Meet Kaylee Tellez | Soap Maker & Model & Aspiring Herbalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaylee Tellez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaylee, how do you think about risk?
I think risk taking is fun. I think people should do it more often. They might find themselves somewhere new, or challenging, and isn’t fun to see what you’ll do next?

I’ve taken a few risks in my life, some good and some not so good, but the important thing for me was that I wasn’t staying still.

I am more afraid of being the same person I was yesterday than I am of failing or trying something new.

I owe so much of what I know to the risks I’ve taken in life. Although its important to think things through, it’s also very important to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.

You learn so much about yourself and what you’re capable of when you take those risks. They won’t always be good ones, but there’s good lessons in them that shouldn’t be put to waste.

Believe that you are capable, that you can adapt, and you can do amazing things.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an aspiring herbalist and soap maker and I make soap as natural as possible. I don’t use any lab made micas, colorants or fragrances.

There are so many chemicals in our day to day life and I want to provide an alternative with my soap making.

My soaps are tailored to different skin conditions and preferred benefits. I’ve made soaps for skin tightening, redness, eczema, oily skin, and cell rejuvenation. And I also like to add in a bit of aromatherapy in my soap with essential oils.

When I make soap, the intention behind it is what makes the soap. Every ingredient added is with purpose. I love herbs and I love taking care of my self, so I pay special attention to the functions and benefits of every ingredient.

Likewise in my experiences modeling. There’s a lot of fine details that go into a walk or pose. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get the desired outcome I envision in my head. I’m no where near an expert but I appreciate the timing of certain poses, the attitude and tone being congruent with your theme, and the grace and flow of a good walk.

I think what has lead me to where I am is that I challenge myself and my mindset. My biggest challenge has always been myself. I want to become more self-aware, so I find the time to understand the mistakes I’ve made and I try to improve for the next time.

I believe your mindset is your reality. I want to do good and be good. It’s important for me that whatever I create is genuine and healing. Life is so much better when there’s love, and I want everything I do to reflect that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay so go to foods would be Taquitos Jalisco, Green Corner, Curry Corner, Oregano’s, and Cheba Hut.

But I’m more of a outdoors type of person. I’m not really up to date on all the cool spots. If it were up to me, my friends would be up in the middle of the night looking at stars in the desert or hiking in the mountains looking at sunsets during the day.

I love exploring nature and going on mini road-trips to lakes and natural sceneries like in Flagstaff, Sedona, and Lake Canyon. Or local hikes around town, like Pima Canyon, Superstition Mountains and Mormon trailhead.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow this would be an incredibly long list!

I feel like we are all a collection of experiences we have shared with one another, relationships, family, friends, co workers. I’m so thankful for the moments I’ve shared with all of them. The good and the bad, it’s all lead me to where I am right now.

In my experiences modeling and walking, I want to the Perfecto Ramirez, owner of Sky Dreams Dance Studio, for teaching me how to pose and strut in heels!

I also want to thank Jaqui Espinoza, Event Photographer and Owner of Estilo Isabella- Isabella Brides for seeing something in me and for including me in Expo Shows and Photoshoots.

In my soap making, I want to thank Royalty Soaps and their YouTube channel for being so informative and supportive of new soap makers. I’ve learned so much from her and have been able to feel comfortable in making my own soap through her videos.

In herbalism, I’ve been introduced to plant medicine from youth, thanks to my grandma. Her knowledge of plants and home recipes have lead me to the pursuit of becoming an herbalist. I also want to thank Sajah Popham for his amazing Evolutionary Herbalism book and course program.

Instagram: @apercuco

Other: Ig: @kayleetastic