We recently connected with Veronica Winther and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I were starting over, I’d definitely start more niche. Instead of launching broad with so many product types, I would pick 2 to 5 standout items and make them really solid—design, quality, messaging, everything. That way, I could build a strong foundation and grow from there, instead of learning through trial and error with such a wide range.
I’d also reverse how I approached product presentation. In the beginning, I focused on all the details first—descriptions, features, packaging—but didn’t prioritize having a picture-perfect look for the product. Now I know: great photos sell products. Especially in today’s digital and AI-enhanced world, if you can’t present your product beautifully, it’s going to be hard to compete. That’s just the truth—no offense to AI!
I’ve also learned not to take it all so seriously. I used to aim for perfection in every post, every launch, every detail. But honestly, having more fun, being more playful and human—that’s what connects with people. Lastly, I’d remind myself to explore what I can do on my own, but also not to wait too long to try new things and test ideas. Honing in earlier would’ve saved me time and money.
That said, I still really honor the process that got me here. The mistakes taught me everything, but if I could shave off some of the overwhelm for my younger self, that’s how I’d do it.
Veronica, 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?
Hi! I’m Veronica, the founder of BellaVee, a self-care brand rooted in intention, beauty, and soul. I create crystal-infused candles, curated gift boxes, handmade malas, and wellness accessories that elevate everyday moments into meaningful rituals. Everything I offer is designed to bring more peace, grounding, and joy into people’s lives.
I got into this world through a very personal journey. I’ve always been drawn to spiritual practices, healing, and the power of energy. I was raised in a small town in Idaho, and after experiencing a lot of early-life challenges, I found comfort in group therapy, metaphysical bookstores, and exploring different paths of personal growth. That led me to Arizona, where I worked in health clubs & spas and really started tuning into the importance of self-care—not just as a luxury, but as a necessity.
When I moved to Austin, Texas, I decided to start my own business and built BellaVee from the ground up. I taught myself everything—from product development to website coding—and poured all of my life experience into creating something that could truly help people feel seen, supported, and more connected to themselves.
What sets BellaVee apart is the intention behind every product. These aren’t mass-produced items. Each candle is hand-poured, each gift box is thoughtfully curated, and many of the products—like our malas and gemstone pieces—carry real energetic significance. I also partner with organizations like CodeSpa, which supports women in Indigenous communities, because giving back and building something bigger than myself has always been a core part of my vision.
We specialize in gifts that are personal, soulful, and unforgettable—whether it’s for a client, a celebration, a wellness event, or simply for someone needing a little light. I love creating custom experiences and helping people express their care in meaningful ways.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, especially as a woman building something out of nothing with a deep desire to make a difference. I’m proud that BellaVee reflects my truth—and that it resonates with people who are craving more beauty, more presence, and more connection in their lives.
If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s this: you don’t have to do self-care the way everyone else does. You can create your own rituals. You can surround yourself with energy that uplifts you. And you deserve gifts—whether for yourself or others—that truly reflect that. That’s what BellaVee is here for.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, definitely. There have been a handful of books that have deeply shaped the way I think about business, people, and life in general. Each one has offered something different—but they all expanded my thinking in ways I’m really grateful for.
1. Nudge: The Final Edition by Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein
This book completely shifted how I look at human behavior and decision-making. It really opened my eyes to how subtle “nudges” can influence choices and how powerful that can be when applied ethically in business. It helped me start thinking outside of the box in terms of how I interact with customers, present products, and create experiences that feel intuitive and engaging.
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear
A popular one for sure—but for good reason. This book gave me a grounded and practical approach to building consistent habits, both personally and professionally. When you’re running a business, your systems are everything, and Atomic Habits reminded me that small, consistent actions are what truly move the needle over time.
3. How to Read People by Xena Ronin
This book dives into body language and non-verbal cues in a way that I found incredibly fascinating and helpful. It taught me not only how to pick up on subtle things in others but also how to become more aware of my own presence and how I communicate without words. That awareness has helped me tremendously in markets, vendor events, and even client gifting—when you understand people better, you can serve them better.
4. Living from a Place of Surrender by Michael Singer
This book has been life-changing. It’s all about learning to let go of control and learning to move through life and business with more ease and trust. As an entrepreneur, things rarely go exactly as planned, and this book gave me tools to stay centered through it all. It’s been a huge blessing in helping me find more balance—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Each of these resources impacted me in a different way, but together they’ve helped shape the philosophy behind how I build, show up, and stay grounded in my business and life.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I started with my own e-commerce website and then slowly expanded to platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, and selling through social media as well. Each one has its own pros and cons, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is: don’t try to do everything at once—especially if you’re a solo founder or a small team.
In my experience, it’s much better to pick one or two platforms and really focus on building your presence there first. Every platform has its own learning curve, algorithm, audience behavior, and backend system—so trying to manage multiple ones all at once can get overwhelming fast. Unless you already have a team in place to help, it can end up spreading you too thin and slowing down your growth.
That being said, each platform has value depending on your business goals. Your own website gives you full control and branding power, Etsy is great for handmade and giftable items, and Amazon can be incredible for reaching a huge audience if you have the right systems in place. Cratejoy has been an interesting space for gift boxes and subscription-style offerings, but again—each one requires attention and strategy.
So, if I had to give advice based on my own experience, it would be this: pick one, maybe two, and go deep before you go wide. Build your flow, understand your customer, and then expand once it feels sustainable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopbellavee.com
- Instagram: @shopbellavee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopbellavee
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-winther-5b914728a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shopbellavee/shorts
