We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carolina Rivera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carolina below.

Carolina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I have been been able to turn my passion into full-time work and earn a living. When I first had the idea to do this. I think there were necessary steps I had to take in my mind to grow a brand. I knew the importance of marketing, branding, and social media in today’s market. It was not like that from day one. I basically had a business plan running around in my head without even knowing what a business plan entailed. I knew it would take time to establish my brand and get my products out to the right audience. I had done a lot of research about business in general and one line that always stuck with me was about most businesses not making it to the 3-year mark. If it did it would take about 3-5 to become a profitable business model. Once I hit the 3-year mark I felt some relief knowing my business made it passed that hurdle and survived thru a pandemic, inflation, and supply chain shortages. I would definitely say without a doubt, putting myself out there and doing the right markets with my specific target demographic has helped position myself in front of my customers. Doing markets and pop up helped to increase my email list which is crucial for a growing business. It actually helped me niche down and pinpoint my strengths and areas in which I needed to improve. It helped to connect me more with my community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Carolina Rivera, and I am the founder and CEO of Crystal Irie, a bath and body product company hand-making unique products infused with crystals. Our company produces handmade luxurious, self-care bath and body products that are inspired by lifestyle, art, and culture.

We infuse crystals into our products to bring an extra level of relaxation and energy to each of our customers. I was motivated to start my own business because I am passionate about helping others find balance and wellness in their lives. Growing up, I struggled with mental health and recognized that often the first sign of depression was a decline in personal hygiene and self-care.

We strive to find ways to blend self care, mindfulness, and spirituality for people who struggle with mental health or don’t have time to prioritize taking care of themselves. We want people to feel comfortable in their skin. Our products offer a unique experience to our customers that they can’t find anywhere else.

One thing I realized after years of building this brand is the undeniable fact that the underrepresented community (Latinx, Women, POC, LGBTQ) are the people who have shown me the most support. They are the ones who have made me understand that we as consumers have a need to see ourselves in those we admire. So I try to show up every day as authentically as possible.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I started the business in 2018, but it wasn’t until after the pandemic that I decided to go at it 100%. out of necessity. At the very beginning of the pandemic, I got Covid, and pneumonia and was in respiratory failure. I was hospitalized for 14 days. I lost friends, felt isolated, and was dealing with PTSD all at once. Thankfully I survived but like a lot of people, I was struggling with the after-effects of long covid, the state of the world, mental health, and severe depression. While I started seeing a therapist, as an escape mechanism I dove deeper and deeper into my business and wanted to create products that were spiritually aligned but also helped people that were going through what I was going through. Products that promoted mental wellness. While it was very challenging to grow a business from the ground up during a pandemic while dealing with my own health issues. What started as a way to escape my feelings by staying busy, helped me heal by helping others.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is making art. Putting yourself out there, showing the world the real you thru your art. I will never stop feeling grateful to do this because even though the details changed over the years this has always been my calling. Whether it’s dancing, music, going to art school, studying commercial photography, or becoming a concert photographer. One constant thing in my life is I have always been drawn to creativity, and working with my hands. It’s not the easiest thing at all, but it is worth it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crystalirie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalirieco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crystalirieco/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystalirieco
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/crystal-irie-bronx

Image Credits
Carolina Rivera