Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Smith.
Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jessica Smith, and I am a mom of 2 amazing children. I am originally from New York but have lived in Florida for 10 years. I have always loved art and creating new things. I have been a teacher for many years working both in New York and in Florida.
My path to starting Savy Phoenix Creations LLC began in 2019. I was at a crossroads in my life and needed to find myself. Everything around me had changed, and it was difficult for me to grasp my new reality and the world around me. I found myself looking for ways to manage my daily frustrations, and the overwhelming feeling that my life had become a routine and I was not fully living. I began to spend a lot of my free time learning how to be still. I created a quiet place in my home where at the end of the day I could go relax and start to reflect on my day. I also started to learn about energy and the use of crystals, meditation, sound healing, and reiki with the help of my niece who is now a master reiki healer, sound bath healer, and massage therapist. And slowly, I became more aware of who I was and how my environment and those in it were affecting my life.
Being a teacher for 20-plus years my work environment also changed. I started out my 2020 school year by teaching a hybrid class of both online and in-person students. Technology issues, pandemic issues, and the overall daily routine of the unknown started to take a toll on me physically and mentally. I would come home extremely exhausted. Every day was unknown. But I was able to push through because I continued to listen to myself, and my body and find time for myself.
But this 2021-2022, school year was completely different. I had more students than I’ve ever had in my classroom with many who had never set foot in a school setting. And the first week of school I knew that it was going to be a tough year. I came home even more exhausted, and I started to question if teaching was something that I wanted to continue doing. There were many moments when I would just cry when I got home because of the stress and lack of support at work. I have always been called the teacher that, “can handle it”. But I was so unsure of how long I was going to be able to show up every day and give 100%. I knew that I needed to start making those tough decisions and have those hard conversations because I needed help and guidance.
So, I started to reach out for more help. I started to have many more conversations with the one person who has really helped me along my path of finding myself, my niece. And I was grateful to have someone who not only listened but gave me positive feedback and helped me answer that tough question. What is your next step? So, every day, I would go to work, and give what I could. And then I would go home and try to figure out what my next step would be. If I did not teach, what would I do? I went home one day and was scrolling through social media and came across a resin painting. It was infused with rose quartz crystals and gold leaf. And it just called to me. I texted my niece and jokingly said I should make this. Naturally, she replied go for it. And she reminded me that I have always loved art, and I have always been creative. But I was not sure if my creativity was going to be enough, so I put that thought away. A few weeks later, I had another stressful day at work. I came home with a headache and crying. I went straight to my quiet place and just sat there and cried. And prayed for help, as I knew I was losing myself. And that resin painting that I had seen weeks ago came to mind. And it made me smile. I picked up my phone and texted my niece and told her that I was going to start making pieces out of resin. And I knew that this would not only benefit me, it would show my children that starting something of your own is important, especially if it brought you joy.
Two weeks later, I had converted one of the bedrooms in my home into my office and I started to buy supplies. I had no clue how to use resin, but I knew that I was excited. I had not been excited about anything in a long time. I would come home every day and just look up materials. Hours of looking at mica powders, glitters, molds, looking at various videos of other creators making these colorful pieces. And I did not know how I was going to accomplish all of this, but I knew that I was going to one way or another. So, in September of 2021, I created Savy Phoenix Creations LLC.
I would rush home every day to create. I knew I wanted to show my love and interest in crystals. But I also wanted to create functional pieces. So, I started making resin serving trays and coasters influenced by the colors of crystals. It was so relaxing and amazing to watch the different hues blend into each other and then walk into my office the next day to see how the resin set overnight, and how it would set into something so beautiful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Not knowing anyone who has started their own business or having someone for business guidance has been tough. I have had to learn a lot of things on my own or through trial and error. It is also difficult to be excited about starting your own business and then not see the excitement and the same confidence from those around you. Many do not understand your vision or do not know how to support you so at times it has been lonely. And I have noticed that my biggest supporters were either people who have always been there for me throughout my life or complete strangers. But I am grateful every day for any support and guidance.
It has also been a learning process with what I create. I love, every piece I make, and naturally, I make things that I know I would personally buy. You can post the process, and the outcome, take your pieces to markets and post them on your online shop, but sometimes they just sit there. And that can be discouraging because it has taken you time and energy and money. But because I love creating, I just try to keep moving forward. Because this is all a learning process.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Savy Phoenix Creations LLC makes resin-based pieces that are inspired by crystals and nature. Many of my pieces are infused with crystals and created for the sole purpose of helping others on their life journey. The Phoenix Spiritual Collection was specifically created for those who have or need a quiet place in their home where they can relax, and maybe burn some sage or incense and meditate. And I am very proud of that collection because not only was it created in a matter of days, but it was created with so much love and intention. We also offer customized pieces, which are what a lot of the business was started on. And because of that interaction with clients, I was able to hear so many stories, and interests and proudly display them in the pieces that were made.
I think what sets us apart is that the intention of our brand is to help those heal and find themselves. I know that with every piece that I make I personally find a part of myself. And I know that I am that much closer to living my true purpose. Just like that resin painting that I came across this year inspired me and opened up a part of me that had been dormant for so long. I want others to feel that way when they receive a Savy Phoenix Creation LLC piece. I want them to have a sense of self, love, joy, and peace.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I am also researching and looking for different ideas on how to use the resin and what to make. Sometimes I do have a block and need some inspiration. I do have the I am- Daily Affirmation app on my phone. Which always seems to give me an affirmation right when I need it and remind me of who I am. We all get consumed in our daily routines and sometimes we forget to take a minute to breathe or just be thankful. So, the I am app has helped me with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savyphoenixcreations.com/
- Instagram: @savyphoenixcreations
- Facebook: @savyphoenixcreations
