Today we’d like to introduce you to Johana Martinez.
Johana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been in touch with my spiritual side since a very young age. At 6 years old I started going to a Christian church and as got older I became more eager to learn about theology, Buddhism and social anthropology on herbal healing and shamanic rituals. I always kept that to myself because I felt I would be misunderstood by my family and friends. I mean, where I grew up it was either you’re Christian or catholic, but to me, I’ve always felt there’s just something deeper that a religious title. After high school I went to college at MIU, previously known as IFAC, and majored in fashion merchandising. As far back as I could remember I’ve also know that I wanted to be my own boss and own my boutique. I eventually started working for Gucci, Fendi and other major fashion houses but there was just something missing. And I think it was because I wanted to set the rules and run my own show. I guess it’s the Girl Boss in me. In 2014, I had a career change and became a High Rise Property Manager and was doing that ever since but about a year ago I said I’m not getting any younger and the time to make my dreams a reality is NOW. I had been burning some sage and Palo Santo and was in deep meditation and it was a total epiphany. I had talks with a friend about starting our own line of botanicals but for one reason or another the stars did not align for that project and I went solo and that’s how Despojitos came about. It’s been spiraling snowball since.
Great, 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?
NOT AT ALL! Mostly because people misunderstand what “Despojitos” is. So of course you have the people that immediately ask are you a Bruja? Are you doing witchcraft in your back yard? Well if you consider meditating, doing yoga and connecting with your higher self and charging your crystals under the full moon, then yes, call it whatever you want. But in reality, Despojitos much more than that, it is a metaphor for cleansing, recharging your spirit and starting over. Letting go of all that no longer serves you and bringing in an abundance of powerful magnetic energy. I don’t pay attention to those vibes or dwell on it but that’s why I shift back my focus on creating awareness of the Holistic and Wellness Community, so people in general have a better understanding of what were about. I also just block out the static by staying on my lane and not letting obstacles interfere with my vision of where I want to take the company.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Despojitos.com – what should we know?
Despojitos has two branches; Despojitos Botanicals and Despojitos.com. Despojitos Botanicals are all created on the New and Full Moon of each month. We carry herbal tinctures, hydrosols, salves and all sorts of herbal goodies. And well Despojitos.com is where it all comes together. We carry our botanical creations and carry collections from local holistic artisans. Some of the artisans we carry are, spiritual jewelry by Light Love Stones, Athletic yoga wear from Grizzy Loves, Essential Oils from 4 Elementum, woven Macramé from JM Valentine Macramé, Chakra candles from Karmic Currency, Ritual kits from Moon + Jai… I mean the list goes on. We’re always collaborating and adding new with crafters because it’s all about working with one another and growing awareness of this amazing wellness community.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe one of the things that makes our business successful is that. It’s focused on creating with one another not against each other and of course structured for personal wellness and engaging spiritually with the mind, body and spirit. We are passionate and dedicated to our creations, focused on helping the hustling local crafter, and provide quality service and knowledge to our clients. It’s simple.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.DESPOJITOS.COM
- Email: DESPOJITOSMIA@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: DESPOJITOS_MIA
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DESPOJITOSMIA
Image Credit:
SophiSessions
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