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

Hi Ethereal, thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

In my industry, there are a few challenges to profitability stemming from paying vendor fees to replenishing supplies for upcoming events. The opportunities to vend are wonderful for networking while the uncertainty of profit may linger subconsciously. Personally, once at pop-ups or vending events I converse with guests by connecting through creativity. Being present in the moment with myself and other people, I understand that profits come in different forms through opportunities, connections, or even conversational breakthroughs.

In my journey thus far, two years into being an LLC, I have put out almost $3k into my business toward product supplies, vending fees, and events. Since, I have invested so much of my time, money, and energy into my craft it only makes sense to keep going. The profit is what you receive from the experience and how it charges to your spirit.

Ethereal, 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?

Well, my name is Breeze or Ethereal Empress, I am an Entrepreneur and Artist in the CT area doing business in the realm art along with wellness products. I originally started painting at 16 years old as a way to release internal tension, at that same time I began making my own hair cream.

My original intention around the cream was to create a leave-in conditioner that softened and moisturized curly, thick hair. At first, it was a rare gem given to my siblings and mother until I found another problem to solve: my super dry hands in the winter. I took the time to research natural essential oils that moisturize the skin along with my previous knowledge of shea butter. These body buttas are very nourishing and smell absolutely delicious! As for other products, we have roll-on perfume or cologne, room spray, scalp oil, beard serum, facial or body scrub, tea, and painting prints. In addition, I up cycle denim and thrifted clothes into painted designs.

What makes me different in the wellness industry? I do a little bit of everything dabbling in natural essential oils. herbs, butters, and clothing design. I create with my brushes and both hands, especially since every product is an original recipe.

As for my brands, Poetry & Pose, it’s a quarterly open mic and event series in CT for local creatives to connect with authentic expression. Our next event will be The Jubilee: Liberation Dance, a BoilerRoom Day Party on Saturday, August 24th 2024 from 3pm to 8pm at The Zone Bar & Grill in Waterbury, CT.

Bloom With Breeze is a garden of art, visuals, and storytelling so everyone can blossom together. You can expect short stories every week, visual mood boards, spoken word and photography.

As a spoken word artist, I have been performing for nine years focusing on liberation and self-awareness through intentional, internal growth. Poetry is another way to speak without external limitations. My ability to transmute emotions through multiple mediums sets me apart in my poetry, photography and curating.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Media Studies, there were very few job opportunities available within my interests so I pivot the career for a little bit. In previous occupations, I have experience in the realm of youth work so I became a Substitute Teacher for the time being. By taking this route of work, it comes with short-term sacrifices for long-term rewards. It provides the space to speak with youth and observe learning conditions from a teachers perspective. This part of my life is one of the most valuable experiences thus far.

As the CEO of my own business, I can find ways to give back to the community through experiences, resources, etc. The possibilities are endless, when you utilize uncertainty to your benefit.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I used to have my own website, which in my opinion was way more money to maintain although the profits were all yours. On websites like Etsy, you don’t pay up front monthly yet the company plugs in minor fees that eventually add up.

It all depends on what you value for your online business, do you value convenience or flexibility of design? As time passes, my opinion continues to change around whether to continue utilizing E commerce Platforms or re-establish my website.

My only advice is to price everything out before you spent the money and try it yourself first.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: thenaturaldeveellc| poetrynpose| _etherealempress | bloom.withbreeze |
• Facebook: The Natural Devee LLC| Poetry & Pose| Bloom With Breeze | Breeze Arce
• Other: Substack: Bloom With Breeze

Image Credits

Image 1 & 2 are shot and edited by me from photoshoots

Image 3 is shot and edited by MUMA from Poetry & Pose: MUMAVERSE (IG: mustu.co)

Image 4 -5 are from Poetry & Pose: MUMAVERSE

Image 6 – 8 are shot and edited by me from photoshoots.