Journal

We select our coven of Sans Women based on the fact that they each engage in a practice that is both intelligent and interesting. 

Using our platform as a way to open up conversations around the sticky, the gritty, and the pleasurable things in life, we believe these fireside ideas that are worth revisiting and celebrating. 

Here, we share a selection of ways in which our Sans Coven work to transform ideas or shift bad habits in order to operate at their most optimum.

Award-winning filmmaker and photographer, Claire Cottrell has held our attention for many years. Dividing her work into design, women and food, Claire's work spans a narrative that references archetypes in architecture, literature and film. Now splitting her time between Los Angeles and France, Claire has created for herself a way to allow for dense working periods that are then balanced with ample space, time, and long solo walks... 

We meet Claire at the Huntington Gardens in LA to speak about her approaches to freelancing, the importance of reflection, and how she self nourishes.

Summer afternoons crave a 'quench' and a 'zing'. Bringing together three local ingredients: lime, celery and honey, Carter Were of Were Bros shows us how to make a refreshing and natural cordial to serve guests in the heat of the day. Your kids will love it too. And, if you like, add a little gin to your own...

The health benefits from eating fresh herbs and garden greens is no secret. And at this time of the year, when life gets busy and our best intentions slip, getting a dose of fresh leafy greens into our meals becomes essential. 
Carter Were of Were Bros walks us through her lush vegetable garden and around her medicinal herb wheel to pull together a crisp Garden Salad. Drizzled in her home made Coriander & Parsley Pesto dressing, this simple dish is quick to make, and ingredients can be easily supplemented with alternative plants.

Living off the land on a lush property in Federal, New South Wales, Australia, Were Bros founder Carter Were tends to her garden, chooks, jersey cows, and the most recent addition to the family-her baby girl. With an emphasis on well grown ingredients, Carter's cooking celebrates sun-ripened produce that has been grown with loving enthusiasm and a tender hand, with no nasty sprays or chemicals...

There is plenty of misinformation around vitamin A. Online chatter cites it as a cancer-causing ingredient and others warn pregnant women away from it.

Vitamin A is the one ingredient in dermatological studies with the safest record, delivering the most remarkable results for your skin.

We chat to our founder Lucy and find out the truth on vitamin A and what it can do for your skin.

Bathing is one of the most important treatments for eczema and dermatitis as water hydrates and softens the stratum corneum [the top layer of skin], allowing your moisturiser to be more thoroughly absorbed. Bathing also removes allergens, irritants and dry, built-up skin cells.

Introducing the wonderful Sydney based artist Lisa Cooper –– author, Doctor of Philosophy & a self-confessed flower obsessive. Imagery by Kelly Geddes

Knowing very well the power in having a job title that raises a few eyebrows, Byron Bay-based Sex Therapist Juliet Allen is publicly dismantling the mythology around love making one open conversation at a time.

Her approach to sexual pleasure avoids touching on anything too spiritual or overly romantic, instead Allen focuses on arming her audience with practical real-life tools so they can get the most out of their intimate relationships.

Her conversation extend from bedroom intimacy between lovers into realms that include friendships and one's own self care and respect...

Jess Hannah is a talented LA-based maker of elegant and exceptionally crafted jewellery. Her stunning pieces focus on fine craftsmanship and timelessness. Taking clever, subtle cues from art, architecture and geography, we love Jess for her beautiful eye for detail and dedication to an entirely hand made practice. Using conflict-free and ethically sourced stones & metals to make her jewellery, Jess creates heirlooms for the modern era –– for living in and living with. Here we share Jess's rituals for life... Imagery by Nastassia Brückin

Introducing our newest Coven woman Jacqueline Lee, long time friend to Sans and owner of brilliant Palms Skin Studio. Imagery by Grace Yasemin Gemuhluoglu.

Aware of the fear, confusion, and physical demands motherhood can deliver, in-demand doula Erica Chidi Cohen has created LOOM: a safe, non-judgmental space that supports women through their journey from periods to fertility and pregnancy to parenting. Offering health & sex education, the practical and spiritual tools for pregnancy and delivery, Erica's approach to motherhood is simply to empower and to nurture.

We admire Erica's devotion to this phase is every mother's life, a journey that needs a tender hand, understanding and, of course, practical knowledge. Photographer Nastassia Bruckin visited Erica at her Los Angeles-based home to find out how this natural healer looks after herself...