Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Oliver.
Hi Paul, 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.
Beyond Bohemian was born in 2016 with the mission of supporting small-scale producers of semi-precious gemstones around the world and to increase awareness of the ethically sourced crystal trade which represents a small fraction of the industry. We go beyond the corporate models that dominate the crystal industry which have models built on pure profit, often at the expense of the environment and workers. We have created a trusted network of suppliers consisting of individuals, artisans, cooperatives, and small businesses that offer truly unique and non-mass-produced items. In a time when crystals have surged in popularity with almost all demographics, it has become especially important to bring more transparency to the industry and to be able to know where these stones and crystals come from.
Alright, 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?
Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity and demand, it has also allowed rampant greenwashing to take place and to use the term “ethically sourced” for marketing without any kind of verification behind it. We change that by offering transparency in our operations as well as regularly reviewing our environmental impact and learn how we can become a more sustainable business. We operate with a high level of consciousness about how we interact with nature and have dedicated a considerable amount of time and research towards understanding the impacts of the mining industry and how it affects the people and environment. Without this knowledge about the science of mining, chemistry, and ecology, it is not possible to know the real effects mining can have on the air, water, and land.
Sadly, there is no universally accepted definition of ethically sourced, nor is there an auditing body to ensure businesses are conducting themselves with environmental and social responsibly. Without this, everyone is left to create their own definition in the industry. We verify everyone we work with has full compliance with regulatory agencies, from mining certificates to environmental licenses and labor laws. Almost all of our products are mined by hand and not machine. Our polished products are made in lapidaries using minimalistic and traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. While our strict adherence to our ethical sourcing principles and our sustainable business initiatives do not often allow us to have the cheapest products or the most diverse product line, it is exceptionally rewarding to provide some of the highest quality stones and crystals from artisanal mining and lapidary operations across the world. That support really helps individual and small businesses to succeed, grow, and thrive while affording everyone involved a good quality of life.
As you know, we’re big fans of Beyond Bohemian. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Beyond Bohemian is one of the few ethically sourced crystal suppliers in the United States. We not only offer some of the highest quality ethically sourced stones and crystals, but we are one of the first to bring innovative cleaning and polishing processes to the industry using completely natural materials. Raw stones and crystals are often covered in mud, dirt, and debris when they are mined. Traditionally to clean them they would be soaked in a harsh chemical acid, and once dry they would sometimes be covered in stone sealers, resins, or petroleum-based mineral oils. We have developed our own innovative and proprietary method of cleaning and polishing with eco-friendly products that helps to naturally bring out more clarity and color. We created a vinegar solution that works equally as well, it just requires a bit more patience and some occasional scrubbing. We work with grapeseed oil for polishing which is a byproduct of the wine industry that would otherwise go unused. It is a great option for polishing all types of stones and crystals as it is odorless, semi-clear, and spreads very well. This laborious and attentive process is well worth it to yield beautifully cleaned and polished stones and crystals without any harmful chemicals involved.
Another key advantage of cleaning and polishing most of our raw stones and crystals in-house is that it also allows us to offer the highest quality material possible. Every piece is personally touched and inspected as part of our quality control methodology. When cleaning and polishing our raw stones and crystals they can lose up to 10% of their original weight from scrubbing off dirt, debris, and loose chips. Not only is the material cleaner and more energetic, this process can help us detect and remove any pieces that may show signs of damage or instability.
While we do not offer any direct lapidary services (stone working for cutting, polishing, and gem production), we contract with trusted artists across the world that aligns with our vision of producing products in the most natural way possible. Many of these artists have been practicing their craft for generations and their work offers a direct contrast to the now mass-produced items coming out to factories to meet the ever-rising demand in the crystal industry. With the handmade nature of our items and our selective curation of the items we import, our product line is incredibly unique, and you won’t find anything like it elsewhere.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without our loyal and conscious supporters, we wouldn’t exist. They have created demand for environmentally and socially responsible businesses by rejecting mass-produced culture and prioritizing their support for small businesses. Many have become close friends and have been influential at helping us grow to become the business we are today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondbohemian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondbohemian/
