Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Salazar

Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Kagome’s Krystals began as a small side business in 2019 when I was just 23 years old. I had always wanted something I could call my own, so I decided to start this adventure with very little money and even less knowledge. I dove in headfirst with nothing but faith and the desire to succeed. I began by selling homemade jewelry, keychains, and small stones.

Now, at 28, it’s been five years since I launched my business. Throughout this time, I’ve learned and grown tremendously, running it full-time for the past four years. What started with a few beaded bracelets has expanded to hundreds of bracelets a month, along with a wide range of small and large stones and various types of jewelry. I’ve even traveled all over the USA to source amazing gems, which has been an incredible experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Absolutely not. Any entrepreneur who says it’s been a smooth road is lying! There are always going to be challenges when starting and growing a business. Things are constantly changing, and with more growth comes more responsibility.

Some of the biggest struggles I’ve faced include adapting to new forms of content and the ever-changing social media trends, maintaining enough inventory and cash flow to grow the business, and learning how to delegate tasks so that, as a business owner, I can focus on growing the business instead of getting caught up in day-to-day operations.

There are many more challenges, but that’s one of the best things about being an entrepreneur—facing struggles that make you better and stronger.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Kagome’s Krystals was founded in August 2019 on Etsy. I’m Andrea Salazar, the owner of Kagome’s Krystals. I’m 28 years old, Mexican American, and I run my small business full-time. I had always wanted something I could call my own, so I decided to start this journey with very little money and even less knowledge. I took a leap of faith, driven by a strong desire to succeed, and began by selling homemade jewelry, keychains, and small stones. Kagome’s Krystals is an owner-operated business, and every order is handled with care by me or my family, who genuinely appreciate these Earth treasures.

Kagome’s Krystals is an Illinois-based online crystal shop. I started researching and developing my brand while working a full-time job. One thing led to another, and just over a year after starting my business—and after being laid off—I found myself doing it full-time. This was all so new to me, but with hard work and dedication, it paid off, and I started to see my business grow. Although being a young entrepreneur has its challenges, owning a crystal shop came naturally to me. I kicked off my career on Etsy, making handmade bracelets and wire-wrapped pendants. Today, I offer a variety of genuine crystals and a lot of jewelry.

I source consciously selected crystals and stones for my shop, offering high-vibrational, high-quality products in limited quantities. I am proud to have shipped over 10,000 orders, reached seven countries, and introduced over 100 different minerals to our shop. I stand by my commitment to offering only genuine, high-quality stones.

Sourcing:

I have developed great relationships with reputable sources and vendors worldwide, including in the USA, Mexico, Brazil, China, Madagascar, and Africa. I focus on quality over quantity for my inventory and travel to gem shows throughout the year to handpick or intuitively choose stones. I also work with other small, family-owned businesses from around the world, such as those in Mexico, Brazil, China, Africa, and Uruguay, to source only authentic, genuine, and untreated stones.

Join us weekly on Instagram for our interactive and fun live sales at @kagomeskrystals, where we have music, trivia, giveaways, and more. Stay up to date with our updates and announcements on Instagram!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

Yes, of course! First, don’t be afraid to just start. We often hold ourselves back due to imposter syndrome, procrastination, or the belief that “when I have X, then I can do Y.” The truth is, there is no better time than now. Embrace uncertainty and understand that your mistakes will help you learn and grow.

Second, save more than you think you’ll need. Don’t be too quick or eager to quit your job; allow your business bank account to grow. Be patient because it will pay off later. Income is always shifting when you own a business so its great to have that extra money saved up.

Lastly, remember to delegate and avoid burnout. Many entrepreneurs, including myself, want to do everything. It’s either because we don’t know how to ask for help or we don’t trust anyone to do it for us. As soon as you feel you need help, start delegating tasks!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kagomeskrystals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kagomeskrystals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kagomeskrystals
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdm76djYDxSP3ZeiGofebQ