Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Carroll. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In February of 2016, my best friend, Julie, made an 108-bead chakra mala bracelet for me while I sat with my dad in hospice. I found so much comfort in that mala as I began working through my grief that I added it to the tools (yoga, meditation, therapy, self-improvement studies) I was already using on my journey.

A year later, I found myself in between jobs and ordered supplies to make mala gifts for a couple of friends while I had some spare time. Once I started creating the bracelets, I felt inexplicably called to make them for several specific people in my life – and not just close friends. I did as I was guided and was surprised that each person found the gift as comforting and meaningful as I had found my own. I was also surprised at how much joy I found in sharing my creations with others.

Soon after, those friends and acquaintances began asking if they could buy additional items for themselves and friends. Then those friends began placing orders as well. I’m a fairly introverted person, so creating something and then actually selling it was completely out of my normal comfort zone, but I was enjoying getting to share my creativity with others.

Eventually, I was taking orders for custom combinations based on gemstone metaphysical qualities, and my friend Kara suggested I open an Etsy shop to make it easier for people to know what I offered. Initially that sounded terrifying, especially as I was starting a new full-time job. But her belief in me pushed me to explore that option.

Heather, 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?

When I did finally decide to set-up an Etsy shop, I knew I needed a meaningful shop name. So many of my initial ideas were already taken, so I took a step back to evaluate my purpose in starting this endeavor. Ultimately, I had found my mala, the gemstones, and their metaphysical properties such an important tool as I worked on transforming my life for the better. Like the alchemists of the past, who worked to turn base metals into gold, spiritual alchemists work to transform themselves, but their process is not about the end result but the journey itself. I was on that alchemical journey and wanted to share the tools, like wearable gemstones, that were helping me along the way.

In the five years since I chose the name Alchemical Journey, I have found so many others on similar paths who appreciate the tools I provide. In that time, I expanded from online Etsy sales to various in-person vendor events and festivals to share gemstone jewelry and other metaphysical items such as altar kits, sage bundles and brooms, and gemstone fairy lites.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Even with my limited business sense, I knew I needed to have some sort of social media presence once I started with the online shop. As I mentioned though, I’m fairly introverted, so the idea of sharing something I made on social media was nothing short of terrifying. I took baby steps and started with a Facebook page, adding some pictures from my shop along with the descriptions of the metaphysical properties of various stones.

Eventually I created an Instagram account as well but was still hesitant to actively pursue followers.
Once I felt settled into the fact I had actually started a business, I began to look for growth strategies. I hit up YouTube for all things social media marketing and even took a couple of freebie online classes on the topic. I joined several Facebook groups for artists, Etsy sellers, jewelry makers, and small business owners to gather their insights as well. I walked away with some great tips that have helped me grow my online presence even with my limited time to devote to marketing. Each time I’m ready to expand a bit more, I explore new approaches with the guidance I receive from those who are willing to share.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m so grateful to have had the support of friends to build my confidence as I embarked on this phase of my journey. Having said that, I’m not sure I would have even considered the idea of starting a business had it not been for the perspective I gained reading Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass.

While this particular book of hers is not specifically about starting or running a business, it did provide exercises and advice for creating the mindset I needed to get started. Instead of saying things like, “I have no idea how to start a business,” I found myself saying, “Let’s just see what happens if I open an Etsy shop. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I’m not sure how many times I’ve read this book, or how many copies I’ve given away to others who have also found it helpful, but it’s still my #1 go-to when I need redirection.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/alchemicaljourney
• Instagram: @alchemicaljourney
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ChakraMalaJewelry/

Image Credits
Heather Carroll