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BULLTÁNICA​

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Our Story

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Bulltánica's creation emerged from resilience, community, and the transformative power of healing in Durham.

 

Bulltánica was born from a deep desire to nurture community well-being. Initially envisioned as a modest urban herb garden in Old North Durham, the concept soon expanded dramatically. Driven by the mission to create inclusive spaces for well-being, I began integrating my practice as a licensed massage therapist specializing in fascia-based, lymphatic sports massage.

 

Growing up, botanicas served as my childhood requiem, embodying diasporic dreams and spiritual connections that I carried deeply. As Massage by Moe took shape, it evolved beyond traditional boundaries, weaving together ancient healing traditions, modern somatic techniques, and a unique metaphysical exploration of energy stored within the body. My experiences in healing from personal trauma—childhood displacement, surviving poverty, navigating emotional pain—deeply informed my massage practice, emphasizing the body's potential for emotional release and restoration.

 

Bulltánica soon blossomed further, transforming into a comprehensive well-being hub at the UDI Building in Old Five Points, Durham. Here, my vision encompassed not only massage therapy but also elder care, breathwork, Reiki, herbal teas, tinctures, and educational workshops. Each offering was designed with a profound respect for the holistic interconnectedness of emotional, physical, and community health.

 

The restoration of Whitehall Terrace became a pivotal chapter in this story, driven by a deliberate decision to transform this historic property, originally built by Richard Wright III in 1930, into a beacon for community well-being. Through Cultivating Resistance, our registered nonprofit, and inspired by Monica's dedication with Cultivating Resistance Herbals in Durham, Whitehall Terrace will be transformed into a vibrant community space hosting art shows, well-being retreats, and local heritage celebrations.

 

Each step taken—from grassroots fundraising, navigating complex historical preservation rules, to hands-on restoration—has reaffirmed my commitment to community empowerment and holistic healing. Massage by Moe, intertwined within Bulltánica, emerged not just as a business but as a sanctuary, providing profound healing, emotional clarity, and community belonging. Today, Bulltánica stands as a beacon of resilience, healing, and transformative community power, honoring both personal journeys and collective histories.

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To turn Whitehall Terrace into a living ecosystem for:

• Healing practices rooted in body, land, and lineage

• Gatherings that center joy, story, food, and ritual

• Creative and cultural programming for all ages

• A home where well-being replaces wellness — slow, accessible, and soul-led

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What’s Happening Now

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We are currently:

• Restoring the flat rooftop terrace

• updating and restoring bathrooms

• Cultivating the gardens and outdoor spaces

• Hosting summer events like jazz nights by the pool and community dinners

• Offering workshops in massage, land care, herbal medicine, and somatics

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Whitehall Terrace is open to possibility; And we are building it with the community — not for it.

 

How to Get Involved

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Whether you are a neighbor, a healer, a dreamer, or a builder —
this is a home where your presence matters.

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• Sign up for updates

• Come to a summer event

• Make a gift to support restoration

• Reach out with ideas, collaborations, or stories

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Why It Matters

In a city evolving too quickly to breathe, Whitehall Terrace becomes a pause—
a long, restorative inhale.
Doors held open.
Time held still.
An invitation to slow down, remember, and rebuild.
This isn’t only preservation;
it is the reclamation of care, culture, and connection.