We were lucky to catch up with Zakia Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zakia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Early 2018 I took a risk & almost maxed out my only credit card buying 12 t-shirts that said “Sage, crystals & trap music.” It was risky because I had no money and no plan but I knew that the tee would be a hit on social media and I would eventually make the money back. 4 years later I have made more money than I ever planned and my business is still here growing.

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?

Hi, my name is Zakia! I’m a mom of 4, A feisty Pisces and a boss… but this was not always my story!

I had a really bad year in 2017 which lead me to start this business in February 2018. I became obsessed with spirituality because it was the only thing that helped me feel better during my depression. Spirituality was freedom for me, it was different from religion and I felt like my views on it should be shared to help other people going through similar things as me. I started to collect healing crystals (Quartz is my favorite) I started to pray more, connect with God and my ancestors and I learned about different healing herbs (such as burning sage to clear your space.)

I came up with the t-shirt “Sage, Crystals & Trap Music” and that was my way into the spiritual community, I haven’t looked back since.

I’m most proud of the fact that I get to be my authentic self while inspiring other women to believe in themselves, I don’t have to show up perfect I just have to show up as myself.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I originally started with $100 that was on a credit card, I had no money! From there I would make more and invest it right back into the business. I eventually received capital from Shopify and that helped me purchase more inventory that I once dreamed of and I continue to reinvest.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

My near death experience for my business wasn’t what most people experience. I had a sale one day that ended up doing extremely well, it was a last minute sale I did not plan to get so many orders. I had so many orders that it took me about a month to fulfill them. It was during that time that I learned to always be prepared before a sale and don’t rush the money process, it’s not always good if it comes too fast.

Contact Info:

• Website: Quartzandrainbows.com
• Instagram: @quartzandrainbows
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Quartzandrainbows
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC91ucH7sIiexYd8jbjBpWRw

Image Credits
Desiree Thompkins Adey J Produxions