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

Hi Mariah, thanks for 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?

No matter how difficult or challenging things may get, I’ll always be happier as a business owner. That doesn’t mean I still don’t have the thought from time to time what it would be like to just have a regular job. I’ve had that thought here and there along my journey as a small business owner, when things have gotten exceptionally hard. I may even have that thought it in the future. I think when we’re put into uncomfortable situations we first tend to look for either the safe route or for a solution. So, the last time I had this thought, I wanted to see it as an opportunity to take that uncomfortableness and use it to grow and evolve into bigger and better things within myself and my business. It gave me more incentive to push myself and explore the unknown. It was a big eye opener that I can change my perspective and see all sides of whatever I’m going through and use it as a learning lesson.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Mariah Gonzales, and I’m the owner and founder of Magickal Madre. I create spooky and magickal themed aromatherapy products all by hand since 2019. I create things such as candles, wax melts, incense, room sprays, etc. I became a first time mom at the age of 22 and was looking for a way to support myself and my child while staying at home to take care of her. I’ve always had the idea that I wanted to own my own business that incorporated my passion for horror, witchcraft, and aromatherapy. So I started my research, began making products, and really fell in love with how creative I could be and how I could connect with people through my work. I feel like what sets me apart is putting my own personality into my work and letting my products be a reflection of myself. I’m so proud that I decided to take a leap of faith, trust that everything was going to work out, and know that I’m capable of accomplishing my dream. What I really want everyone to take away from my brand and my products is that they are an extension of myself, my life, and my passions. All the products I make I use myself and I truly pour my heart into my brand and each and every thing I create.

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

I found my audience on social media by not only regularly promoting my website and products but also by engaging/connecting with other small business owners, making quality/aesthetically pleasing content, and being confident/excited about my brand. It was definitely not, and still isn’t easy, but once you find your niche crowd the support and / or audience can only go up from there. With that being said, for anyone just starting out I would definitely follow any or all of those things and keep pushing even when it seems like it’s not working. Utilize the resources you have and don’t be afraid to try new things!

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Since I’ve started my business I’ve always used my own website. I’ve went through a couple different website builders such as Big Cartel, Shopify, and currently I use Squarespace. I’ve switched from each one due to what I needed for my business at the time since all of these offer different plans. I like how I can customize my website to my liking, create loyalty programs, and learn about different things such as shipping, payment options, etc. I would say the biggest con is trying to build from scratch and teach yourself how to work everything to get a nice flow to your website. Once you have it down though, the creative freedom is endless.

Contact Info:

• Website: magickalmadre.com
• Instagram: @magickalmadre
• Facebook: Magickal Madre
• Twitter: @magickalmadre

Image Credits
Mariah Gonzales