We recently connected with Marie Valencia and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Marie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Started my own small business,without any formal education on or background loans to start up..Risked a lot of stability short-term,in the early days but have self-taught myself everything I need to know about navigating small business ownership.In 2026,I am celebrating 12 years of Mystic Herbs Shop being in business,since it’s founding in 2014.Through the pandemic, multiple moves across the U.S. and an uncertain economy I am proud to be continuing to lead as a sustainable and evolving small business Owner.
Marie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been painting and creating mixed media artwork since I was a teenager.My only formal teaching were classes I took under the instruction of now,graphic novelist illustrator Patric Reynolds.I attribute much of my inspiration to create from media (movies,music,books,etc ) and my experienceas a Queer-Latina.I believe strongly,in creating by hand -be it collages,paintings or handmade jewelry.Mystic Herbs Shop continues,to uplift these traditional art forms as well as divination practices like Tarot Readings at our local pop-up shops!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me,one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative individual is the ability to alchemize so many different human experiences and feelings into something memorable that connects others who may be going through something similar or related to the work.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I have loved building an organic following across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn the past decade by networking in real time.Streamlining details,while continuing to self educate about marketing trends and visuals has helped my pages stay relevant to the different algorithms.See what other successful influencers and businesses are doing to create a memorable impact,then follow suit in your own formula! Consistency matters big time,here.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/mysticherbsshop
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=gf&trkInfo=AQEavV9jmwrCxwAAAZ3bJnWAiFBrGkggoi58j_K8dQmtEoUZ8Q2TCa5t0Bv9p3pxqAmlLShYrfI0MuKvQUE3LbvezJE1vsMWM-FfocrNQWOWSMPOvRzBgpiC1YnOhBSKeX-qibo%3D&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fl.instagram.com%2F&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmarie-valencia-98223475%3Futm_source%3Dshare%26utm_campaign%3Dshare_via%26utm_content%3Dprofile%26utm_medium%3Dandroid_app%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGnoXiTf-8doMwwD1aDrIoYmUlPEUJwEUA_mMzW65O_UBK7KjOIzv5fxBnJp04_aem_kFaojA0msB4cIFhkpBGRCg&utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&fbclid=PAb21jcARfV8FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaeheJN_7x2gzDAPVoOsihiZSU8RQnARQD-YzNbrk79QErsqM4jO_l_EGcmnTg_aem_kFaojA0msB4cIFhkpBGRCg
