Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Plaza.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been really passionate about wellness and prevention, which may have been a result of working so many years in the medical field, but it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 that I really had an awakening.
As the years went by, I realized that while I was focusing a lot on improving my physical health, I wasn’t doing nearly enough to improve my mental health. By this time, I had changed careers and I was literally burning the candle on both ends, when it came to my physical and mental health, by pushing both to extreme limits without giving myself time to recover. Sadly, this was my truth even after a second cancer diagnose.
It wasn’t until 2020 when COVID impacted us all, that I started to get back into my crafts by making face masks for my family members, friends, and co-workers. That’s when I realized how much I missed it and how relaxing it was for me. Eventually, I started making more things like swimsuits, handbags, wallets, totes, and so much more. I honestly couldn’t wait to get home and try something new. It had reignited my passion for creation which even led me to starting my YouTube channel.
It think it was about a year and a half later that I decided to do something that aligned more with my passion for wellness and prevention. That’s when I decided to start making my handmade cherry pit hot and cold packs to use them when I would get hot flashes (due to my ongoing preventative cancer treatments), and to help relieve my achy muscles and back pain.
This was the first of the products I currently still sell online and they have been a big hit because they are washable and can easily be heated in a microwave, crockpot, or oven. They provide a soothing, comfortable, penetrating heat that helps to relieve aches, pains, headaches, stress, tension, and more, and the heat lasts for about 20-30 minutes, which is what most healthcare professionals recommend for heat therapy. I store mine in the freezer so that they are already cold when I need them for my hot flashes.
My decision to add a skincare line was completely accidental and came from my enjoying a night and daytime skincare routine which provided me with the “me time” to pamper myself every day, even if for just 10-15 minutes in the morning and 10-15 minutes at night. I began noticing how much this routine was impacting my emotional health in a great way and immediately wanted to encourage others to try it for themselves.
I did love the products I was using at the time, however, I wanted to find something both plant-based and affordable so my search for a private labeling company that aligned with my vision began there. Once I selected the company, I immediately began using the products to ensure I was happy with the quality and results, and I honestly couldn’t have been happier. After almost a year later, I finally launched my medical-grade plant-based skincare line. My skincare line includes 99% pure ingredients and a lower molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeper, providing maximum below-the-surface benefits and they are licensed in an FDA facility.
I know it goes without saying to those that know me but, I will say it anyway. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders and have been a sounding board for all of my crazy ideas, LOL.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d love to say it’s been a smooth road but the truth is, while it’s a smooth road now, it didn’t start that way. Starting my own business was the best decision I could have made for myself, and I know that even more now but, at the time there was a lot that I eventually had to give up in order to pursue my dreams and that was hard. One was a relationship of 9 years, and the other was a job that provided a six-figure income and ongoing business learning opportunities which I enjoyed very much.
However, since then I’ve come to the understanding that it was exactly what I needed to do to continue reaching my fullest potential in my career and to really expand on who I was as a person. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of times that I asked myself, “What the heck did I do? Did I make the right decision?”, and I think that’s only natural when you step into the unknown.
Speaking truthfully though, I don’t regret it. I didn’t leave my relationship and career just to pursue my passion, I left because I was also unhappy with certain aspects of both, and in one way or the other, I felt my growth was being limited. Now that doesn’t mean that the person I was with or my career was bad, it just means that it was no longer that right fit or path me and it was time for me to leave and make room for the right person to step into those roles.
I am grateful and can honestly say that I have found it easy to find peace now during my struggles because I know that I am following my passion, and I also have an incredible support system. When you love what you do, all the hours you put into it are worth it because you know it’s going towards making your dreams a reality. When you have a great support system, well… that’s just icing on the cake.
We’ve been impressed with Eli Lee Designs, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When establishing my business, I combined my love for creating with my passion for wellness and prevention by offering cherry pit therapy and medical-grade skincare products. I even offer the option to buy loose cherry pits by the pound so that fellow crafters can have the option to make their very own cherry pit packs.
What I am most proud of is creating a brand that offers products that I genuinely believe in and use on a regular basis. I’m not just selling products to make money or meet a corporate quota. I’m selling products that I know work and can improve the quality of life of those that use them. That makes me extremely happy.
What does success mean to you?
Simply put… I define success as being in the business of doing what I love most. The money, with work of course, will come when you are providing your clients with true value, and when your heart and integrity are aligned with what you are doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elileedesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elileedesigns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EliLeeDesigns
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/EliLeeDesigns
