We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Hi there! I’m Alyssa, the proud founder and owner of Laurusa Mystic – an Ottawa-based Canadian small business, established in 2020, that is committed to connecting you with spirit and empowering you on your spiritual journey, regardless of your level of experience.
I am driven by a mission to inspire and empower others to explore connecting with spirit, spirituality, witchcraft, and the occult. By sharing my passions, I hope to help people build confidence, achieve their goals, and create a fulfilling practice.
Helping others in this way gives me so much fulfillment and joy, because when we step into our power and acknowledge the magic that lies within, life becomes full of possibility and beauty. We see that we are all connected. When I embraced my own power and abilities after a very dark period, my life completely changed for the better. It saved my life.
Alyssa, 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?
I am a clairvoyant medium, witch, spiritual coach, and Hellenic polytheist with over 10 years of experience. I’ve been able to connect with spirit since I was a kid, and I have always had a natural connection to the earth’s energies. This innate connection has guided me towards integrating the wisdom of plant and animal spirits, the magic of crystals, and the power of oils into my practice, which I’m passionate about sharing with others.
Laurusa Mystic is my small business where I sell handmade and spelled oils, sell consciously sourced high quality crystals (I host Instagram crystal live sales which are always a ton of fun!), learning through digital downloads, and various spiritual services and readings.
Laurusa Mystic is deeply rooted in sustainability, reflecting not only my personal beliefs but also my professional expertise. Prior to fully dedicating myself to my small business, I earned a Masters in Environmental Science and worked in various field such as sustainable technology, species conservation, green building, and forestry.
I also provide various channels to educate, facilitate learning, and connect with others. These include my Patreon, social media content, and the online spiritual and pagan communities that I have helped to create. Additionally, I co-host a podcast called “Ghost Tea,” which provides another platform to share knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.
People are often curious about the origins of the name ‘Laurusa Mystic.’ It all stems from my love for the bay leaf (Bay laurel) herb, whose Latin name is Laurus nobilis. I find mystical experiences to be incredibly enriching and believe they allow us to connect with our humanity and the natural world in profound ways. It was with these inspirations in mind that the name ‘Laurusa Mystic’ was born.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Initially, things felt a bit shaky, and I admit, I had my nerves about stepping out authentically (sometimes I don’t like to be perceived, you know what I mean?). It might sound contrary to the social media advice you come across for building a business and brand, but here’s what worked for me: when I stopped chasing algorithms and focusing on numbers, and instead centered my focus on being genuinely me and sharing my passions and stories, that’s when the magic happened. I began to draw in the perfect audience, customers, and clients.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Absolutely! Laurusa Mystic was a side venture I launched back in January 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. I initially juggled it alongside my career as an Environmental Scientist. However, as time passed, the immense satisfaction I got from sharing my passions, assisting others through readings and sessions, and the sheer delight of connecting with like-minded individuals convinced me that it deserved a genuine shot at growth by becoming my full-time pursuit.
To be honest, navigating the journey of a brand-new small business during and post-COVID has presented its own set of formidable challenges. It’s been a true test of my resolve, dedication, and commitment as an entrepreneur. For me, my milestones were marked year by year. Could I make it through one year? Two? Three? As I reach them, I spend a lot of time reflecting on my decisions, results, and personal happiness. Each year that goes by, I evolve Laurusa Mystic to be even better than before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurusamystic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurusamystic/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurusamystic/
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/laurusamystic
Image Credits
Photography by Emma