CREATIVE CLOSEUP: PALMA COLECTIVA
Welcome to Creative Closeup, an ongoing series where we spend time with inspiring women learning about their creative practices and the spaces they inhabit.
Meet the inspiring women of PALMA Colectiva—Meredith Markworth-Pollack, the Founder, Giuliana Mottin, Practitioner, and Monique Williamson, Practitioner,—at their Montecito retreat, Casa Sangha. They craft spiritual wellness experiences through Plant, Body, and Spirit, all while styled in Merlette's Spring collection. See how their creativity fosters clarity and connection.
"The clothes I wear are an extension of my essence—spontaneous, deeply connected, and comfortable, allowing me to move freely through life and work." – Meredith Pollack
Meredith, what does the name PALMA mean to you and your venture?
Meredith: PALMA Colectiva is a Spiritual Wellness Collective, named after my two daughters, Paz and Alma, as an acknowledgment of the effects this work will have on our future generations. But the name is unique in that it also carries a deep representation of healing through plants and hands—PALMA referring to both the palm plant and the palm of our hands in reference to hands-on healing (Reiki). PALMA serves as the integration of plant, body, and spirit.
How does the concept of freedom influence your work at PALMA Colectiva and your clothing choices?
Meredith: Freedom has been an incredibly important theme for me this past year. After going through a transformational journey, I found myself surprisingly free. And within that freedom, I found myself again. That carries through in the work we are doing by allowing for full expression in our offerings. The clothes I wear are spontaneous, deeply connected to my own essence, and usually quite comfortable, as I live a very active life!
Monique: Freedom is a reverence for garments that breathe, move, and speak without shouting in my clothing choices. I gravitate toward pieces that feel like whispers from another realm—elegant, easeful, and infused with intention. Merlette's silhouettes embody this beautifully. They hold structure without confinement and artistry without excess. There's magic in wearing something that lets you quietly lead.
What roles do each of you play in the creation of PALMA Colectiva?
Meredith: Although I am the founder of PALMA Colectiva, I rely heavily on my friends and collaborators to create, uphold, and transmute this beautiful collective to best support our community. I see myself as the creative director, curating the offerings, art, content, and practitioners to provide a nourishing, beautiful, and healing space. I also provide healing work myself and work with the modalities of Sound, Reiki, and Cacao.
Monique: I am a spiritual advisor, intuitive healer, and Reiki Master. I work 1:1 with clients at PALMA and host a monthly Full Moon Ceremony. My name, Monique, literally translates to "advisor / right-hand / confidante," which feels aligned with my role.
Giuliana: Together with Meredith, I bring forward the Palma Promise, which is our way to give back to the community by providing free offerings and also fundraisers to nonprofits in our community. I have a monthly offer, Cacao and Expression, that is part of the Palma Promise and is one of my favorite events to hold space. Sound and Reiki are another favorite, where I partner up with a sound healer and provide hands-on healing with Reiki.
How do ancient rituals and your clothing choices promote clarity and connection?
Giuliana: Absolutely. Wearing white is always my go-to choice. In ancient Egypt, white was a symbol of purity and spiritual cleanliness, representing a connection with the divine and readiness for a spiritual practice.
Monique: I believe clarity is not something we chase—it's something we remember. My clothing choices mirror that same ethos. I gravitate toward pieces that feel ceremonial in their simplicity. When I wear something with flow, texture, and intention, I feel more attuned. It's energetic, and it's about frequency. Intentional materials carry a beautiful frequency.
How does Santa Barbara's natural environment shape your offerings and the clothes you wear?
Giuliana: Santa Barbara's environment can be quite tricky with its weather conditions. Sometimes we have all four seasons in a day! So being prepared to experience them when you leave your home in the morning is essential.
Monique: Santa Barbara—the mountains, the sea, the golden light, the rhythm of the tide—all shape how I offer, live, and dress. Effortless, elevated, and elegant.
In what ways does PALMA Colectiva foster a sense of community, and how do you see this aspect evolving?
Meredith: Community is the number one driving force behind PALMA. We gather together to share our collective stories, our grief, our joy, our wisdom—to educate and inspire one another. To weave together the common threads that unite us all. Our community is ever-growing and evolving. As more and more people are faced with challenges or stagnant energy in their lives, they are turning to spiritual and healing work. I deeply believe this work is what will lead us through this transformative time that we are in.
How have you styled your pieces to reflect the essence of PALMA Colectiva?
Meredith: I was a Costume Designer for 20 years before I created PALMA, so fashion and styling come as second nature to me. I use my own wardrobe as my creative outlet—a way to express myself to the world around me. My style has definitely changed a bit as I've stepped away from working in the industry to a much more serene Santa Barbara life. I find myself dressing more casually and with much more flow and movement. I want to be comfortable but also elegant and elevated. I love dressing up with my daughters and getting their feedback. Jewelry is my passion. I also love dressing in white often to our Ceremonies at PALMA, as it reflects purity and clarity.
Giuliana: I usually style my pieces with vintage add-ons, tribal jewelry, or nature’s finds (mostly crystals). These elements are core values at PALMA: repurposing, ancestral knowledge, and deep connection with nature.
What are your future aspirations for PALMA Colectiva, and is there a quote that captures your philosophy?
Meredith: As PALMA continues to grow, my hopes are to maintain these incredible relationships with our community and together build a movement. PALMA feels more than a space or a retreat—it is a communal energy of seekers, collaborators, and gentle spirits.
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” — Rumi