Today we’d like to introduce you to Wilma Sheffield.
Hi Wilma, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into wellness and spirituality began long before I ever opened a store. In 2011, I opened myself to meditation for the first time, beginning a deeply personal—and at times challenging—path of learning how to balance my energy and heal from within. That foundation shaped everything that followed.
In 2014, during a small yoga gathering at a friend’s home, I noticed a quiet corner filled with beads and creative tools. I felt an immediate pull to create. I made my first pair of earrings that day, and something shifted. I went straight to local stores to purchase beads, wire, and supplies, and I couldn’t stop creating. At the time, there was no intention to sell anything—this began purely as a healing practice. Jewelry-making became a form of meditation for me, helping ease stress and anxiety during a very difficult season of my life. Handmade jewelry became the first expression of what would later grow into a metaphysical wellness brand.
In 2016, I began working at an herb shop in Hampton, Georgia. The owner saw my jewelry and asked if I could create chakra bracelets for both of her locations. From there, I expanded into wire-wrapped crystal necklaces, and the response was immediate. Customers were drawn to the intention and energy behind each handmade piece, often requesting custom work. Many of those same individuals are still customers today, following the journey through every location and continuing to support through our website. That continued support has been one of the greatest blessings of this journey.
Leaving the herb shop was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. At the time, I had two children and a deeply supportive fiancé—who is now my husband. Choosing to step fully into entrepreneurship meant walking away from stability and trusting myself, my vision, and my faith. It was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. In 2018, I committed fully to the business and began vending consistently at holistic and wellness events throughout Atlanta, carefully mapping out monthly schedules and building the brand from the ground up.
During that season, my husband worked a full-time job while supporting me in every way he could. After long workdays, he would come directly to events to help with setup or breakdown. That time required immense effort, teamwork, and sacrifice. It was exhausting, but it was also deeply affirming—we were building something together.
In 2020, during a period of uncertainty when vending opportunities slowed significantly due to COVID, we made the decision to open a kiosk at Southlake Mall, Morrow GA. It was a leap of faith, but one that proved to be transformative. The community in Morrow, Georgia welcomed us with open arms, and that chapter remains one of the most meaningful seasons of our journey.
A few years later, after establishing ourselves at Southlake Mall, we opened our first full storefront on Jodeco Road. While handmade jewelry remained the foundation, the store expanded into a full metaphysical wellness space offering herbal remedies, spiritual and cleansing bath soaks, waist beads, incense, soaps, loose crystals, and a wide array of healing tools. The majority of our offerings are still made in-house and handcrafted with intention.
As the business evolved, so did my personal practice. I became certified in Kemetic Reiki and sound healing and began leading guided sound meditations every Sunday. We also hosted free full moon ceremonies for the community, along with hands-on workshops centered on astrology, crystals, and spiritual education. Everything we create is rooted in accessibility, intention, and collective healing.
During this chapter, my husband became even more involved in the business. I taught him the basics of wire-wrapped jewelry, and he developed his own style, creating intricate and beautiful pieces. He also learned how to create the oils we offer, and today we work side by side as true business partners. Having a partner who supports me both personally and professionally has been one of the greatest gifts of this journey.
As of 2026, we are entering a new chapter, relocating from our Jodeco Road location to a new space in McDonough. This journey has required faith, resilience, partnership, and consistent hard work. What began with handmade jewelry has grown into a purpose-driven practice centered on wellness, spirituality, and community. I am now a mother of four, and every step of this journey has been shaped by the desire to build something meaningful—not only for my family, but for everyone who walks this path with us
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has not been a smooth road. While my heart has always been centered on creating, healing, and serving others, learning the business side of entrepreneurship has been one of my greatest challenges.
One of the biggest lessons was realizing that passion alone cannot sustain a business. Owning a storefront or kiosk involves far more than opening the doors—there are ongoing responsibilities many people don’t see, including managing income, maintaining inventory, paying federal, state, and local taxes, covering utilities, internet, phone services, insurance, and eventually managing employees. These costs exist whether you’re busy or not.
Because we chose to build without relying on loans, much of the business was funded through our own savings. That decision required discipline, patience, and learning how to stretch resources while still growing responsibly. Balancing creativity and purpose with financial structure was difficult at times, but those challenges forced growth, accountability, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to run a sustainable business.
Every obstacle became a lesson that shaped how we operate today—with greater clarity, intention, and resilience.
Lesson for Other Entrepreneurs
Passion opens the door, but knowledge, structure, and consistency are what keep a business standing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work blends creativity, healing, and spiritual guidance. I am a handmade jewelry artist, metaphysical creator, tarot card reader, and holistic wellness guide. The majority of what we offer is created in-house, including wire-wrapped and copper crystal jewelry, spiritual oils, cleansing and herbal bath soaks, waist beads, incense, soaps, and curated metaphysical tools, alongside loose crystals.
Beyond creation, I am a certified Kemetic Reiki practitioner, sound healer, and intuitive tarot reader. I lead guided sound meditations, full moon ceremonies, and educational workshops focused on astrology, crystals, and energy awareness. My work is centered on helping people reconnect with themselves, understand their energy, and feel empowered in their healing journey.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. I don’t perform healing—I live it. People feel the love, honesty, and intention behind everything I create and every space I hold. I am deeply committed to truth, integrity, and responsible spiritual practice, and that trust is what has allowed this work to grow into a community, not just a business.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the difference between quitting and knowing when to pause, pivot, or step back. I’ve never been someone who gives up easily, but this journey taught me that perseverance doesn’t mean forcing things—it means staying committed even when the path changes.
Entrepreneurship and healing work are not always sunshine and roses. There will be hard days, setbacks, and moments of doubt. What matters most is how we choose to handle ourselves during those moments. I’ve learned to meet the difficult days with reflection instead of resistance and trust that every challenge is shaping me for something greater.
I truly believe that everything works together for my highest good. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself that the struggle isn’t happening to break me—it’s happening to strengthen me, refine me, and prepare me for what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chokeahbead.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chokeahbead?igsh=YnhmMWU2Zzd4eGlm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BoXDNGPKk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chokeahbead?_r=1&_t=ZP-92kcZdiC23S
