We were lucky to catch up with Neida Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Neida, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Reflecting on my journey, I often find myself thinking, “I wish I had started my creative business sooner for sure.” In 2015, while working as a transplant nurse at Tampa General Hospital, I opened Reflection of Memories on Etsy. Initially, it was just an outlet for my creativity—a way to unwind and perhaps bring a little joy to someone with my handmade jewelry.

At that time, I wasn’t aiming to build a real business. It was more about finding balance in my life and expressing myself through art. However, as the months passed and orders began to increase, I realized that this venture was more than just a hobby. It became clear that I had stumbled upon something I was deeply passionate about—not merely the act of creating jewelry but the unique opportunity to be woven into people’s stories in small yet meaningful ways.

Etsy played a pivotal role in this transformation. The platform provided visibility and support that propelled Reflection of Memories beyond what I had initially imagined. Encouraged by its growth and the heartfelt feedback from customers who cherished my pieces, I decided to give this endeavor a chance to become something bigger.

Looking back now, there’s no doubt in my mind—I wish I’d taken this leap earlier. Balancing nursing with nurturing a burgeoning business wasn’t easy, but it taught me invaluable lessons about passion and purpose. For anyone standing at the crossroads of their career and dreams, let this be an encouragement: sometimes taking that step sooner can lead you down paths you never thought possible.

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

Reflection of Memories has always been more than just a jewelry brand. It’s a heartfelt endeavor where I transform people’s memories and stories of love, loss, struggles, and hope into personalized tokens they can carry with them. A necklace turns into a celebration of victory, and what could have been a simple bracelet becomes a piece of encouragement—a symbol of love, compassion, or hope. My jewelry is a small representation of what is important to my customers.

In my studio located in Wesley Chapel, FL., I process orders placed from all over the world through both my Etsy shop and Shopify Shop. Everything is personalized and handmade by me, carefully packaged and ready for gift-giving. Beyond the online realm, I also offer a permanent jewelry experience service in-studio, at markets, and at private events such as birthday parties, weddings, girl’s nights out, corporate holiday parties, and networking events. This unique experience allows people to bond over jewelry they can customize and match with those who mean the most to them.

I want people to know that my creations are handmade to help you express your love and appreciation for the significant individuals in your life. I strongly believe in the power of connection and aim to create pieces that embody those sentiments. When you choose one of my jewelry pieces, you’re not just adorning yourself with something beautiful; you are carrying a piece of your personal history and connections wherever you go.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting my business was a true test of resilience, and there are several moments that vividly illustrate this journey. One of the most challenging yet rewarding periods was when I first launched my Etsy shop. At the time, I was working full-time as a night shift nurse and adjusting to life as a new mom. The demands were immense, and those first three years were particularly grueling.

Balancing between being a mom and having two jobs required an extraordinary amount of dedication and time management. There were countless nights when I would come home exhausted from my nursing shift, only to spend hours crafting products for my Etsy store while my baby slept. It was in these quiet, late-night hours that I found the strength to push forward.

Despite the exhaustion and limited time, I knew deep down that I had a good idea—one that people would love. This belief fueled me through the toughest times, helping me find pockets of time to nurture both my family and my burgeoning business. Reflecting on those memories now fills me with pride; they remind me that resilience is not just about enduring hardship but also about believing in your vision even when the path isn’t easy.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Since the very beginning, I have always self-funded my business journey. I remember my first investment in jewelry supplies was a savings from my nursing salary. That initial step was both daunting and exhilarating, marking the start of an entrepreneurial adventure fueled by passion and determination.

Every subsequent investment has also come from my own resources. This approach has not only given me complete control over my business decisions but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility and ownership. Self-funding has taught me to be meticulous with budgeting, strategic with growth plans, and resilient in the face of challenges.

While self-funding can be demanding, it offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. It allows you to stay true to your vision without external pressures or influences. For anyone considering this path, remember that the journey may be tough but deeply rewarding as you watch your business grow through your own efforts and sacrifices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reflectionofmemories.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflectionofmemoriesshop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reflectionofmemoriesshop

Image Credits

Photo taken by Royalty Photography