Category: Small Business

bookmark_border2018 – Year of the High Priestess (Drawing)

Posted on by savethesavages

It just dawned on me as to why I haven’t been posting consistently on Instagram for Metaphysical Vibes…social media feels whatever to me right now; it’s safe to say that I can live without it (I probably can’t). I don’t have FOMO either (liar). Ha! I do wish some people would try being mysterious for once and not post everything that they do; maybe we’d have something to talk about in real life? I don’t know, just a thought…

Unfortunately I can’t escape it entirely as it’s still a major part of my job.

Anyways…

In numerology it’s the year of the High Priestess in Tarot – add the numbers 2018 (2 + 0 + 1 + 8 = 1+1 = 2).

Last year 2017 was the year of the Magician; it makes total sense as to why I got inspired and was consciously making action-oriented moves with the crystal business.

The High Priestess to me is all about introspection, self-knowledge, deep inner wisdom but also isolation. Lately I’ve been just wanting to be alone; I mentioned in my last blog post that I don’t mind it at all. I love being alone and learning things about myself.

I also noticed that although I haven’t been posting a whole lot I’m still making sales. That is nice and I appreciate it. With all the people who are constantly hustling, pushing minerals on Instagram it feels nice that I don’t have to work so hard to “sell”, I don’t have to struggle or compete to be constantly in people’s feeds. The crystals and the reviews people have left me are doing the work for me; I didn’t even have to ask anybody to leave me a review – each person did it because they wanted to. I am so thankful that my selling/small business experience is matching my personal energy; I kept thinking that my introvertedness (sometimes ambivert, occasional extrovert) would ruin my chances of selling anything.

I’m also thankful that I can express my creativity through Metaphysical Vibes.

Cheers to everyone who is working on breaking free from their jobs. I haven’t fully done it, but I’m making my way towards it; at the pace that I’m comfortable with.

Call me a part time business owner for now I guess.

bookmark_borderA Crystalline Sky – Thursday 01/04/2018

Posted on by savethesavages

To will, to dare, to dream, to want…

but don’t expect it to arrive exactly in the way you imagined.

Wanting without expecting it to be a certain way certainly feels like a balancing act; want it too much and you become obsessed, want it too little but then nothing happens. That’s why they call spirituality a practice – something you have to constantly work on. The non-attachment part can get tricky.

There’s lots of things I should be doing for Metaphysical Vibes to achieve certain results but haven’t quite gotten around to doing, like YouTube videos. I’m also supposed to be blogging a lot more too; actually I’m supposed to be creating LOTS of content on a consistent basis. Not sure if I can do it all though. Some days I feel like I should be posting more on Instagram or do an auction or a sale like everybody else yadda yadda…

But it all seems exhausting. Most of the time I just end up doing nothing and I’m totally fine with that.

But I guess I am doing something, I’m typing my thoughts here and practicing my writing. And I’ve been playing with the image above.

So I have resolved to not compete with anyone and just go at my own pace, that’s what I’m doing.

Reminding myself that I’m not everybody else so why do I feel the need to do what everyone else is doing?

Success is different for everybody, and I feel that I am already successful. Now I just have to step it up and see how far I can go with the resources I have.

I feel pretty grateful that I’ve gotten this far and I know it can only get better from here.

bookmark_borderWhy Share Your Business Stuff?

Posted on by savethesavages

Why let other people know about what you’re doing so they can copy it?

I share my thoughts (not every single thing) on growing a small business so I can look back on it and see my own progress, so I can learn from my mistakes.

I share it with everyone who is searching for answers, as I am doing the same exact thing by searching online. Perhaps what I write here will be useful to someone else, as I’m just paying it forward. I also believe that no one’s success is diminished just because someone shared supposed industry secrets that others before me have already shared. We’re all learning everyday. Besides – I’m not the first one to do so and I won’t be the last; it just so happens to be from my personal perspective.

There’s lot of free information out there on the world wide web, you just have to search for it.

Also, there’s a niche for spiritually minded but weird business people – though making money is the common goal, we are also motivated by different factors. If you follow/subscribe to Carolyn Elliott’s newsletter (badwitch.es) – she writes about this kind of stuff perfectly; I love it.

Here’s some of the things I have searched for; and as silly as they sound – other people genuinely seek answers to these same questions like:

How do I get more real followers on Instagram?

Which social media platform should I focus on?

How often should you offer discounts?

What to do when sales slow down on Etsy?

Why do people undercut their prices?

Is it better to leave “sold out” products on the website or hide them?

*

I will add more to this when I get a chance.

As far as copying goes, I’ve spent a lonnnng fucking time being frustrated about people who copy. It actually hindered me from doing any kind of creating. I’ve come to the conclusion that you just have to keep going and let the public decide; keep putting out good content that’s true to yourself and people will eventually see you.

bookmark_borderPetitioning The Spirits Through Candle Magic

Posted on by savethesavages

So I don’t like to admit that I was sort of bumming out that sales had really slowed down at Metaphysical Vibes and on Etsy, a little depressed even. But I think that your first year as a small business is always the hardest – there are days when I start to question myself, there are days when I don’t know if I will even last. Luckily the crystals always know how to bring me back to my center and then I am myself again.

I learned recently that commitment to being consistent is the most challenging thing for me right now. Consistency when it comes to posting to social media, consistency in posting crystals to the shop. I’m definitely doing it but a small part of me is also getting a little tired.

Consistency is hard; I read something in a book that 60% of all new businesses fail within the first year. That and the motivation to keep at it especially when you’re not seeing the results you want is the hardest.

One of my flaws is that I’m impatient; kind and patient with everyone else but impatient with myself. I couldn’t just sit around anymore, I had to do something to get things moving a little bit.

So that’s when I finally decided to order 2 candles from Jessyka Winston of hausofhoodoo.com to help me get some business back. Everyone’s been raving about her fixed candles so I wanted to see for myself. Long story short, the candle did (and is still doing it’s work) even before I actually lit it and business started to pick up again. I’m so thankful for that.

I guess the point of this blog post is – don’t be too proud to ask the spirits for help. Yes we go with the cosmic flow of the universe, but we can also do some things to get it moving. We all need a little help sometimes whether we need money, a better job or a new relationship. For me, I wanted better business.

And while you are asking for help, don’t expect the spirits to do ALL the work for you. You still have to do your part – meaning that you have to be really intentional with what you want.

Pyrite with Quartz is not for sale, it’s from my personal collection. Pyrite is the perfect mineral for attracting money, wealth and making shit happen aka manifestation (especially for those who have a business or are thinking of starting one). Also a great and masculine protector from negative energies.

bookmark_borderQuiet Like the Stones

Posted on by savethesavages

Random personal/small business update:

The more I work with crystals, the less I want to talk. I’ve not said a word on my personal Instagram or Twitter and I almost want to delete both of them. It seems as if I have nothing to say. I’ve also been watching less TV and am ready to cut off cable; I haven’t even watched Stranger Things Season 2.

I’m becoming more quiet and antisocial, except with the people I already know. Not wanting to be around basic people, talking about basic shit. It seems as if the crystals don’t want me to taint my energy either; it doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone, I just don’t want to talk about those things. If you don’t want to talk about those things, that also means you don’t want to be around those same people who talk about those things.

I’m also starting to sound like a crazy fucking person, talking about crystals and how they “talk” to me. FYI they don’t talk to me, at least not in the way that you and I would think; it’s more of a subtle, psychic impression that almost sounds like it’s coming from me but it’s not. And if you let your mind overthink you might just miss it.

Which brings me to the next point: I’m losing my mind and I couldn’t be happier. My mind has taken a back seat and I’m alright with that. I feel less judge-y and opinionated about people and things, including myself…ESPECIALLY myself. I just don’t care anymore.

The past version of me would probably be feeling nervous, anxious, afraid that I’ve spent a lot of money to fill up the crystal shop. But surprisingly, I don’t. This must be some kind of test to see where I’m at with the spiritual work I’m doing while simultaneously building the business.

I really don’t know if I’m doing the right thing at all, but it doesn’t feel wrong either. I trust that everything will work out if I remain consistent and not quit before reaching my first year.

The business of selling crystals is actually quite competitive; and while it is competitive, it’s also a good indication that business is going great – that there’s an actual market for it.

And that’s all I have to say. The world is evolving; a lot of women are speaking out about rape culture and inappropriate sexual behavior, the patriarchy is crashing down, a lot of people are realizing that there is more than meets the physical eye.

If you are interested in checking out my crystal shop, visit Metaphysical Vibes.

Thanks to everyone who is visiting this little blog of mine, I hope it’s helping you in some way.

bookmark_borderHalloween Self-Portrait 2017 + Update

Posted on by savethesavages

So sales have slowed down and I’m slightly frustrated by it. I guess I got spoiled when everything ramped up in the last couple of months. But I suppose this gives me time to reflect and be thankful for my accomplishments.

On October 22nd, 2017 I reached my 6 month mark being in business.

What are the pros and cons of having a small business? I will tell you from my perspective:

Pro #1: I really enjoy learning about the crystals as well as looking for crystals and stones to add to the shop.

Con #1: You WILL be spending money. There’s really no way around it.

????

Pro #2: I get to design/create/market things my way.

Con #2: You WILL be spending A WHOLE LOT of money.

There’s more but I will stop right there.

I didn’t take out a loan either, I was using my own savings and putting everything on a credit card and paying it back in huge amounts. But something happened recently where a family member borrowed a huge chunk of money and now I have no idea if it will be paid back. That’s a whole lot of uncertainty right there. So now I’m trying to figure out how to keep the business going while spending less? In other words, how to make my money last.

So that’s where I’m at currently. I knew from the getgo that this would be challenging and a different experience for me and I’m not about to give up right before I reach my first year. I know lots of small businesses fail and I don’t want to be one of them.

This is not a cry for help by the way. I’m just putting my thoughts down. I know everything will be fine, I just have to stay motivated, especially when it slows down.

I guess I would be freaking out if I didn’t have a job.

bookmark_borderIs the Internet Mysterious…

Posted on by savethesavages

Or am I just finally doing something right on this little blog of mine? I honestly don’t know. If you’re reading this, this is just a record of the personal and small business stuff that I want to share with the public. In other words, just a personal artsy fartsy, occult-y, small business blog.

I’m not sure why I’m getting regular visitors to this website now. Save the Savages was setup because I was transitioning from my graffiti artist identity to this. And I still don’t know what “this” is. I’ve stopped defining it. It’s just whatever I’m into.

Am I an artist? Yes. I don’t create art as much as I’d like to but I’m still an artist. Am I a designer? Yes, I design for work mostly and a little bit for my small business. Am I an online marketer, web designer, wife and cat mom? Yes, I am all of those things too. At this point I am multidimensional and always have been, as we all are really. Lots of things that I used to bitch about have come in handy for me as I apply certain techniques to the small business. I mean, how synchronistic is that?

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t limit yourself anymore. Stop telling yourself that you can’t do it. Ask yourself why, and keeping asking why. Keep asking yourself until you’re out of reasons or excuses. If you’re passionate about something, mix it with your other passions. Combine them and create a hybrid niche for yourself. Figure out a way to make money doing what you love.

You are God/Goddess afterall. You are the Universe experiencing itself.

bookmark_borderSome Personal Observations – 09/16/17

Posted on by savethesavages

So if you’ve been following my adventures in selling crystals and having a small business this year 2017, you’re probably aware that I actually have been making some sales both from my ecommerce website and Etsy.

What a big surprise that is to me because honestly, I have never been able to do that with my own artwork. And trust me, I HAVE tried many times!

Is it because my ego is not involved this time around? I’ve been wondering about this a whole lot.

Is it because I’m selling crystals for the greater good, to help people in some small way? I think so and I hope so.

In the past I have tried to sell my artwork so many times it seems – people liked it but nobody ever wanted to buy; the only time my artwork actually sold was in an art gallery or at an art auction. Or through friends.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful. I guess what I’m trying to get at is – wanting your art to be sold can often be backed by ego. And for me personally, it seems to be true.

I’m just speaking from personal experience, I’m not talking about anyone else.

But if you think about it – art tends to do that, doesn’t it? Build up someone’s ego. Because people are constantly telling you your is art great blah blah blah…

Then you start to feel disappointed when people aren’t buying your art. And it all comes crashing down, a dose of reality sinks in.

I had expectations of how it should be, and so I suffered. How did my suffering manifest itself? Through having a negative attitude, being hateful and resentful. Stressful work environment and bitching about it on this blog (some of you probably remember that), not being kind to myself, talking shit about others and eating bad food. The list goes on and on.

So anyways, I just wanted to write this down before I forget. I never saw myself as someone who would be selling crystals, let alone start a small business. But I believe the universe saw that I was suffering from myself and set me free. Little by little, through working on myself with the help of crystals, tarot, books and meditation – I started to become a different person.

bookmark_borderA Lot Can Happen in 3 Months – 9/10/2017

Posted on by savethesavages

 

A lot can happen in 3 months, a lot can happen in a year.

I wrote this post 3 months ago (June 2017): How To Sell Online If You’re Not Popular – unsure of how things were going to unfold.

Then I wrote this post: A Moment of Doubt When Diving Into the Unknown about a month and a half ago (July 24) when I was having doubts about whether I made the right decision to start up the crystal business.

But after I went and received my Level I Reiki attunement on August 13th, things started to really take off. The sales started rolling in.

I can’t explain it, and I won’t even attempt to. It’s all a bit mysterious and mystical to me how events are connecting itself.

Is it also because there were 2 major cosmic events in that month – a Lunar and a Solar eclipse? My Reiki teacher told me that during my attunement she had seen the Sun and the Moon out at the same time and that she saw a salmon far out in the ocean, far away from where it normally would be (in a river). The message is this: it won’t be easy but I have to be persistent to get to where I want to be. My Reiki attunement was such a beautiful and memorable experience. Everything’s the same, yet everything’s different.

I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I know it will be awesome and everything that I’ve wished for and more.

So I just wanted to write this post, expressing my deep thanks and gratitude for the things that are happening right now. We must get into the habit of expressing our blessings, big and small.

I am writing this too so I can look back and remember how the Universe supported me from the moment the idea came into my head.

And I will never forget it.

Cho Ku Rei

✨❤️✨

bookmark_borderA Moment of Doubt When Diving Into the Unknown

Posted on by savethesavages

A moment of doubt that needs to be aired out…

You made a decision and decided to commit to it, but the doubts and other naysaying aspects of yourself (all coming from you) start creeping into the mind and like literally a bunch of ‘what ifs’ start to come up. I’m not going to mention those ‘what ifs’ because they don’t exist, but my mind wants me to acknowledge them and make them come true through psychological repetition…

Why did I make it hard for myself?

Why didn’t I just sell on Etsy like everyone else?

Because you’re not like everyone else. I repeat: you’re NOT like everyone else.

You made it hard for yourself because deep down, you like a challenge; you like to problem solve and you like to learn and grow even though growth is annoying and a bit uncomfortable considering the money you’re investing into it. It’s a bit scary for you isn’t it…spending money and wondering if you’re going to get it back? Selling crystals on Etsy might’ve been way easier, but much harder for you to stand out since there’s so many people selling crystals & gemstones on there. Being outside of a selling platform might be harder but you’ll stand out more and you have more creative freedom. You’ve made the decision to become a legit small business so now stick with it. Things will not always be easy but be patient and persist, keep doing what you need to do to make your business grow and trust that it is already growing.

So get over your ridiculous ‘what ifs’. They don’t exist.