My name is Siam Castillo, and I’ve been a resident of Aspen, Colorado, for 20 years. I was born in San Francisco, and spent my childhood in the suburbs of Danville, California. It was a safe and beautiful place to grow up, but I moved back to the city as soon as I could to escape an upbringing like no one should have to endure, especially not a child.

I was thrilled to escape and to be surrounded by the rich cultural diversity and art of vibrant San Francisco. However, the weight of pursuing my dreams for a stable career in the performing arts soon overwhelmed me. For all of my training and pressure to succeed, a career in the arts is tough enough for someone raised with a solid sense of self. This was not me at all back then. So with lots of help, I was able to re-assemble myself years later and start again.

Satori means sudden enlightenment: that pivotal moment when one achieves a deeper understanding. After dedicating myself to personal growth and filling countless journals with my thoughts. (Which I once believed were brilliant, but I was wrong) I uncovered a few valuable insights worth sharing. I brand these messages on my leatherwork.

Because you get what you invite

I initially began creating as a way to alleviate stress, and over time, this creative outlet began to nourish my spirit. Engaging with natural materials provided a welcome escape from negative and constraining thoughts. This along with lots of therapy, plenty of time in nature, a thousand books, excellent people and meditation, I learned to harness my “too sensitive” nature to create beauty, trusting the subtle guidance I sensed around me.

Racism is senseless

I now create and sing professionally to share the blessings I have received so generously, aiming to spread joy and to amplify light. At my best, I am a warrior of light, because I’ve found something worth defending.