kai conversations... with jessie petruso

we could not be more excited to bring you this week's kai conversation with jessie petruso of malibuddah. jessie is a malibu-based influencer who has a uniquely eye-catching feed sharing beautiful scenes from her life, travels, and loving family moments. she is an incredibly talented photographer and story-teller and captures the most breathtaking imagery that whisks you away and makes you feel warm and happy about life. jessie also truly embodies the kai "breath*life*flow" way of life as shown in her instagram posts and the interview below. we highly encourage you to check out her feed. we are so honored to have jessie as one of our long-time kai devotees. she's worn the kai signature scent since she was a teenager, and shares some wonderful memories of this in her interview below. we hope you enjoy! additionally, please stay tuned for a special giveaway collaboration with malibuddah to be announced soon. 

xo,

gaye. 

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/ inspiration? if so, please feel free to share. 

during these unprecedented times i find that self care is of the upmost importance. as a mom my emotions dictate the energy of our whole family. if i'm not feeling my best my daughter and husband both feel that. so i take the time i need to commit to my practices. kundalini, exercise, and being in nature are all things that nurture my soul. when i'm feeling happy and grounded i have an abundance of energy to share with my family. 

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow"?

my personal happiness is directly tied to the amount of time i invest in my daily meditations, exercise, and connection to nature. i make sure to carve out time for meditation and/or breathwork daily. i believe our breath is our most powerful tool. i also require a daily workout. whether that's hiking, pilates, surfing, or yoga. the movement immediately shifts my mood and makes me feel happy. the third component to this is being outdoors in nature. i find my peace and stillness on a surfboard, or alone on a hike. it is in nature where i am able to quiet the noise in my mind and find the peace that we all crave. 

what's the best advice you've ever received? 

live your life from the space of gratitude because each day is truly a gift. 

do you have a mantra you live by?

peace is my priority. 

what's your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?

lots of sunshine, facial oils, and a mainly plant-based diet. 

go-to lipstick color? 

i'm really not one to wear makeup but when i do i go for charlotte tilbury in pillow talk. it's pretty, pink, and feminine.

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

i'm a french tip kinda girl, clean and low maintenance.

who is your role model?

my role model is my dad. he was the rare combination of intense intelligence and impeccably moral. i strive to be like him everyday.

how would you describe your personal style?

honestly, i'm really always in either fitness clothes or a bikini. so very beachy malibu style.

favorite date spot? 

my ultimate date is going for an evening surf with my husband followed by a romantic long dinner at nobu malibu. 

my ultimate getaway? 

i am a sucker for overwater bungalows. to me they are the epitome of tropical barefoot luxury. so far my two favorites are the four seasons bora bora and como maalifushi, maldives. there is something about falling asleep over that crystal clear, tropical water and watching the sharks swim under you when you rise. 

favorite food?

my favorite food has always been japanese. i crave it all day everyday.

guilty pleasure? 

chocolate and netflix.

kai obsession? 

the oil. one whiff of it brings me back to my youth and my early kai obsession. when my friends and i were in high school we would drench ourselves in kai oil. it reminds me of every vacation, girls nights, first dates. all of it wrapped up in one tiny bottle. 

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?

my favorite part about living in malibu are the hiking trails and waves. in my spare time you can always find me hiking our hills. for me it's walking meditation. 

describe your perfect day.

my perfect day would start with some "me" time. maybe a long hike or pilates class followed by some meditation and breathwork. then a nice long beach day with my family. lots of surfing and playing by the water. we love to end our summer days with a bonfire with friends. i love to watch the little ones get so excited about the moon rise and roasting their little s'mores.

morning person or night owl?

i am such a morning person. i love waking up when the world is still and being productive, it's my favorite feeling in the world. 

currently craving? 

a trip to one of those over water bungalow destinations sounds so divine at the moment. 

ideal way to relax/ unwind?

i love a good bath. to me there is nothing more relaxing than drawing a nice hot bath, lighting some kai candles and maybe if you're feeling extra decadent pouring in some kai bubble bath. heaven.

what book are you reading currently? 

i'm currently obsessed with all books by Dolores Canon. i'm just devouring them at the moment. they are based on her studies of past life regressions. i've learned so much about reincarnation and karma. so important and life-altering. 

what's the most adventurous thing you've done? 

of all my trips and travels my most adventurous thing was having a baby. what is more terrifying than embarking on the journey of motherhood? diving into the complete unknown with no option to turn back. the adventure leaving you undeniably forever changed. 

thank you, jessie!