We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cody Maria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cody, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Owning a small business is one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had, even though it comes with its fair share of challenges. The journey is often demanding, but the rewards make every obstacle worth it. I have had many other jobs in the past working for other people and it all lead me to where I am now. Things like taxes, marketing and maintaining consistent income have been some of my biggest hurdles, but to me the benefits greatly outweigh to challenges.

One of the greatest advantages of being a small business owner is the freedom to create my own schedule. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, I have the flexibility to work when I’m most productive and to take time off when I need it. This autonomy extends beyond just time management; it allows me to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life, which means I get to spend more quality time with my family.

Another significant perk is the ability to hold myself accountable. Being in charge of my own business means I’m responsible for my successes and setbacks, without the constraints of micro-management. This self-direction fosters a strong sense of ownership and motivation, driving me to achieve goals on my terms.

Ethical considerations are also central to my business philosophy. I take pride in sourcing items that are ethically produced and supporting fair trade practices. This commitment not only aligns with my values but also resonates with customers who share similar principles, creating a meaningful connection through our shared values.

Moreover, owning a small business gives me a platform to express my creative gifts. Whether it’s through innovative product designs, unique marketing strategies, or personalized customer interactions, I get to showcase my creativity and bring my visions to life. This creative freedom is incredibly rewarding and keeps me passionate about what I do.

While the path of a small business owner is undeniably challenging, the ability to shape my own schedule, maintain accountability, champion ethical practices, spend more time with loved ones, and share my creative talents makes it all worthwhile. The highs of this journey far outweigh the hurdles, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else.

Cody, 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?

At Stonehaven Metaphysical, we’re passionate about creating a space that fosters connection, personal growth and an opportunity to connect and learn from various cross cultural wisdom traditions. My journey into this enchanting world began with a deep-seated curiosity about the metaphysical realm, holistic healing modalities, ancient civilizations and a desire to help others connect with their inner selves. After years of exploring various spiritual and shamanic practices, getting certified in Yoga, Thai bodywork and learning first hand about Native American spirituality, I decided to channel my experiences into a business that reflects my values and passions.

Stonehaven Metaphysical offers a range of products and services designed to support and enrich your spiritual journey. From ethically sourced crystals and handcrafted jewelry to unique ritual tools and holistic wellness products, each item is carefully selected to ensure it resonates with our values. We also provide personalized consultations to help guide you in choosing the right tools and practices for your individual needs.

What sets Stonehaven Metaphysical apart is our unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and fair trade. We believe that every product should not only enhance your spiritual practice but also uphold values of respect and sustainability. This means you can feel good about your purchases, knowing they support responsible practices and make a positive impact on the world.

I am incredibly grateful for the community we’ve built at Stonehaven Metaphysical. It’s a place where creativity, integrity, and sovereignty intersect. My goal is to empower you to explore your spiritual path with confidence, playfulness and joy, offering products and insights that truly resonate with your unique journey.

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that Stonehaven Metaphysical is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my dedication to fostering a meaningful connection and finding alternative ways of taking your mental, physical and spiritual health back into your own hands. Whether you’re seeking tools to deepen your practice, gifts to inspire loved ones, or simply a space to explore your spiritual curiosity, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way. Embrace your journey with us, and let’s create a world of mindful, compassionate beings together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

**From Adversity to Triumph: The Resilient Journey of Stonehaven Metaphysical**

The path to success is rarely a straight line. For me, the journey of growing Stonehaven Metaphysical has been a testament to resilience and determination, especially after enduring some of the most challenging setbacks imaginable.

The turning point came when I faced an enormous business divorce settlement with my previous partner. This was, by far, the largest sum of money I had ever spent on anything. The financial strain was overwhelming; it wiped out my savings, leaving my bank account empty. Along with the financial loss, I was stripped of nearly all my physical assets, and the emotional toll was immense. The situation was compounded by slander and false allegations, which were deeply hurtful and challenging to navigate.

As if the personal and financial hardships weren’t enough, I was also stolen from by a previous employee around the same time. It felt like everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. The combination of financial ruin, betrayal, and emotional anguish seemed insurmountable.

But resilience is not about avoiding challenges; it’s about how you rise from them. Despite the enormity of these trials, I knew that giving up was never an option. With unwavering determination, I started from scratch, rebuilding Stonehaven Metaphysical brick by brick. Each setback became a stepping stone, each challenge an opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to the business and its values.

Amidst this rebuilding phase, my life took a remarkable turn. I married the love of my life, and together, we welcomed a beautiful baby into our family. This new chapter brought a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, further fueling my resolve. I also took this time to drop habits that had been holding me back and to reconnect more deeply with my physical health. The journey of personal transformation has been as significant as the business recovery, leading me to a state of greater alignment and well-being than ever before.

Today, Stonehaven Metaphysical stands stronger than ever. The feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying that our offerings are better than they’ve ever been before. This validation of our growth and improvement has been incredibly rewarding. It reassures me that our commitment to quality, ethical practices, and customer care is not only intact but flourishing.

My story is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Despite the adversities and the seemingly endless obstacles, I’ve managed to rebuild and enhance Stonehaven Metaphysical. The journey has been arduous, but it has also been deeply fulfilling. The challenges I faced have made me more determined and passionate about my work than ever before.

For those who are navigating their own hardships, remember that every obstacle can become a stepping stone. Resilience is about facing adversity head-on and emerging stronger on the other side. At Stonehaven Metaphysical, we’ve embraced this philosophy, and it’s what drives us to continue growing, improving, and serving our wonderful community with renewed vigor and dedication.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

In the year of 2020, a pivotal chapter in the life of Stonehaven Metaphysical began with a profound moment of clarity and connection. My dear friend Bryan, the previous owner of Stonehaven, had long been a guiding force behind the business. Yet, he felt that the time had come for the next evolution of Stonehaven—a transformation that would require someone with a fresh perspective and deep commitment.

Bryan, who had always sought to align his business practices with spiritual guidance, turned to the universe for answers. In a moment of deep meditation, he received a powerful vision: he saw himself passing a flaming torch to me. This vision was more than just a symbolic gesture; it was a spiritual confirmation that I was the person destined to take Stonehaven to new heights.

Bryan’s trust in this vision was unwavering. Despite the many offers he had, he chose to sell Stonehaven to me—the only person he felt was right for the task. The decision was both an honor and a significant financial challenge. To make the purchase, I invested all the savings I had at that time. Bryan’s generosity, however, played a crucial role. He offered me a deal that was incredibly fair and supportive, recognizing the importance of this transition for both the business and me.

With the transfer of ownership, the real journey began. The transition was not without its hurdles—there was an immense amount of paperwork to handle, and I had to navigate the steep learning curves that come with entrepreneurship. Yet, every challenge was an opportunity to grow and to integrate my own gifts and passions into Stonehaven.

As the new owner, I found myself in a unique position to cultivate and nurture the business in ways I had always dreamed of. Stonehaven Metaphysical became more than just a business—it became a canvas for my creativity and a platform for my spiritual and entrepreneurial aspirations. This transition marked the beginning of a new era, one where my vision and Bryan’s legacy could merge to create something truly extraordinary.

Reflecting on those early days, I’m profoundly grateful for Bryan’s trust and the vision that guided us. The journey from that initial moment of the torch being passed to the present has been filled with growth, learning, and immense satisfaction. Stonehaven Metaphysical has flourished under this new chapter, and every step forward is a testament to the power of vision, trust, and perseverance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stonehavenmetaphysical.com
• Instagram: stonehaven_metaphyscial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/zRAit57z7pwnbrXg/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/wcAqt4uiWZAj9Mm79
• Other: I also, produce music and DJ under the moniker Magi Music! I posted a link to my soundcloud here. Let me know if you’d like to do a separate interview about that journey at some point.

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