Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillene Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jillene. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Several years ago after my mother beat breast cancer, she became allergic and sensitive to scents from our favorite home items, scented candles. I moved to Los Angeles from New Jersey to get a fresh start from a dead-end corporate job, monotonous life, and hellish winters, not knowing the move would ignite my creative gifts. I quit my job, left my entire family and moved to LA without a job lined up and just a small, small savings.
The adjustment of being away from pretty much everything I loved was difficult, so I began to paint and create to cope. After moving into my first apartment, everyone who visited would say the same thing… they felt at home. There was a certain peaceful, serene and comfortable feeling everyone felt because of the items that surrounded them in my home. It was then that I discovered my gift and passion for creating warm, elegant, comfortable and serene living spaces.
After spending hundreds of dollars on candles that I could not burn when my mom was around, I decided to do some research into the candle-making industry to figure out a way to get my mom to enjoy scented candles again. In my research, I learned about the many toxins (some carcinogenic) that can be found in some wax candles, and how dangerous these chemicals are once they are airborne or burned.
Thankfully, I also learned about one of the cleanest waxes, Coconut wax. Coconut wax is created from coconut oil blended with other natural waxes which create near perfect burning candles, without harmful airborne chemicals. I took several classes on candle-making, read books and spoke with other professionals in the candle-making industry and knew I could make a difference. I wanted to make a difference not just for my mom, but for possible others who did not want to breathe in toxins when enjoying candles.
I researched using essential oils and fragrance oils in candles, and through trial and error, I was able to produce candles that burned cleanly and did not trigger my mom’s coughing spells. In addition, people continued to come by my home and ask me about my paintings, candles or the items I used to decorate my home with, and Amethyst Soul Home was created.
Amethyst Soul Home has been the vehicle I use to express my appreciation for my God-given creativity and to inspire others to pursue utilizing their creative abilities! Through Amethyst Soul Home products, I am able to express and share my version of comfort, elegance, and creativity globally.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything truly worth having rarely comes easy. It has not been an easy journey, but every day has been encouraging. Working two jobs, taking on other creative tasks like writing, on top of being an entrepreneur with a business that demands time in order to make money is indeed hard, very hard.
This is a one-woman show from start to finish. The first lessons I learned were in time management and energy management. I learned about what is and not worth your energy, and its okay to create boundaries around my time even if I have to sacrifice my social life.
As with any small business, a huge struggle is a financial strain of financing your own business as a single woman and balancing your other financial demands. Another challenge for me has been getting my brand out there to the masses with limited resources in an overly-saturated market.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amethyst Soul Home – what should we know?
Amethyst Soul Home is a home décor company that offers uniquely designed handmade items for the modern soulful home. Many of our products capture the purity and fine quality of items in nature, connect uniquely with the royal-soulful you, and create a sense of “home” comfort wherever you take the products!
I take pride in offering hand-crafted quality items that are created in small batches by local female artisans. Because many of the items are made to order or in small batches, they can be customized. There’s something that communicates love when you know an item has been specifically created just for you, and not mass produced. I value that because we were all created for a specific purpose and are unique.
Right now, Amethyst Soul Home offers scented Coconut wax container candles, doormats made from the fibrous husks of the inner shell of the coconut, paintings, throw pillows, and Macramé wall hangings. By the spring, Amethyst Soul Home will introduce bedding and drapery, as well as more smell goods.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The success of Amethyst Soul Home relies on the personal connection the items evoke. When you love an item, and it’s something you love to be around, you spread the word; you show it off. Much of my business has come from word of mouth.
So, that is why I’m excited to offer hand-crafted quality times by hand-picked artisans and small business owners. I know they strive for perfection, take pride in what they produce and make the items with love, and I believe people can sense that when they receive the final product.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amethystsoulhome.com
- Phone: 4246463882
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/amethystsoulhome
- Facebook: facebook.com/amethystsoulhome
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