Today we’d like to introduce you to Camila Garcia-Medina.
Hi Camila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a 24-year-old Latina woman from Central Florida. I am a full-time student and full-time worker, along with running my own small business since February of 2021. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in Business Information and Management at Seminole State College. I’m proud to be a first-generation High School and College graduate from an immigrant family. I am fluent in both Spanish and English, and I also have some French under my wing. As a full-time worker, I am a Judge’s Assistant in Seminole County. I enjoy both working for a Judge and pursuing a higher education.
Leo Aura was founded on February 27th, 2021. This was during a time in which I was feeling spiritually inclined and moving away from my traditional Catholic beliefs. In the past, I had discovered some metaphysical shops in my area and purchased crystals, incense, and other spiritual tools from those shops. Although I have loved rocks, minerals, and specimens since I was little, I never really looked into the healing properties they might provide. In 2020, as many of us were stuck at home, I began to do more research into crystals and witchcraft. I quickly submerged myself into a world of information I didn’t even know existed. After months of research, I decided to make my first spell jar. This was a protection spell jar necklace that aids in protection from negativity and evil eye. Enthused about my newest creation, I sent a picture to a few of my friends. To my surprise, my friends loved my spell jar and asked if they would be able to buy one. This got me thinking… “Should I sell these on Etsy?”. This question really got me thinking and wondering if this would be something I could manage while working and going to school full time. Without hesitation, I decided that this is something I would love to pursue. I opened my Etsy shop on February 27th, 2021 and listed my first product. Within the next 2 days, I had an outpour of love and support from friends, family, and new followers on my social media platforms. As time passed, I began selling crystal jewelry, crystals, and other handmade witchy crafts. Throughout 2021, I attended over 10 vendor events where I proudly displayed my art, including at the 2021 Florida Cannabis Festival.
Leo Aura has brought out a side of me that I never thought I would be able to find. I have enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends along the way. All of the love and support that everyone has given me is more than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful and blessed to have so many that believe in me. I would not be where I am without friends, family, and loved ones.
Alright, 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?
One of the biggest obstacles I face is managing my time while working and going to school full time. As an entrepreneur, your business will require a lot of your time. Being limited to how much time I can dedicate to my business is difficult because it is challenging to keep up with trends in the crystal community. The best way I am able to overcome this challenge is by managing my time effectively. Planning ahead helps me to have time to create new products for my customers.
Another challenge I face is the demand within the crystal community. There are so many amazing crystal shops on Etsy and on Instagram. All of these shops, including mine, are constantly working on providing our customer’s crystals that are trending. Due to there being so many crystal shops on these platforms, providing the best price for your customers while not underpricing your work and time is very difficult. Just like in other professions, competition will always be a challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in Crystal Jewelry, Crystals, Specimens, and other Witchy Tools. Our mission is to provide a safe space for our customers to learn about the healing properties of crystals, while also guiding customers to the crystals that will work best for them. Our products are thoroughly and routinely cleansed so they can arrive to their new homes in the best of conditions. We are dedicated to making every experience with Leo Aura as magical as possible!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I definitely see Leo Aura expanding within the next 5 to 10 years. As of right now, we are working on our website which will be launching on February 27th, 2022! We also aspire to own a metaphysical store in the near future. It would be a dream come true to provide our customers a permanent location for all of their metaphysical needs.
Contact Info:
- Email: leoauraetsy@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeoAura
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo.auraa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leo-Aura-106577114828100
