Founder of Kaliks Collective
Hi Allison! Can you tell us a little bit about your background and your personal health journey before you founded Kaliks Collective?
I’ve always been into healthy living and exploring different avenues of self-awareness, but I would say it originally started with yoga and nutrition. This is where I got (re)connected with my body and intuition after years of following all the trendy diets and obsessive working out. I was doing all the things but not actually listening to my body and its needs. My drive for deep knowledge in healing came through battling my own health issues with little improvement and trying everything for many years. I had terrible skin rashes, eczema, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, anxiety, fatigue and allergies. I was a walking mess and would get sick all the time! There were a lot of underlying issues that I solved with food and herbs, but the bulk of healing came from addressing what was going on in my head and heart. I’ve since gone on to get certified in and study meditation, ayurvedic aromatherapy, psych-K, organic skincare formulation and other modalities that address this intersection of healing physically, mentally and emotionally. I believe this is where true healing happens.
When did you know you wanted to become a Functional Nutrition Practitioner? Can you explain to our community what is Functional Nutrition?
The information on diets and healthy foods out there is beyond overwhelming. Like many, I tried all the diet options when healing, but was so confused with what was actually working. This inspired me to learn what was going on internally by using functional lab tests rather than trying to troubleshoot based on symptoms. Lab testing identifies healing opportunities, the underlying cause of conditions, and helps determine the best path forward. Functional nutrition uses food as medicine, lifestyle, environment, self-care, stress reduction, and lab tests to optimize overall health. It also focuses on the individual rather than symptoms/disease with an emphasis on gut health which impacts everything.
You’re also an Herbalist. Tell us more about your work as an herbalist and how do you combine it with nutrition guidelines?
I am! Herbalism blends so beautifully with nutrition, there are a lot of similarities and crossover there. With herbs, it’s important to look at an individual’s constitution, plant energetics and medicinal benefits holistically. It’s not this herb for that symptom like people think. The ancient wisdom and practices of herbalism impact everything I do - skincare products, client work, and spiritual evolution. It’s truly one of my favorite subjects to continue learning and exploring as it satisfies both my love of science and art. Flower essences and aromatherapy are also forms of herbal medicine that I love to work with for myself, clients and in my products. *For anyone wanting to learn more, we educate on basic kitchen herbs in our seasonal cleanses as an easy way to boost your health and satisfy your tastebuds.
As a holistic healer, what are your thoughts on the Mind, Body and Spirit’s symbiosis?
You know I never identify with the term “healer” in terms of working with other people. I believe my clients are the true healers and I’m a guide or the facilitator. It’s easy to give your power away and become dependent on others for “healing” in the world of medicine. This is not true healing. I’m here to empower others on their journey towards healing so they can access their own innate abilities.
Mind, body, spirit = my favorite topic! Everything is connected. We cannot only address the physical body and symptoms. Focusing on what’s going on subconsciously and emotionally is some of the hardest, but most fruitful and long lasting work. It’s truly remarkable how quickly it transforms healing for whole body health. I love doing this work with people and it’s the perfect adjunct to addressing what’s going on physically as well.
If you had to suggest the top three herbs you'd recommend generically to a diet, which one would they be? Why?
This is so hard! And it changes. Ok I’m going with 1 adaptogen, 1 flower and 1 kitchen herb. All safe, gentle and effective.
Reishi – overall immune support; cancer fighting properties; anti-inflammatory & highly antioxidant; can help with sleep, fatigue and depression; heart tonic
Chamomile –supports sleep; eases and promotes better digestion; calms nerves; provides relief from allergies & respiratory ailments; can be used topically for skin; helps ease cramps, aches and pain. It’s generally safe, widely versatile and ok for kids. So many things!
Dandelion – has liver and blood cleansing properties; aids digestion and gallbladder function; works as diuretic so can support kidney and urinary health; anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial; indirectly supports skin and hormone health via the liver.
You founded the beautiful Kaliks Collective. Tell us more about your passion behind Kaliks and the products you created.
After years of dry skin, rashes and eczema I was fed up with all the problematic ingredients, overpriced filler products and the lack of transparency with skincare lines. I wanted gentle but effective products without having 7 steps to a skincare routine. Healthy skin starts with the skin barrier and too many ingredients or overuse of products can easily break it down causing breakouts, dry skin, inflammation and wrinkles.
I don’t believe in skin types. I believe the skin has symptoms, which is the body’s way to communicate that there are imbalances. It’s an internal and topical approach that leads to healthy skin. Our products address all skin and promote a healthy skin barrier inside (teas, nutrition focus, seasonal cleanses & mindset) and out (our topical ritual). They are formulated to nourish the skin without drying alcohol extracts, harsh surfactants, endocrine disruptors, or distilled water (we use biodynamic hydrosols and herbal water extracts instead). I wanted to create a line that transforms skin using the therapeutic benefits of plants and a holistic approach to skin addressing physical, mental and emotional well-being.
You know how deeply we love your cleanses here at Leaveli as we design all your Ebooks for them. How are Kaliks cleanses nurturing rather than a rapid weight loss fix?
So grateful to Team Leaveli for bringing these to life! There is no fasting and they are not designed for weight loss. In fact, you’re encouraged to eat to your body’s needs. Our seasonal cleanses are not just about healthy food and recipes. In addition to healthy food and herbs, we also focus on meditation, beauty rituals and take a look into the world of your subconscious to understand patterns and learn how to create better habits. There’s truly nothing out there like it!
Our cleanses are a journey to explore your body’s innate intelligence and learn about medicinal kitchen herbs, foods and practices to optimize your health and vitality. Once complete you feel amazing and walk away with a lot of yummy recipes, rituals and self-awareness.
Allison Roman – Wellness Guide
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Obviously we use our teas, skin and body products daily (:
DISCOVER KALIKS -
Holistic herb company founded by acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist Alyssa Melody.
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Blends of herbs and supermushrooms to help boost wellness and build resilience to stress.
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Founded by a mother scientist and a daughter cancer survivor, Cosmic View is a line of the purest organic cannabis products formulated with science and traditional herbal wisdom.
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Sustainably-sourced bee products to boost energy, concentration and reduce brain fog. A must-have product in your cabinet.
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Cleanses and nourishes the body from the inside out with the power of lymphatic drainage.
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Cutting edge, pure products that improve energy levels, focus, physical stamina & overall health.
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Bach Flower Therapy formulated by Alexis Smart to help restore emotional balance and facilitate healing.
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Herbal consultations and flower essences crafted by Liz Migliorelli.
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100% plant-based formulas to to support lifelong sexual wellness and pleasure.
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alison roman – SUSTAINABLE Guide
I’m old school and like to reuse and repurpose things whenever possible. Glass mason jars, canvas bags, and refillable items go a long way within our household.
Here are a few others I love:
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Low-impact, organic, and chemical-free toilet paper.
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Ethical + sustainable + chic one stop shop with zero waste options founded by Helen and Robbie Thompson
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Women-owned business offering sustainable totes manufactured in San Francisco. They donate 15% of proceeds from their Wrapping Up Hunger Collection towards organizations feeding people.
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Non-profit organization and digital platform promoting conversations around systems of oppresion and environmentalism. Highly recommend checking out for education & resources.
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