Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia de la Vega.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Almost ten years ago, I started experiencing health issues that took years to diagnose. In the process of seeing doctor after doctor, I began looking for ways that I could help myself. I enrolled in an herbalism program and used my practice to support my health, during which I began studying crystals at a deeper level for emotional support. When I eventually had my surgeries and went through further treatment, I was able to find strength and aid with these new tools. Through sharing my story, I had more and more people reaching out to ask questions like what crystals I would suggest for support through their journeys. After a year or so of this, eventually the idea of starting a business to help others developed.
I launched The Salty Witch in November 2019 as a metaphysical holistic wellness shop, with the concept honoring the connection between the body, the mind, and the Earth – taking care of yourself in a new way while maintaining respect for our environment at every level. We specialize in crystals, crystal jewelry, incense, soy candles, and eco-friendly home goods. I ended up falling in love with this magical world all the further, found new ways to help and educate others, and developed an incredible community throughout the process. In June 2021, I left my corporate job doing marketing for a law firm and took the leap (and major risk) to focus on The Salty Witch full time. It’s been a nerve-racking process filled with incredibly long days, self-doubt, stepping out of my comfort zone, and lots of trial and error, but it’s also been incredibly soul-fulfilling at a level I never could’ve imagined. I am always working on new ways to expand the brand, reach new audiences and be someone in the community that people feel comfortable reaching out to when they want to learn more.
In honor of the shop’s two-year anniversary this November, it will be growing to include my herbalism practice – bringing in new products like tea blends and tinctures with plans for more. Ultimately, I am planning to open up a storefront not only for the shop but also to be used as a community center where we can offer free monthly events like yoga, painting, educational talks, and more. This shop is the embodiment of my heart and soul, it’s an expression of who I am and I am so blessed to be able to support and educate others on this magical world. I have big plans for The Salty Witch and cannot wait to share its growth with the Miami community!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business with no business background is always going to have struggles! Learning where to start in an industry that is so quiet is incredibly difficult – I spent multiple months before the launch researching where to even find wholesale, high-quality, and most importantly, ethically sourced crystals. Once that happened, it became months of saving to be able to buy inventory and invest in the shop, learning how much of each crystal I needed, what cuts of crystals do best, and market research to decide on pricing. Then came finding and sorting through different companies for all the other products – there’s no one-stop-shop for this industry and takes hours to find the right fit for the business.
A big, uncontrollable factor was my health condition, Endometriosis. I was in the midst of healing from surgery and having a hard time learning how to manage the stress to lessen the pain, giving myself time to rest without feeling guilty, and learning that it’s better to do things at a pace that works for you instead of rushing through it and hurting yourself in the long run. An issue I still deal with is setting boundaries with myself and my work. When you’re a small business owner and it’s your main source of income, you end up working more hours than you ever did in office. On most days, I work on average from 9 am to 9 or 10 pm during the week and then do events on the weekends – it can be physically and mentally draining. I always want to present my best work and I’m always searching for ways to improve so it’s difficult to hardline my work hours.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in matching people with the crystals they need! I love to discuss with clients what their goals are, what they think they need, and what they really need – sometimes the issue isn’t the same as the root of it! I create custom crystal jewelry so you can keep your manifestations close to you with the crystal of your choosing. I set myself apart from others by offering a consulting service where we discuss the energy goals you have for your home or space, and I not only suggest the best options for you, but I find you the large pieces you’re looking for and help you set them in the proper locations in your room/home. I also teach crystal classes throughout Miami and every time, I feel so grateful to not only share my passion but to meet so many people who are genuinely looking to learn more and trust me with that knowledge.
No one is simply a customer to me, I make an effort to connect with everyone and I’m so so proud of the community I’ve created. It’s such an honor to have so many people who choose me with their crystal needs and feel comfortable enough to message me whether it’s asking questions or sending memes they think I would enjoy.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My community. I love what I do but I truly never anticipated meeting so many incredible people through the process. It’s an honor to be trusted by so many and it’s my motivation to continue learning more and growing more.
Contact Info:
- Email: thesaltywitchmiami@gmail.com
- Website: www.thesaltywitch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_saltywitch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaltywitchshop
