How Community Organizer & Urban Farmer Indy Officinalis Cares For Herself 

In this Q&A, we asked her all about how she supports her own well-being—because as we know, caring for others requires a generous amount of self-care, too.  

I started volunteering on farms throughout the United States, learning about sustainable agriculture, getting my permaculture certification, and studying herbal medicine. Then I started speaking at agriculture conferences. And working in the nonprofit sector of farming because it's a lot more people-focused. And just overall becoming very enamored with not only growing food but teaching underserved populations how to grow their own food.

Additionally, I'm very intentional about my skin care practice. I have a very plant-centric approach. That's what I've always loved about Origins, and I've been using them since I was a teenager. It's amazing to use products and be aligned with a brand that supports climate justice, like I do. And as someone who runs an urban farm for underserved populations, I get to see the firsthand impact we can have if we take care of ourselves and our planet.

And of course just having a very steady, ritual skin care routine has helped me so immensely to just better connect with my body. It's a moment I can show myself that self-love.

Then I wash my face with the Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea and then I use the Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion. But if I'm in a rush—I'm always rushing to get to the garden—I use the Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Micellar Cleanser because it's no-rinse, soap-, and alcohol-free. It's perfect for busy mornings. At the end of the day, I use the Perfect World cleanser again. Two to three times a week, I use this Drink Up Overnight Hydrating Intensive Mask. It's really rich and beautiful and great for people who work outside a lot because it's so hydrating. Then, about two times a week, I exfoliate with the Modern Friction face wash. I just really feel uplifted when I take care of my skin, especially since I'm out in the sun all day long. On the days where I'm out in the garden, it's so important to take good care of your skin.  

I love hot yoga, which I also feel is a great way to nourish yourself. Getting a nice sweat a few times a week is just incredible! I love hiking because I forage a lot. I'll go up the California coast and hang out in the Redwoods. I love swimming in the ocean, so I'll put on a wetsuit and go diving. The saltwater on the skin just feels really nice. It's a great way to interact with nature while also moving my body. 

I always try to surround myself with resilient individuals because a lot of the underserved communities and Black and brown communities have a lot of targeted atrocities happen to them. It's really just uplifting and inspiring to meet with folks, who despite not being treated in the best of ways, are still resilient and able to bounce back. That's such an important trait, especially when farming in urban neighborhoods. Just not being attached to certain outcomes but being able to have fun and enjoy yourself. It's so important that communities are able to work together this way to build a better future. 

I also think it's so important to look at the way you talk to yourself. Talk to yourself like you would a friend. That's some of the best mental health advice I've ever received: Just listening to that little voice in your head and hearing what that voice sounds like. If that person sounds like a bully, then that's not someone you want to be around. So I really want to stress that you should be gentle on yourself and choose your thoughts wisely. It's definitely something I have had to work on over time: We're all our own worst critic. For me it's all about reframing: I stop and think, What would a friend say to me in this situation? Let's say I locked myself out of my car again—would a friend get mad at me and call me stupid? No, they'd just start looking for solutions and focus on what's positive. So just giving myself more grace in the moment.

For me it's the population that I'm with. I wouldn't say that there's one person in particular, because I meet so many people who are unhoused. So many beautiful, resilient people who have found community and a sense of home within these communities whether a tent is your home or the sidewalk is your home. I just really feel inspired by people who find a sense of belonging through food, agriculture, and gardening. I really just find so much inspiration through the unhoused population I work with. 

Start local. Thinking on a local scale can have the largest impact. So just think about the individuals in your community that might have greater needs. So, look into your local women's shelter, or even just going out and finding the nearest unhoused folks to see what they need. Talking to people. Attending community events and meetings. Just starting on a local level is the best way to get involved with activism.