Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Garcia, Founder of Emily's Majestic Gemstones, located in Pflugerville, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Greetings! I am Emily, owner of Emily's Majestic Gemstones in Pflugerville, Texas. My customers are not only local but from all over the United States. Whether a person is going through a challenging time with family, work, friends, or any other type of situation, my products offer a way of spiritual healing and providing peace to the inner body. It's important to understand caring for our inner peace, restoring energy fields, and loving ourselves are essential in living within the world we live in. I am honored to offer a variety of crystals and stones that offer a spiritual way of healing the body, mind, and soul.

Tell us about yourself

After working for over 27 years in the healthcare industry, I felt something was still missing in my journey of love and growth. I've always had a fascination with crystals and stones. I would go to a local store within my area to buy stones and crystals. I loved looking at the many types of stones and crystals, colors, and shapes of them.

It wasn't until I had my first vibrational encounter with several specific stones that it opened my interest further. I didn't quite understand at first, but after reading up on my experience and the inner spiritual change I felt, I realized there was more to the crystals and stones I was buying. It was at this point that I opened myself to the world of stones and crystals, where I found my true meaning and began to embark on my amazing journey to spread love, positive energy, spiritual healing, and empowerment to many. It has been and continues to be such a motivating experience to be able to share all the goodness I have with others. To see the impact that stones and crystals have had on individuals is such a rewarding sight and pushes me to continue to spread love, energy, and spiritual healing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being able to spread the love, joy, energy, and spiritual healing to many and seeing the impact it has made in their lives. Seeing the impact these beautiful creations have made in my life gave me comfort, knowing I was able to share my experiences and products to help others.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the biggest challenges in being a business owner is the organizational and time management aspects. Although I was proactive in performing my due diligence in knowing all the processes that were involved in setting up and maintaining a business, there were elements that I did not necessarily consider closely. From reading up all the required forms to establish my business, understanding the expectations of maintaining my business, searching for products, and performing live stream events to attending market events, there is quite of bit of time and organization that must be invested while continuing to maintain work/life balance.

What I found helpful was reading up on how to effectively maintain my business and even taking training in time/organizational management. This is a continuous process that should be followed throughout any type of business which is why it is important to take time for yourself to read and absorb information. I make it a point to designate 1 hour each week to research and read up on information surrounding my type of business. Incorporating this proactive approach has assisted me in not being so overwhelmed and stressed in trying to maintain my business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Of the many tips out there, here are my top 3 to recommend.

  1. Perform in-depth research on what is precisely required in establishing a business. This means more than just researching on the internet and reading up on articles on what's all involved. Dive in further to know the inner details. For example, as part of establishing a business, there are required tax licensing forms to complete. I suggest searching through your respective state's comptroller website and reading about what specifically is required. There may be training courses that a state comptroller website may offer. I would suggest taking those courses. There might be additional training courses you can take from a business professional that would also be helpful. Looking into what's offered in your close proximity and taking a course or two can greatly benefit you in making sure you are covering all aspects surrounding your business.
  2. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. It's okay to be cautious about doing something you're not normally used to. Asking questions is the key to obtaining a more enhanced and clear way into your business. No question is ever a silly question. This process may take time but stay diligent will help to ensure you are covering the basics of your business. This can also lead to increased confidence in your business and decreased stress in feeling you might not be addressing everything within establishing and maintaining your business.
  3. Create a thorough checklist for yourself. As there are so many elements to consider in establishing a business, I recommend making several checklists to help keep you organized. For example, but not limited to:
    a. One checklist on what paperwork is required to establish your business. (i.e., State ID Tax info, Franchise Tax info, setting up accounts in comptroller systems, creating a business bank acct, etc.)
    b. One checklist on what elements you need to do to maintain your business. (i.e., quarterly tax submissions, annual franchise reports, etc.)
    c. One checklist on tracking expenses.
    d. One checklist on tracking sales.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Whether you're thinking about starting a business or actually en route in setting up your business, do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Remember, this is a new venture for you. With any new opportunities comes uncertainty and confusion in processes/requirements/expectations. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask questions on any clarifications you need. There are many resources at our fingertips. It knows what resources are out there, where to go and who to ask that can greatly assist you in establishing your dream.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3xOLYbB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilysmajesticgemstones2021/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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