Category: Small Business

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 online only crystal shop, visit Metaphysical Vibes on Instagram.

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

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p.s. the title of this blog post was inspired by this song by Audioslave – Like a Stone

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.

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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.

bookmark_borderHow To Sell Online If You’re Not Popular

Posted on by savethesavages
Stones & crystals in this photo (clockwise) – Heated Citrine, Moss Agate, Green Aventurine and Pyrite. Citrine Quartz in the middle.

Selling stuff online is a new venture for me. Some people are really good at it, while others (like me) might be off to a slow start.

It’s better to be honest about where you’re at currently, and right now things are going a bit slow – I don’t have a huge social media following and I rarely show my face. This might not be the case for everyone, but I think people tend to buy from a seller when they show their face or have built up some kind of online reputation over the years…

I have neither of those things and so I have to start from scratch. Maybe you are on the same boat as me? Well then, keep reading.

So how does one go about selling online if you’re not popular online?

There are a few ways to do this, but one of the ways requires spending money. I already know what you’re thinking – boo, hiss, groan!! I feel your pain – why should you spend money if no money is even coming in yet??

But understand this concept – in order to make money, you also have to spend it. Think of it as an investment.

In order to make money, you also have to spend it.

Business owners understand this concept very well, and I am learning this too. Startup costs like purchasing inventory or product to sell, hosting and domain for your online store, shipping materials, etc. If you’ll be selling at a local flea market you’ll be paying to be there and you’ll also have to rent or purchase a tent, chairs, tables and whatever items you might need to make your tent or table look appealing to potential buyers.

So you see, EVERYTHING costs money. But if you see it as an exchange for the things you want (because in reality that IS what it is), you won’t feel like you’re ‘losing’ money or that you’re always broke. No money is ever lost – instead you gained things, things that you’ve been wanting. Or you gained experience and knowledge. It’s a constant exchange and nothing more.

The other less expensive way is to just keep on trucking through posting on social media, SEO and blogging. This is the nature of things, where not everything can happen right away because you want them to. You have to build up your reputation and following by being active on social media consistently and not just when you feel like it. You also have to post really good content on your blog so it can be found on Google.

So in short, you have to experiment with all three of these things: paid advertising, blogging/SEO and social media.

One of the main requirements to selling online is patience. You’re planting a seed right now, so don’t expect it to sprout right now too!

I’m writing this because these are the things that I’m currently experiencing; in April 2017 I was so excited and full of fire to setup everything – the website, getting a seller’s permit & business tax license; those were not easy feats. The month of May was great because my good friend who is a herbalist invited me to have a table at a yoga studio for a small artisan faire – and I actually sold some stuff! Now it’s June and although I made a sale, I’m experiencing a little bit of a slump.

So I’m writing this to my future self – everything goes in cycles and you have to keep going with this. Be persistent, don’t give up and you will eventually see the fruits of your labor. You put in a lot of work already, don’t succumb to just being lazy and letting Etsy, Ebay or Amazon take a cut from your profits. You are technical, creative and motivated. You can see this through and you will still be here a year from now.

Here are the crystals & stones I’m currently working with to help me achieve my business goals – natural Citrine, Green Aventurine, Moss Agate & heat treated Citrine. Added Pyrite to the mix as well.

Update 11/27/18:
It’s been a year and a half since I wrote this blog post. My online crystal shop, Metaphysical Vibes is still up and running. I have experimented with Google AdWords and Facebook ads; though both are great I feel as if Google AdWords is slightly better as it brings actual buyers.

I have made some sales on the website, but it’s inconsistent as most people still go to my Etsy. It’s going to take some time before people start shopping on my website on a regular basis.

Update 11/28/20:
Wow, it’s been 2 years since I wrote this blog post. The crystal shop is still there, but I am not making as much sales as I used to. This year especially has been hard and not just for me but for every small business.

Don’t quit your day job (if you still have one).

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Like I said, remain consistent. This stuff takes time and it’s not a ‘get rich quick’ kind of scheme.

bookmark_borderWho Am I and What Am I?

Posted on by savethesavages

At this moment I exist in a female human form, living somewhere in the vast metropolis of Los Angeles…

but when I am reminded of what I really am – I am genderless, ambiguous, eternal. I am one with you, yet we are separate.

Although I am not a psychic, a healer, a teacher or coach…

I really like what those people do and the tools they work with interest me very much.

Let’s just say that I am a part of the metaphysical community,

but I’m still figuring out my role.

For now, I intend to experiment with having an ecommerce store selling crystals.

But to where will that take me next, I don’t know.

I’m just going with the flow, the current, the cosmic waves.

I aim to do business from the heart and to not worry about what other people are doing. Or to compare myself to them.

Again, I feel as if I started late. My mind wants to tell me that I should’ve done this a few years ago, because now…EVERYONE is doing it. But truthfully, I wasn’t even in the right mind or heart. I had no knowledge or understanding of having a small business, nor did I even have the desire to start. It sounded complicated and I just wasn’t into it at all. Also, I didn’t know much about crystals the way I do now…and I’m STILL learning! I will always be learning until I die, this is earth school after all.

Everything happens at the perfect time and I trust that.

I intend to have fun, enjoy the process, learn from the challenges and bask in my success…

and I hope that I can help others along the way and also learn from those who already did it as well.

bookmark_borderMetaphysical Vibes – My New Online Rock Shop

Posted on by savethesavages

Talk about rapid manifestation with Aries energy, I didn’t think I would be affected at all but when the time is right, you go for it even if you don’t have it all figured out. So I’ve decided to experiment with building up a new ecommerce business, selling something that I love and appreciate so very much: minerals.

I’m not sure where the idea came from, perhaps going to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows inspired me but at the same time I see so many people selling anything and everything online. I figured, well why can’t I do it too? And so here I am, practicing with my own resources. I think it will be a fun learning experience for me.

I was debating whether to go with Shopify or WooCommerce, but ended up with WooCommerce; the price for Shopify (although easier to set up) was just too steep for me. So even though it took a few steps to set everything up for WooCommerce – from buying the domain and hosting, installing WordPress and WooCommerce, connecting my PayPal account and all the tedious steps in between, it was less expensive.

Check it out: https://metaphysicalvibes.com/

bookmark_borderTaking Part in Your Community

Posted on by savethesavages

It would be easier to say ‘fuck LA, it’s gentrified. I’m moving the fuck out.’

Yes, easy right?

But much harder and more of a challenge to actually stick around and take up space in your own community.

Let’s be real here, do you really want to move; especially if you’ve lived in LA for so long? I’ve thought about the logistics of getting a house that I can actually afford…in the desert, but financially it would still cost the same. And besides, why the hell should you move just because some out-of-towners are taking over your neighborhood. Fight back!

So the question is, how do you fight back, then?

By supporting local businesses, supporting your friends who are all grown up now and have started opening up their own businesses; supporting small mom and pop shops who have become a fixture in the neighborhood. Support them by buying something, don’t ask for free stuff; understand that they have to make money and have bills to pay too.

Fight back by taking up space, why not start your own small business if you have an idea that you think people would love? This is your city, too!

Most of us have gone beyond the self-centered mentality – when you were young all you cared about was yourself. It’s understandable, you had to build yourself up first in order to survive. There was a time when it served you well.

Now is the time to give back and help out.

I hope this puts things into perspective a little bit. Here is an excellent read: 9 Tried & True Methods for Fighting Back Against Gentrification