillness into my being and a reverence for beauty in the simplest of things. It
is through my paternal lineage that I see much of who I am — a quiet observer, listening to what is unspoken, savoring the subtle dance of seasons within and around me. My obachan the seamstress,
my ojichan the gardener, each teaching me their story, our story, through their hands.
More stories over at
A native Californian, I grew up in my
mother's garden, cultivating an early love
of flowers and plants and wildlife. My most cherished memories are of my mama’s hands covered in dirt, deep in soil, nurturing the roots of new life. I learned to see the world through the lens of a quiet observer, noticing what was often overlooked while appreciating the intricacy of the little things. It's a perspective I've woven throughout my creative practice, as
I gently nudge my community to slow down
and savor the beauty within and around
them. To me, life is about paying
attention to those little things.
Wildflowers blossom from the seeds
we scattered in the spring. An evolution
of color, once a sea of green, now vibrant
shades of red, orange, yellow, and violet. Hummingbirds and honey bees make their rounds, each taking turns to tango with
the sweet nectar in this ancient rite of
life. Such is the creativity that
flourishes around me.
WELCOME TO MY SANCTUARY
Seeds of My Story
“Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Stef Etow (eh-tōh)
My Japanese great grandfather '"americanized" our last name when he immigrated to California, so here's how you pronounce my name:
Wildflowers blossom from the seeds we scattered in the spring. An evolution
of color, once a sea of green, now vibrant shades of lilac, marigold, and tangerine. Hummingbirds and honey bees hum about the garden, and I breathe, slowly, to the sweet strumming of bay trees swaying in the breeze. In the quiet stillness of this peaceful sanctuary, a soft chorus of creativity flourishes around me.
Sanctuary in the Trees
Imagine feeling a sense of calm as the chatter of the world softens and you finally have space to breathe. To dream. To create. To be held and supported, inspired and encouraged. To feel at peace. This is what being in my creative sanctuary feels like, whether you are here in person on retreat or in your own home savoring the Slow Branding Sessions. Feel the soothing exhale of
slowing down and know that you are welcome here.
A native Californian, I grew up in my mother's garden, cultivating
an early love of flowers and plants and wildlife. My most cherished
memories are of my mama’s hands covered in dirt, deep in soil, nurturing
the roots of new life. I learned to see the world through the lens of a quiet observer, noticing what others often overlooked while appreciating the intricacy of the little things. It's a perspective I've woven throughout my creative practice, as I gently nudge my community to slow down
and savor the beauty within and around them. To me, life is
about paying attention to those little everyday things.
Wildflowers blossom from the seeds we scattered in the spring. An evolution of color, once a sea of green, now vibrant shades of lilac, marigold, and tangerine. Hummingbirds and honey bees hum about the garden, and I breathe, slowly, to the sweet strumming of bay trees swaying in the breeze. In the quiet stillness of this peaceful sanctuary, a soft chorus of creativity flourishes around me.
Sanctuary
in the Trees
Imagine feeling a sense of calm as the chatter of the world softens and you finally have space to breathe. To dream. To create. To be held and supported, inspired and encouraged. To feel at peace. This is what being in my creative sanctuary feels like, whether you are here in person on retreat or in your own home savoring the Slow Branding Sessions. Feel the soothing exhale of
slowing down and know that you are welcome here.
My Creative Ethos
Empathic Listening
Ma (間)
Interbeing
allow spaciousness for the
in-between moments to unfold
create with a reverence for Nature and collective humanity
Beginner's Mind
nurture curiosity and an openness to fresh perspective
Intuitive wisdom
honor the inner nudges of self-knowing and inspiration
com'è fatto
integrity of the process gives purpose to what is produced
listen with sensory awareness for subtle, unspoken meaning
My Creative Ethos
Empathic Listening
Ma (間)
Interbeing
allow spaciousness for the
in-between moments to unfold
create with a reverence for Nature and collective humanity
Beginner's Mind
nurture curiosity and an openness to fresh perspective
Intuitive wisdom
honor the inner nudges of self-knowing and inspiration
COM'È FATTO
integrity of the process gives purpose to what is produced
listen with sensory awareness for subtle, unspoken meaning
For the past decade, I have been guiding founders and community leaders in slowing down and unearthing a more integrated expression of who they are in how they show up as the storyteller of
their brand. My perspective is a unique mix of my multicultural identity, my social fluency from living
in six different countries, my practice of Zen Buddhism, as well as my background in art history, museum exhibition, academic research, brand strategy, design, creative direction, photography,
writing, editing, and the mentoring of emerging young creatives.
I also lead meditative workshops on engaging with art through the senses and host a retreat
space in the trees for those seeking energetic rest and a creative refresh.
A Colorful Tapestry
M.A. from University of Chicago
B.A. from University of Notre Dame
For the past decade, I have been guiding founders and community leaders in slowing down and unearthing a more integrated expression of who they are in how they show up as the storyteller of their brand.
My perspective is a unique mix of my multicultural identity, my social fluency from living in six different countries, my practice of Zen Buddhism, as well as my background in art history, museum exhibition, academic research, brand strategy, design, creative direction, photography, writing, editing, and the mentoring of emerging young creatives.
I also lead meditative workshops on engaging with art through the senses and host a retreat space in the trees for those seeking energetic rest and a creative refresh.
