We were lucky to catch up with Kirsten Valencia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kirsten, appreciate you joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

There are moments when I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, with a steady paycheck and a clear-cut schedule. The last time I really had that thought was during a particularly overwhelming week. I had just finished a market where I poured so much energy into creating new jewelry pieces, setting up my booth, and engaging with customers. At the same time, I was also preparing for a Reiki and sound healing event, managing bookings, and trying to keep up with my social media presence. I remember sitting in my car afterward, exhausted, and thinking, Wouldn’t it be easier to just clock in and out somewhere? To not have to carry every single responsibility on my shoulders?

But then I sat with that thought for a moment and realized something important: I wouldn’t trade this path for anything. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it requires a level of self-trust and resilience that I didn’t even know I had. But the freedom to create, to help people heal, and to build something that is completely my own—that’s priceless. I get to pour my heart into everything I do, whether it’s crafting a custom piece of healing jewelry or offering Reiki to someone who truly needs it. The connection I feel with my work and my clients reminds me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

So, while the thought of a regular job might cross my mind occasionally, it never lingers for long. At the end of the day, the challenges of being a business owner are far outweighed by the fulfillment it brings me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kiki, a silversmith, Reiki healer, and community space holder dedicated to blending energy work with handcrafted artistry. My brand, Kiki Crystals, is rooted in the belief that jewelry can be more than just an accessory—it can be a deeply personal, energetically charged tool for healing and transformation.

How I Got Started
My journey into silversmithing started with a gift—literally. My husband bought me silversmithing lessons at Tacoma Metal Arts, and from the moment I picked up the tools, I was hooked. At the time, I was deep in the grind, working 50+ hours a week as a barista at the peak of COVID. After 11 years in the coffee industry, I knew I wanted something different. So I saved every extra dollar, and when I finally had enough, I made the leap—leaving barista life behind to start my own business. It was terrifying, but also the best decision I’ve ever made.

What I Offer & What Sets Me Apart
I offer individual Reiki sessions, sound healing collaborations, and handcrafted crystal-infused sterling silver jewelry—but what truly makes my work unique is the combination of all these elements. One of my signature offerings is a Reiki + Personalized Healing Jewelry Session, where clients receive a Reiki session followed by a custom jewelry piece designed specifically for their healing journey. I also create memorial jewelry, incorporating cremains, hair, or a meaningful crystal to honor a loved one.

Beyond that, I host community women’s circles and healing events, providing a space for connection, reflection, and energetic renewal. Healing isn’t just about the individual—it’s about the collective, and I love creating spaces where people can feel safe, seen, and supported.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the deep, meaningful connections I’ve built through my work. Whether it’s someone who finds peace in a Reiki session, a client who cherishes their custom healing jewelry, or a person who feels empowered after attending one of my events—those moments remind me why I do what I do. Seeing my creations out in the world, knowing they hold so much more than just metal and stone, fills me with gratitude.

What I Want People to Know
My work is all about intention, energy, and connection. Every piece I create, every session I hold, and every event I offer is rooted in the desire to help people feel more aligned, more whole, and more connected to themselves and the world around them. If you’re looking for healing, for a meaningful piece of jewelry, or simply a space to feel held—I’m here for that.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment for me was in 2022 when I found out I was pregnant. Suddenly, everything changed. I had been working hard to grow my business, but I had to acknowledge that my energy was shifting. I could no longer push myself the way I had been. My schedule, which had been packed with markets, silversmithing projects, and working in my garage, had to be adjusted. I realized that I needed to listen to my body and make space for rest and self-care.

At first, it felt like I was losing momentum, and there was fear around how this might affect my business. But that time of rest gave me the clarity and perspective I needed. It allowed me to be more intentional with how I used my time, prioritize my health, and reassess what truly mattered. In the end, it helped me create a more sustainable work-life balance and set the foundation for a more grounded approach to running my business.

I learned that sometimes, pivoting isn’t just about changing what you’re doing—it’s about honoring where you’re at and adjusting your pace. That moment of slowing down ultimately helped me come back stronger, with a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed sense of gratitude for the work I do.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been the SWAE Night Market. Since joining in 2022, it’s given me the chance to directly engage with my local community and showcase my work in a lively and supportive environment. This market is a fantastic place for meeting like-minded people who connect with my jewelry and Reiki services, and many return to explore more after our initial meeting. The personal connections I’ve made here have played a huge role in growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kikicrystals.com
• Instagram: kiki_crystals

Image Credits

Kaliecia Ann Photography