Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Rodriguez.
Hi Jon, 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.
Our journey into the world of wellness and healing stones started during a challenging transition in our lives.
We’re born and raised in New York and relocated to Miami in 2011. In our early days in MIAMI, we established a fashion brand called Jonycool which was thankfully well-received. The brand was picked up and sold in boutiques. We had a debut fashion presentation in Wynwood and connected with the community which was the icing on the cake. As the brand grew, we decided to relocate to a larger space with the intention to expand.
As life will have it, the move shifted more than just us physically but emotionally, creatively, and financially. Feeling stuck and uninspired we were drawn to meditation and connecting with higher selves. After months of practicing mindfulness and focusing on wellness using healing stones and crystals. We began making accessories to always have our crystals with us.
Fast forward our journey brought us back to the 305 and then just like that COVID hit. With most of our family and friends being in New York and everyone on lockdown. We started sharing some of our pieces with more and more people. Hoping to deal with the heightened stress and anxiety that arose. Focusing on mental health during the global crisis was crucial.
The testimonies we received from everyone was overwhelming in the best way. People were tapping in and connecting in ways we couldn’t imagine.
We slowly began creating small collections “batches” for Instagram and donating some of the proceeds to food banks in south Fl & New York. Giving back to our community with each batch we not only provided valuable information on the various healing properties of each stone, we started to create more and more. Venturing in many different areas Jewelry, fashion, home decor & more.
Creating the brand that is Safestones today. Everything we create is in partnership with the universe. Our focus continues to shine light on the importance of mental health and positive energy for everyone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We started doing pop-ups and markets all throughout south Florida. The best way for us to connect with different people from all different places and continue on our mission. While our business was established during the pandemic, we didn’t get any access to funding or PPE. So, our main bread and butter was the brand.
Relying solely on your business to survive and also expecting it to invest back into itself for expansion and growth is risky business. It was hard, there were months in which we had to make tons of sacrifices, but we continued to push through, off the strength of our connections and support from what we call team safestones.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My partner and I both play significant roles in our brand and overall creative process. The intuitive side of the brand calls for several different practices specifically during the cleansing and charging of our stones and crystals. We use several different techniques including ocean cleanses, full moon mediations, and intentional work.
Everything we create is handmade by us, all of our wire-wrapped crystals, energy domes, amplified jars, intention oils, bracelets, etc. Each one is as unique as its wearer. One of our favorite things is creating an experience that is unique like the stone or crystals we work with.
We pride ourselves in organic and natural connections. We create the ultimate safe space for people to release, learn, & open up. During these times we make connections with certain pieces which essentially manifest themselves into a person’s life. We hope that every interaction is more than just a transaction but a meaningful and positive experience. Each person walking away with the best vibes and lighter than before.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The internet is savage. The amount of resources that is on our fingertips is wild. We have so many different apps and blogs that we frequent when diving deeper into what the collective energy is calling for. This has really allowed us the access many different types healers, different wellness communities, traditional and modern healing practices. We are forever students when learning about the various healing stones from around the world and all their properties.
Pricing:
- Necklaces starting at $25
- Amplified jars starting at $35
- Bracelets starting at $10
- Raw stones starting at $7
- Energy domes starting at $55
Contact Info:
- Website: Teamsafestones.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/safestones
Image Credits
Jonathan Rodriguez
Bryan Fernandez
