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

Shaina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The way I started my business was completely random. I am very big on journaling and I like to reflect on previous journal entries. It was September 2020, and I was going through my journal entries from a few years ago. I stumbled upon my “business plan” entry and I was writing about how I wanted to start my own spiritual shop and make jewelry. The entry was from 2018, so I said to myself, you’ve been writing the same thing for 2 years, it’s time to just go for it. So, I went to Walmart and bought this super cheap earring kit, and I made 3 pairs of earrings in less than an hour. From that moment it started to just take off. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and I didn’t have anyone to show me the way either. There was nobody I could reach out to if I had any questions because nobody around me was an entrepreneur. So I honestly was winging it. I was buried in custom orders the first two months I launched my business. I didn’t have a fancy website, business license, budget, nothing of the sort. I spent about $300 on materials and made close to $800 my first two months in business. I was working at a restaurant so whenever I had extra money I would order materials I needed. I was extremely unorganized. I’m finally getting a handle on how to run a business. I’m still learning as I go, but now thankfully, Im surrounded by people I can reach out to and ask questions.

Shaina , 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?

I have always loved fashion and I’ve been on my spiritual journey since around 19 years of age and the two sort of intertwined. I originally, wanted to just make the regular chakra focused jewelry, but that idea went out the window when I noticed I wasn’t able to create the same thing twice. Once I get the energy out there, it’s out there, so it quickly turned into a one of a kind shop. All of my pieces are one of one, I do not make duplicates. I’ll make similar pieces, but there are no two that are exactly alike. At first it was frustrating because I wanted to make my pieces in bulk but then I realized it’s perfectly tailored energy for the person that buys this piece. Custom made for their journey in life, and I love that. I feel every piece should be as unique as the person wearing it. I also love how I connect with my customers. It’ll go from them purchasing an item, to me helping them release energy, giving advice or just giving them the space to just be their authentic self. I’ve realized a lot of people aren’t in spaces where they feel safe enough to be heard, seen or just be, and I am grateful to be able to provide that. Fingers crossed one day I can move my shop into a physical store so people can come in a feel at peace.

What sets me apart from others is me being who I am. My personality has so much texture and layers to it, I absolutely love it. I’m a wild card, but in a unicorn kind of way. I love to laugh and I have such a passion for love, life, nature and universal connection. I feel everything very deeply and I allow it to flow. I allow myself to just be fluid and remain authentic to who I am. It’s very rare when I look outside of myself for inspiration and when I do I’m inspired by art nature, or a conversation I had with someone. I focus on how I want the person to connect with the piece and how it will be both beautiful, healing and purposeful. I take pride in my ability to connect with myself and others, so much that if I am having a rough day, I won’t make anything because I don’t want to transfer that energy into my pieces. I am excited to see how my journey with my business will unfold and evolve.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I started my business I was in the middle of ending a long term relationship. I was with this person for 13 years and that was a very hard adjustment not only for me but for my daughter. When I moved into my own apartment, I was working 14-21 day stretches some weeks to afford my living situation. I took some time off from my business and even debated just giving it all up because it was just too much. I would always get these gentle nudges from the universe to keep pushing. My daughter would even make remarks about how she haven’t seen me make jewelry in a while and that motivated me to pick myself up. It was hard because I didn’t really have any revenue, nor was I in the position to save any money and put it into my business. But, I listened to my gut and powered through and everything ended up working out for the best. I was even able to expand to making candles, so I am glad that I didn’t give up. I still have my days, but I have such a strong support system that I will always have someone in my corner rooting me on.

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

I’ve been through so many job changes. I feel like Barbie, how she has all these job titles. Last year was actually the hardest for me. I was working somewhere for two years and I just couldn’t find the motivation to keep working there. So I quit. I worked five different jobs, all different kinds of restaurants and I even worked at a warehouse which was the absolute worst. But, through all of that I actually learned to value my happiness first. It doesn’t matter what it looks like to others. I’m sure people were thinking how is she a mother and hopping from job to job. The greatest lesson I taught myself was not to settle and trust yourself. For years, I would settle in situations that did not bring me joy because I cared too much how others saw me. But I quickly learned, it doesn’t matter how people feel about the choices I make in my life. I’m always where I need to be even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. I’ve learned some amazing lessons throughout all of that and all of those changes last year led me to going back to school, opening up more to others, getting out my comfort zone and so much more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SbbyPhoenixMonea?fbclid=PAAaYfv9ezkxg8namn3rTTJ5eYO3dJSZqsrqFLstX0QcrfGrAkjbauz395Biw&load_webview=1&bid=GOb8_DdAF59wuZFCDUHIKmKbySzk
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/authentically_beyoutiful?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=