We recently connected with Ella Ibasan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ella , thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For much of my life, I believed success was measured by financial stability and securing a high paying career. After earning my BA in Psychology, I thought I was on the right path to becoming a pediatrician, but something felt off. No matter how hard I pushed forward, I struggled with my mental health. When it was time to write personal statements, I couldn’t even articulate why I wanted to be a doctor. It felt like a goal that had simply appeared rather than one I truly desired. When I finally chose to pursue my jewelry business full-time instead of medicine, I braced myself for backlash from my family, only to realize the success I had been chasing wasn’t my own. It has been built on the expectations of others. Over time, I redefined success on my own terms. If you had asked me at the start of my business, I would have given a monetary goal, but nearly four years in, I now see success as a state of mind. Running a business isn’t always easy, and the ebbs can be discouraging, but I wake up every day genuinely loving the life I’ve created. To me, success isn’t about titles or income, it’s about honoring my true aspirations, trusting myself, and showing up fully for the life I want to live.

Ella , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ella Ibasan, the owner of Beyond The Above, a handmade jewelry business based in Georgetown, TX. I specialize in creating reiki-charged crystal jewelry, using wire wrapping techniques.

From a young age, I was captivated by the beauty and energy of crystals and the art of jewelry making. My passion truly ignited during university when a simple introduction to my uncle’s jewelry supplies led me down a creative path. While facing personal challenges with depression and anxiety, I discovered reiki, a holistic practice that resonated deeply with me. After becoming a certified reiki practitioner, I merged this healing art with my love for jewelry, creating reiki-charged crystal pieces. Initially started as a side hustle to save for medical school, Beyond The Above evolved into my full-time career as I realized my true calling.

Beyond The Above offers handmade, intentional jewelry that combines the healing power of crystals with the transformative energy of reiki. Each piece is designed inspire and serve as a reminder of inner strength. What sets my work apart is the blend of artistry and energy work, creating jewelry that also supports personal growth and healing. I am most proud of the community that has formed around Beyond The Above, connecting individuals with meaningful pieces that enhance their spiritual journey. My mission is to share the magic of crystals and reiki, helping others discover the extraordinary possibilities within themselves.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During COVID, my business thrived online, with Etsy making up all my revenue after carnelian crystals went viral on TikTok. I was one of the few shops offering carnelian jewelry at the time. As the trend faded and the world reopened, I had to pivot my business model. Despite my social anxiety, I pushed myself to start selling in person at vendor markets and events. Though it’s still nerve-wracking at times, I’ve come to love the experience, connecting with customers and other small businesses in a more personal and meaningful way while continuing to grow Beyond The Above both online and offline. I love being a part of such a supportive community.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was tying my worth to my productivity. As a Pre-med student, it was always about the grind and working through Imposter Syndrome. I felt like I always had something to prove. In the early days of my business, I packed my schedule to the brim because I felt like any moment not spent working was wasted. Rest felt uncomfortable, but eventually, burnout caught up with me, and I knew I couldn’t sustain that pace. With the guidance of my life coach, Alyssa Greenwood, I learned that rest is not a setback but a crucial part of growth. Now, I see productivity as being intentional with my time rather than just filling every hour with work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beyondtheabove.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.above?igsh=MThld2E1em0ybDg2bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: Etsy: Beyondtheabove.etsy.com

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Kelly Zhu