We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Bradbury. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.
Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
While most business advice suggests niching down, I’ve chosen to stay flexible with the products I create. My fine art background and opening a brick-and-mortar store inspired me to diversify. Species by the Thousands began with hand-painted jewelry and home decor, then expanded to printed apparel, cast jewelry, and eventually, scents, leading me to study aromatherapy. I’ve divided my focus between wholesaling and direct-to-consumer sales. Owning a brick-and-mortar shop has provided valuable feedback, helping me develop products for wholesale.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Species by the Thousands is a craft and design studio that creates natural wellness, home, bath and beauty goods. Located in Margaretville, NY, it was originally founded in 2006 in Brooklyn. Today, Species by the Thousands creates handcrafted aromatherapy mists and body oils, essential oil roll-ons, soy wax candles, artisan jewelry and natural incense blends inspired by the therapeutic and aesthetic benefits of the natural world and spiritual outsider worlds and traditions. All of our work begins from the simple idea that nature is a powerful source for our well-being, and the products from the line are all handmade in New York at our workshop tucked within the northwest Catskill Mountains.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Learning about Human Design and experimenting with it has been incredibly helpful over the past few years. I wish I’d discovered it sooner. It’s a system that combines elements of astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, and the Chakra system. It can offer clarity around ways of making decisions and using your energy. I recommend any of Karen Curry Parker’s books on Human Design and Richard Rudd’s books on the Gene Keys.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
For about three years, I balanced selling at craft fairs, working another job, and doing trade shows before going full-time with my business. After securing a few large wholesale orders from a major retailer, I invested that money into opening a brick-and-mortar location. I continued with trade shows which really helped me scale and eventually hire help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://speciesbythethousands.com
- Instagram: @speciesbythethousands
