Reigning Ritual
Kalene McGraner & Nicole Preston, Owners of Ritual One
Q1. When did you first have the idea to start Ritual One? Where did the concept/idea stem from?
I first had the idea to start Ritual One in 2019. I wanted to create a yoga studio and incorporate strength training to sculpt the whole body.
We are the first in Dallas to have infrared offerings. We believe that the cardiovascular component is so important.
Q2. What sets you apart from other fitness studios in the DFW area?
We really hone in on detoxification, body movement, and community. We strive to have some of the best teachers in Dallas.
Q3. Are there any plans to expand your concept in Dallas?
We're always looking at expansion opportunities. Stay tuned, because we'll have exciting news coming soon!
Q4. Can you tell our readers about your unique class concepts and environment, especially speaking to someone coming to Ritual One for the first time?
One of our favorite classes is the Inferno Flow, which is a slightly warmer and more focused yoga movement as opposed to traditional ashtanga poses. It focuses on the use of breath and is great for balance.
We also offer power vinyasa and ashtanga classes for all levels, as well as Power Sculpt. On top of that, there's also Inferno HIIT and Metabolic Burn, which is amazing for targeting abs, glutes, and back strength.
Most of all, we're really proud of our incredible community. I want to give a huge shoutout to our manager, Kay Vargas, for creating such a welcoming and authentic culture at our studio. And speaking of our studio, it's a truly luxurious experience as well, with showers, cold towels, and fresh pressed juices.
Bold Brushstrokes
Artist Lea Fisher
Q1. Tell us about your journey to becoming a painter and describe your inspiration, training, and technique.
I never planned on becoming a painter as I was growing up, but looking back now, it was evident that being a creative was what I was born to do. As a kid, all I wanted was to sing, dance, draw, put on makeup - pretty much anything that created beauty and entertainment. Not that anyone would have dubbed me a child prodigy in any of these areas, but as I reflectively observe my younger self, art brought her joy. I never realized being an artist was an option - that is, if I ever wanted to make a decent living. I had no interest in the starving artist archetype, not even as a child.
After working in medical marketing through my 20s and 30s, I realized my profession wasn't aligned with my authentic desires. This prompted me to attend graduate school, where I obtained a master's in counseling. As I finished my program and started a small therapy practice, my life turned unexpectedly. Enter JD Miller.
JD is a highly respected master artist and co-owner of Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas. He introduced me to painting with oil, and as it turned out, I had a natural talent. With JD's mentorship and support, I pretty much became an oil painter overnight and have been a professional artist for the past 12 years. There isn't a day that passes that I do not recognize how fortunate I am to have had JD as a teacher, friend and champion of my art career.
As part of my training with JD Miller, I learned to create my work under the philosophy of art, Reflectionism, founded by JD in 2001. There are two primary components of Reflectionism: following the law of attraction and translating that experience into art on the canvas by implementing the 3-dimensional oil technique. It is such a beautiful experience to create utilizing this underlying philosophy. Reflectionism allows me absolute freedom to express myself without constraints, which I believe is vital to my artistic experience.
Q2. Your "Self Portrait" series touches on so many emotions and levels for any art enthusiast. What would you tell someone seeing these and meeting you at the same time?
I wish that as one observes this particular body of work, they sense my humanness and recognize it in themselves as they cultivate compassion for our shared similarities. I also hope that it inspires curiosity and allows for thoughtful questions deserving of honest answers, void of shame.
As for the actual paintings, these self-portraits do not generally represent me in a literal sense. They are more of inner self-portraits that depict my emotional voyage. Each portrait may embody a thought, an emotion, or my experience of an essential person in my life. They are the pictorial representations of my mental landscape with all its ups and downs and unexpected detours. They are reflections of my subconscious beliefs and programming, bubbling to the surface of my current existence, originating in my history of growing up in a challenged household and my recovery journey.
Q3. What artists and life experiences inspire you to paint and ultimately create on any level?
In my earlier work, the abstract expressionists were highly influential. I was particularly drawn to female artists such as Joan Mitchell, Hellen Frankenthaler, and Lee Krasner. I would also look to Georgia O'Keeffe for inspiration. Lately, I've been referring to anime and Picasso for direction in my portraits. I love being inspired by simplicity and oddity.
As far as life experiences, well, I use it all.
Q4. What does Lea Fisher have in store for us? Are you working on any upcoming projects?
It has been such an extraordinary ride so far, and I hope to keep up the momentum!
As for painting, in addition to continuing with my 3D oil abstract work, I'm expanding my self-portrait series and have ventured into doing commissioned portraits for select clients. It's been such an interesting artistic experience to translate other's emotional energies while collaborating with my collectors. I'm super excited about this next evolution.
I will also continue working on my podcast, "The Art Of…" which discusses healing resources that nurture creative energy. As previously mentioned, my passion for human growth and development was my first love, and I am so fortunate that I am able to blend my creative pursuits and the healing arts through "The Art Of…" podcast.
And lastly, I have also decided, as of this spring, I will officially start seeing limited clients again as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), helping clients personally heal from trauma that blocks them from their unique creative pursuits as we are ALL creatives creating the very lives we lead. It is my time to pay it forward and help others.
My intention is to demonstrate through my paintings, communicate through my voice, and provide support through my counseling as I accompany others as they create meaningful lives. Knowing my purpose and sharing it is my greatest honor.
Physically Phenomenal
Dr. Krist Ferrell
Back to Health Physical Medicine
What made you want to become a chiropractor?
When I was a child I suffered from scoliosis. Some patients in my position would have gone the surgery route. Thankfully, I was able to avoid surgery through chiropractic care. That experience heavily influenced my beliefs about holistic medicine at a young age. As I grew older, I would notice that those around me were not responding well to traditional care. Knowing how well chiropractic worked for me and my severe case sparked a desire in me to help others heal without drugs or surgery and sent me on my journey to become a Chiropractor.
Later in life, I began to struggle with plantar fasciitis. The normal treatments weren't working and, once again, I was fortunate to find a holistic solution with Clinical Nutrition and chiropractic care. I experienced benefits far beyond relief for my pain! As I continued to study clinical nutrition, I realized how many of my patients could benefit. The moment I made it a part of my practice, I was blown away by the results!
Q2: When did you start your current practice Back to Health and what sets you apart from other practices?
I started Back to Health Physical Medicine about 14 years ago. My goal then and now has always been to be a leader in Integrated Health. Patients can come to us knowing they've reached experts who are dedicated to helping them feel their best. We go beyond chiropractic care because we know that treating only the symptom is not enough. We treat the whole patient and continuously avail ourselves of new research and technology to do so.
Q3: What are some of the benefits to starting a treatment program at Back to Health and what would you tell new patients to expect from the process?
We offer so many exciting treatments and services for a variety of concerns. Listing the benefits would take all day! The best way to describe the "Back to Health Method'' of treatment is through our healing framework--THHRIVE. Total Health and Holistic Rehabilitation for Inspired Vitality and Empowerment. Each patient's care plan is thorough and unique to them alone--every body is not everybody. Our Comprehensive and integrated treatment strategies are designed to educate, empower, and inspire each patient to live a life full of energy and vitality.
Q4: What innovative treatments or technologies are you most excited about bringing to patients at Back to Health Physical Medicine?
Summer is around the corner and, just like everyone else, we're focused on sloughing off the heavy winter vibes. Some treatments we're excited to be offering (to help patients feel refreshed and summer ready) are red light therapy in our TheraLight 360 bed, medically supervised weight loss along with customized nutrition plans, Shockwave Therapy, and Regenerative Medicine options. Our expert team has the skills to make this the best summer ever!
