“I just finished sharing with Aparna in her Loving Yourself First Program and if you have not done it I do not know what you are waiting for…It was truly amazing!
I started the program feeling lost and not being able to stand up for myself. By the time I finished the program I felt so much better in my body. I felt a sense of ownership of ‘Ok I can do this, I can go out there, stand up for myself and claim my life.’
After finishing the program the perfect experience came my way and I was able to handle it with the confidence and ownership that I know I would not of been able to handle it with before this program.
Working with Aparna is a gift to oneself forever. She is such an amazingly beautiful person on the inside and out.”Debbie Rubinstein
“Only a few days have passed since I finished the program “Loving Yourself First” with Aparna Khanolkar. You might ask me: Was it worth it? How can you justify spending all that money on yourself?
And I would answer, with the steadfastness of trust and the fierceness of the divine that runs through us all: How much is your life worth? If you could travel back in time and hold yourself as a six year-old child; Would you look into the face of that child and say: “Your life, your love is not worth my time, my efforts. Your life has a price tag, and I’m not willing to pay it.”
I started this program feeling depleted, worn-out, stressed and without any sense of joy or expansion. I didn’t know what I wanted, I just knew that I didn’t want to be me – to be here – to be right now. I had gotten to that desperate point where I didn’t really care what I did, and spending this money was the last resort – the last gasp for air before I drowned in work, stress, self-doubt, diets and self-critique. It was Aparna’s security and clear, wise voice of passion that stirred something in me. Could it be that I also would somehow, sometime, reach the point where I was also this confident and in love with myself? This was the hope I carried with me into eight transformational weeks of self discovery. And what I found on the other side was far beyond what I dreamed I would ever find within myself.
This program is an investment. It requires courage and hope, faith and compassion, love and determination. It is not a program for those of you who are not ready to roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work of facing yourself, but what you will receive in return – what you will become – is worth more than all the time, money and effort in the Universe. You will find You. And you will become yourself. And you will love what you find. In that becoming and returning Home to You; you will find such trust and love and truth that stems from the innermost source of who you are. And you are beautiful. And you are divine. And you are love.
Working with Aparna has been a transformative, life-changing experience. It has been painful and it has been hilarious, I have laughed and cried, and I have been led by the hand by a true Feminine Master. Her compassion and gentle guidance will lead you into the flames and beyond. She will hold your hand in deep wisdom and respect as you cross over the fear and trepidation and find the love for yourself that awaits you on the other side. I wish every single human being would do this work. I wish every single man and woman would find this deep source of love within. Thank you, Aparna, for showing me myself.”M.K.A., Norway
“You are truly amazing. I love how in-tune you are with each of our own uniqueness at “The Art of the Feminine.” You supported and loved each one of us so personally. You challenged us and accepted us on every level. I will always want to be be a part of your workshops.”Kathy Hayden, Carpinteria
“Aparna created a comfy, cozy, safe space for us to share our deepest truths, support one another and celebrate our triumphs, revelations and transformation. Filled with wisdom and so much love.”Lisa Beck, Santa Barbara
“The “Art of the Feminine” series has transcended me to another level of my journey to enlightenment. You helped me to see myself and grow from within.”Malisa Neal, Buellton
“Thank you for showing me the tools to unleash my past and allowing them to transform as gifts that have been there all along. You have elevated my life. With thanks, love and light.”Patti Danner, Ventura
“The facts of life that no one tells you. The awareness to live your own truths – Aparna lays it down for and with you in the “Art of the Feminine” workshop. It is a safe, learning and loving environment. Thank you.”Shani Clark, Santa Barbara
“Aparna’s delectable Ayurvedic cuisine is steeped in centuries of Indian mystery, history and spice. Weaving together the freshest of ingredients, along with the lore of spices and the knowledge of Ayurveda, Aparna works her magic. With each bite the power of Ayurveda and its healing properties is released in a way that is as delicious as it is powerful.”Celia Hardy, Mother and Writer, Santa Barbara
“Aparna’s cooking is Divine. It’s the purity amidst the impurity that we all long for.”Snatam Kaur Sikh, Kirtan Artist
“I finally discovered the true secret for hosting a successful yoga retreat. Hire Aparna to provide the food. I’ve done this twice now and people simply rave about it, and then ask when the next one is. It is quite simply the most delicious, nutritious, lovingly prepared food you will ever experience. It actually spoils you for anything else. She is indeed, the Mistress of Spice. and Goddess Annapurna Incarnate as well!”Marc Boney, Founder, Pacific Institute of Vedic Studies
“Shakti Rising was satisfying to both my body and soul. Aparna gave my body food it didn’t realize it was missing. Participating in Shakti Rising unearthed wisdom inside my soul that had always been there, but was buried deeply under layers of muck. Shakti Rising gave me focus and clarity.”Monica Varah, LMT and Yoga Teacher, Agoura Hills
“When I walked in the door my first evening of Shakti Rising I knew I was in the right place. Aparna’s warmth overflows and fills each and every woman with a sense of purpose and empowerment that is refreshing and energizing. The Ayurvedic meals are incredibly satisfying and with her guidance, knowledge and the support of the other women, I am living more fully and in balance. Shakti Rising is for every woman seeking to share and to receive the wisdom and the connectivity amongst other women that inevitably invokes and inspires within the Devi, the goddess, the feminine and all that is divine.”Jennifer Steinwurtzel, Santa Barbara
“Aparna’s cooking is heavenly. Her authenticity, love, and creativity shines through during every sumptuous bite.”Max Simon, Chopra Center, Carlsbad
“It is one thing to sit and savor one of Aparna’s fabulously spiced meals as it transcends the hungry void. It is another totally captivating experience to sit and watch her effortlessly navigate any kitchen…her Sixth sense for spices is alluring and magical. Food, flavorfully designed, to adjust any mood! Watch out!”Ken Hoffman, Hoffman Construction, Santa Barbara
“I did three shirodharas in three consecutive days with Aparna. The first day was wonderful and relaxing, the second went deeper, and by the third day, I felt like I was a princess inside and out. The oil integrated into my nervous system, allowing me to get better sleep than I had in years.”Wendy Arneill, RN, Doula, Santa Barbara
“The soothing soft voice of Aparna was the first thing to relax me. Upon entering the warm, inviting room and invited to lie down on her table, I was transported to a blissful state. Aparna made me feel totally comfortable and after the first sensuous dribble of warm oil was applied to my feet, I knew this would be heaven. I left after having both the shirodara and abhayanga treatments feeling so incredible, it lasted the entire day and has truly changed my sleep and allowed me to let go of so much. I booked another treatment within the next two days!!”Diane Zusman, Ojai
“Aparna’s food was the best, most sattvic Indian food that I have ever had. The variety and freshness was delightful. Thank you so much, everyone was satiated.”Joel Cook, Maharishi Peace Palace, Ramona
“I tried two of your recipes: (1) Kidney Beans with Yams and Coconut Milk (from the Mistress of Spice Facebook page) and (2) Chard and Carrots (from your cookbook). Both are *so delicious !!! I can’t wait to try the carrot soup recipe.”Kristin Carden, Santa Barbara
“What a blessing Aparna has been in my life! I first consulted with Aparna prior to a surgery in the hopes of making some positive post-operative lifestyle changes. While my tumor was benign, the diagnosis and subsequent surgery served as a wake-up call to get a handle on my health. Enter Aparna, who, in only a few lessons, has done just that! In a matter of weeks, I’ve learned a handful of healthful, crowd-wowing meals along with invaluable advice regarding balance, diet and healing. I’ve experienced her marvelously restorative oil treatments and look forward to doing Pancha Karma in the New Year. With her megawatt smile, infectious laugh, love of her subject and terrific talent, Aparna is truly an answered prayer. She is a magnificent woman, a gifted teacher, and a good friend.”Gamble Parks, Santa Barbara
“Aparna, your new cook book is fabulous, it brings me much joy to cook in the kitchen using recipes from a dear and loving soul such as you. Thank you my sweet sister, love and light.”Misty Kobeissi, Long Beach
“An experience extraordinaire from head to toe. Quite delightful! Your soothing and healing touch allowed me to focus on releasing pent up energy in my body and rejuvenating my spirit. Your strength of energy was much appreciated. Thank you.”John Hergert, Goleta
“Thank you, Aparna. The class was amazing, comfortable, full of fun and laughter. You are a wealth of knowledge and a breath of fresh air. I truly look forward to attending more of your classes and hope to seek consultations and treatments. Many blessings!” Lee Ann Meinhold-Keese, Santa Barbara
“Aparna’s cooking class gave me confidence when cooking with spices or when following a recipe that calls for them. Because of her class, I have a set of spice combinations that are my staple that I enjoy using when cooking food for myself. In addition, I find that when cooking for others I am able to keep in the back of my mind the type of person that I am cooking for, and consider types of spices to include in a dish that they may appreciate. The Indian influenced recipes are quick, easy, and flavorful. Make sure you bring a pen or pencil to Aparna’s cooking class because she will give you a lot of information regarding spices, such as how to cook your spices, which spices work best for the three doshas types, and touch on dishes that may interest your specific health concerns. I greatly enjoy the warm milk recipe that she shared with our cooking group. It is soothing to the body, and is geared towards busy women. I prepare it for myself when I need more calm energy in my busy day as homemaker.”Mitsuko Conner Newlan, Santa Barbara
“I really enjoyed your class, it was so much more than a cooking class. Your peaceful nature and instruction was so easy to follow because I believe you truly practice what you preach. It is so evident that it works in your life and that of your children and I admire your dedication to your life and concern for the well being of others. So many people today teach but their heart is not in their message. Your good Karma comes through in your solid delivery of your wisdom and embrace of food and it’s application for a healthy life.”Connie Stein, Carpinteria
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Ayurvedic cooking workshop, it was so much more than just about cooking. Aparna shares her wisdom and obvious love for all that is about healthful food, lifestyle choices, cooking, eating in a charming and down to earth way. I could not take notes fast enough, and it has inspired me to research Ayurveda further. I look forward to future workshops, and deepening my own understanding to help myself, my family and friends.”Natalie Hickenbotham, Santa Barbara
“Upon meeting Aparna for the first time, you will feel as if meeting an old friend. I came to her looking for cooking skills. What I got extended far beyond the kitchen. Since coming to see Aparna I’ve bettered my diet and lifestyle, and made changes that have contributed to a greater feeling of well being, and happiness.”Joe Banz, Camarillo
“I thoroughly enjoyed our Indian class at the Lavender Inn. You are a delight to be with and a truly spiritual soul.Thank you again.”Sue Ann Singer, Santa Barbara
“I did not know what to expect when I attended the Durga puja, I had never been to a puja before, actually I didn’t event know what a puja was, but I did know that anything that Aparna is doing will be wonderful & transforming. I have a great interest in the philosophy of ayurveda and am learning bits at a time. I am looking for simple but powerful ways to bring vedic practices into the lives of my family members. I am also interested in bringing ritual into our busy lives, to slow down. Aparna is skilled at suggesting ways to bring this into our daily lives, even just little things, that I can do for myself, to nurture myself and my family. I really enjoyed the vedic astrology charts done by Ben, what a fabulous, enlightening & humorous discussion. To hear about the ways that the planets can tell how my son will develop was calming. Thank you Aparna for hosting this event, and I can’t wait to attend a retreat.”Kimberly Rivers, Ventura
“Recently, I had the immense pleasure of attending a 5 week session of Shakti Rising with Aparna. It was one of the most enlightening experiences I have known in the continued awakening of the Divine Goddess within. Her knowledge in the Eastern Way is most engaging. It was essential to learn so much about Ayurvedic practices and how important they are to our longevity. During that same time frame Aparna also administered Pancha Karma treatments for me as well. I highly recommend her for this path towards spiritual and physical purification. Namaste.”Lerin Ramsey Winter, Goleta
“Spend one hour with Aparna and you will become the mistress of spice and flavor. She will enlighten you on how to balance exotic and healthy ingredients without fear of failing.”Lisa Richmon, Virginia Beach, VA
“Aparna is amazingly intuitive, and is able to nourish the body on many levels. When I went to see Aparna, I had a high level of holiday stress. During the oil treatments, the stress melted, and my body was more relaxed than it has ever been. I actually fell asleep and dreamed about trees while oil was being poured on my head. I remained in a trance for hours and felt relaxed for days. It was magical. Thank you Aparna! When Aparna makes food for you, it is a real treat. Her food is packed with nutrients, and it tastes so good. Sometimes the flavors are simple. Sometimes they are complex. Always they are earthy and divine- together.”Nancy Werner, Santa Barbara
“Thank you so much for your lovely attention to us at the Women’s retreat in Ojai. You put so much love into your food and I could feel it as I ate! The food was delicious and complemented the retreat so well! I hope to continue to feel inspired with your little cookbook!! Thank you again and I will see you in Santa Barbara sometime at one of your workshops I am sure!”Nancy Larman, Santa Barbara
“The recipes from your book are revolutionizing my understanding of how to cook with spices you really are the mistress of spice! My fiance is delighted to eat whatever I cook from your book.”Marga C. Laube, Ashland, OR
“Aparna’s delicious, nourishing, and balancing food is truly fabulous. You literally can feel and taste the love that is blended into each and every bite. The first moment I met Aparna I felt a very deep comfort and a peaceful energy radiated from her. This beautiful spirit fills the food, which then fills our body, mind, and spirit. If the purest nourishment is what you are seeking with your meals, there is no need to look further.”Amanda Linkul, Event Director, Chopra Center, Carlsbad
“My Purify and Heal cleanse with Aparna included plenty of fresh veggies, fruit, basmati rice, heavenly spices, ginger tinctures, herbs and enemas were in. Ya, I said enemas. This was my first experience with enemas, or what I’d rather call basti and while it wasn’t my favorite thing to do, it wasn’t nearly as dramatic and traumatic as I had heard from other friends. It’s about cleaning out our systems and letting go of toxicity and stagnation. Amen to that. I gave myself luxurious oil massages every day (that I will continue forever), and meditated every single day without miss! Yay!!! I felt more grounded than ever before. My skin and eyes are clear and radiant and yes,I lost those 5 lbs that needed to go!”Lisa Beck, Santa Barbara
“Doing the Purify and Heal cleanse has brought me closer to my Self, I feel like I am dropping in to a person I had almost forgotten existed, my old friend, me. Thank you, Aparna, for helping me re-introduce myself to my Self. I am noticing more refinement to the air, I can see a bit deeper in the heart of another. I feel more connected.”Joann Rothman, Santa Barbara
“Having a treatment with Aparna Khanolkar is like traveling to India and seeking out an ancient mistress of spices. One can sense that there is a long lineage within her that links her back to the holy land. Ayurveda is a 10,000 year old system and so as Aparna cooks delicious healing foods and places warm oils on the body there is a sense that one is in capable and knowledgeable hands. The Shirodarha is my favorite treatment, for it simply dissolves the complexities of the mind and invites in peace and open spaciousness. My husband and I just finished a three day Panchakarma with Aparna. It is a gentle yet very thorough cleanse. Afterwards we asked if we could book her every six months. She laughed and said, Well, then you will probably live a very long time. Aparna is spiritual, hardworking and full of integrity. I can highly recommend her food, mantras and treatments to anyone.”Ayn Cates Sullivan and John Patrick Sullivan, Ojai
“The Mistress of Spice is a gifted alchemist. To watch Aparna in action in the kitchen, one is spell bound with her ability to manage 3-4 pots at a time while sharing cooking instructions and personal vignettes. The dishes are magic, the flavors rich and full of depth. A dinner with Aparna will leave anyone yearning for more.”Tamara Greiner, Santa Barbara
“Dinner with The Mistress of Spice was a wonderful evening! The aromas and tatses have ensured that I will be back.”Kum-Kum Bhavnani, Santa Barbara
“What an evening! I was so intimidated about Indian cooking, but Aparna explained and demonstrated in such an easy way. The food was amazing, wonderful people. Count me in for the next cooking event. I can’t wait to try out these dishes at home.”Christina Enoch, Santa Barbara
“Aparna creates masterpieces of culinary deliciousness savory, spicy and nourishing too. I learned so much from her class and enjoyed the flavors of a party in my mouth.”Suzi Wiley, Santa Barbara
“My palate was delighted at last night’s Dinner with The Mistress of Spice. Stimulating tastes and conversations, a fabulous evening.”Julie Wexler, Santa Barbara
“Aparna created a custom cookbook for me to suit my nutritional needs and tastes. I’ve integrated much of the food she has shared in and feel really clear about what I need. I’m losing weight and feeling stronger each day.”Lisa F., Santa Barbara
