Today we’d like to introduce you to Janel A Ricks.
Hi Janel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been interested in the metaphysical realm, even as a child. However, as a young adult, I gained interest in being an entrepreneur, one that produces a household name. In college, I not only learned business tactics but found I was great at predicting future trends such as the idea of Facebook back in 2000. The problem was I lacked the courage, design, complete knowledge, and guidance to put the project in place. 2017 was a game-changer for me. I started my spiritual journey in the Diaspora and with guidance. I learned a lot about myself and my direction. So, when I faced my last heartbreak in 2019, I began to choose more positive outlets. I went to my metaphysical store, who were out of candles due to customs delays during the pandemic. My medium, which took me 30 years to find, insisted I was powerful and encouraged me to make my own. So, with a little help from YouTube, I regenerate my lost creative gift in Art.
Candle making became my new hobby. People, I never thought would have, admired my work. I saw this as an opportunity and found the courage to list my three candles on Etsy during cyber Monday in 2020. To my surprise, these three candles turned into a 46 product line with 97 variations and a physical cart within the Perimeter Mall, all within four months. Our customer base grew daily, as we were attracting people who are eco-friendly, looking for holistic alternatives and were new to the metaphysical realm. I was unaware, at the time that I was the only metaphysical store in a mall on the Northside of Atlanta and the only metaphysical store on this side of town that practiced predominantly in the Diaspora. My store was not only convenient for the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s consumers but a necessity. I was surprised of how many people of different backgrounds were interested. I felt as though this time, I had beat the trend and ALCHEMY7 was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road in business is smooth. It’s all about adapting if you want to survive. We make business plans but until you’re actively engaged in the business; it’s a blueprint. The first obstacle was keeping up with demand. I hand-make everything and would sell out every 2-3 days. This brought in supplier issues. Not only do you have to find quality supplies but in bulk that can deliver at a timely manner. Second, finding employees—wages had gone up. Businesses in the mall were offering $18/ hr and no one could find employees and if the did, they might not be reliable; leaving the owners to do all the work themselves. I worked 18 hr/day for 30 weeks. Which brings us to the third obstacle, I can’t do everything! The marketing, social media, website, corporate records, accounting, being the salesperson/manager and the creator. Not being able to keep up with demand loses money, not having employees causes burnout and loses money, neglecting my online store; loses money then we had to deal with the emergence of the Omicron strand. Covid-19 hit hard again when school started and we lost 50-60% of our revenue. The fourth obstacle: learning the peaks and valleys of Retail.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Alchemy7 is an Alternative Health and Wellness company who specializes in a vast range of intention, manifestation and alchemy spelled candles as well as other metaphysical products in-house by one practitioner. I handcraft all our candles with 100% soy wax, pure essential oils/fragrances, hemp/Eco wicks, dried herbs and natural raw crystals. They’re Paraben, Phthalate, and Sulfate Free; meaning, they’re Biodegradable, burn cleaner, more slowly, evenly and longer with little to no smoke. All our products are made with natural ingredients and the purest intentions. I also, create: Wax Melts, Artesian Soaps, Bath Salts and perfumed Body Oils. Presently, I’m creating a line of Body Sugar Scrubs. These can be sold separately or are included in our Self-Care Kits, which align with different needs including Chakra healing. These kits include a healthy selection of Sage Sticks, Palo Santo and/or Florida Water.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness is something only you as an individual define but it’s from within; it’s not an external force. I have a candle named “Happiness,” which raises your vibration and helps trigger your “happy” endorphins. Sometimes, happiness is just about your mood being balanced. My happiness comes from creating products that help others. It’s a passion as well as learning more about the metaphysical realm, creation and how to help people using ancient alternative medicine. I plan to become an herbalist to create a variety of healing teas. I am an enthusiast of living a more natural clean life.
Pricing:
- 2oz Sample Candles burn for 24-36 hours – $10
- 4oz Candles burn for 45-60 hours – $16
- 8oz Candles burn for 64-84 hours – $25
- 13oz Candles burn for 96-120 hours – $40
- 21 oz Candles burn for 145-196 hours – $55
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopalchemy7.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Alchemy7creations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alchemy7creations
- Twitter: ALCHEMY7
- Youtube: Alchemy7
- Yelp: ALCHEMY7
