About The Artist

Looking back on my life it’s sometimes hard to believe all the different paths I’ve followed.  The road to my self-discovery has been a long and winding one!

It seems, though, that each pursuit teaches me about myself, and leaves me with skills that I can integrate into other things.  Being a Gymnast – pushing my own limits; Pharmacist – attention to detail; High-Tech Home Electronics Installer – working with my hands; Practitioner of Healing Arts – sharing nurturing energy with others to help them feel better.  And now Jewelry Artist – all of the above!!

Growing Up

Growing up in Huron, South Dakota I always felt like I was searching for something new.  You don’t get exposed to much in such a small town!  I had a creative and wild spirit that needed something to explore.  Gymnastics channeled much of that energy through grade school and high school.  For college, I switched to a more practical pursuit and got my degree in Pharmacy.  It didn’t take long to realize that this wasn’t right for me.  I basically worked just long enough to pay off my student loans.  My first husband and I started a “Smart Home” electronics business, and while some of it was fun and interesting, once again I didn’t feel truly fulfilled.

The Right Track

It wasn’t long before I stumbled into some things that made me feel like I was finally on the right track.  It began with practicing yoga and learning Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing work.  Soon after, I got licensed as a Massage Therapist and even traveled to Thailand to study their traditional techniques.  My first experience with singing bowls was there, but I didn’t realize how important they would be to me until later!

I was really starting to feel like I could enjoy life and be open to its possibilities.  After falling in love with the Thai people I was getting ready to move over there for a longer period when I met my Soul Mate (and now husband!) Randy, a Practitioner of Traditional Asian Medicine.  He had also “found himself”, and the two of us coming together was like a huge creative explosion.  We formed The Butterfly Rainbow Center, the first of its kind in Sioux Falls, which grew to have a metaphysical store, a classroom space, and a healing space for our therapy sessions.

Running The BRC created opportunity for even more interests to flourish.  I began utilizing the power of Sound Healing in my therapy sessions, and collected Alchemy crystal singing bowls & Himalayan metal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and tuning forks.  In addition, I play at public events and have even produced a couple of my own CD’s (which you can purchase on this site!).  I have also explored traditional dance, mostly Hula and Belly Dance, and participated in large conferences in Las Vegas.

Jewelry Artist

And, of course, the crystals started talking to me as I spent time in our store, which eventually led to designing jewelry.  It’s hard for me to believe, but it’s been over a decade since I made my first piece!  Creating the jewelry fit so naturally into my life by combining early loves, skills I’ve picked up along the way, and a new appreciation for the power and beauty of stones.  Sometimes as I am working I recall fond memories of the joy I would get by straightening out the snarled mess in my sister’s jewelry box, and of making beadwork jewelry with my mom.  I guess sometimes that path we walk through life comes around in a circle after all!

Thanks & Blessings,

Rita

P.S. – If you live near southeastern South Dakota, I provide a variety of therapeutic services. To see a list of these services and find information on booking appointments, check out   rrtransformationalhealing.com