Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Parker.
Hi Angel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am from Fayetteville, NC. Born and raised! Currently, stay in Raleigh-Durham NC. I graduated from Methodist University with a BS in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration. Within the next year or so I plan on going to Massage Therapy school to become a licensed Massage Therapist. With that, I plan on mainly focusing on Sports Therapy and eventually opening my own clinic.
I started brainstorming about The Naked Goddess Collection when Covid first started. It was based off body positivity and making women (& men) more confident with their bodies. As you can see, I have a thing for making people feel better mentally and physically. It was originally supposed to be a Waistbead collection but being in Quarantine with my creative juices constantly flowing, I started making Essential oil-infused Lava bead bracelets. I started making Infused lava beads because not only should you be healthy physically but you should also be healthy mentally. And when Covid first started, it slightly messed with my mental state. So, I was constantly looking for ways to take care of myself in the most natural ways possible. So, I was pretty much focused designing pieces from Waistbeads, essential oil-infused lava bead bracelets, and bracelets from others stones/crystals as well for a couple of months. I was doing tons of research on different stones and Crystals and their meanings. Different essential oils and how they affect a person. I’m constantly doing research on new stones and crystals. It’s really a Lifelong learning experience.
As stated before, Covid really had me on edge, so I started researching the most natural vitamins to help boost my immune system to be as strong as possible and came across seamoss. Seamoss has 92 of the 102 essential minerals that our body needs so I knew this was the perfect way to start taking care of my body from the inside. I purchased some dried seamoss from my Godbrother who lives in Zanzibar, Africa. He showed me how to clean it properly and how to make the Gel for easier consumption. My first time trying it, it was absolutely DISGUSTING so I had to figure out ways to make it more flattering to my tastebuds. I started experimenting and infusing it with different fresh fruits and a few other natural ingredients and that’s how my Infused Seamoss came about. I knew if I could make it taste more appetizing more people would be willing to bless their bodies with this amazing Gem and I was right! My infused Seamoss has made its way alllll the way to Cali! I was super shocked at how many orders were coming through when I launched my business. The support was truly amazing and not to mention how many people lead such healthier lives since purchasing the Seamoss and/or essential oil-infused bracelets from me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This road to a successful business has not been easy. Some of the struggles I’ve faced are (in no particular order):
1. The shipping process. This was one of the biggest! It was definitely a trial-and-error thing. Sometimes the seamoss jars would burst during the traveling process. Whether it was due to the pressure, heat, whatever the case was. Getting those pictures from customers of the products being destroyed was definitely discouraging. Thank God for those understanding and patient customers. They helped so much & we finally got the delivery process close to perfect!
2. Finding the right supplies. This was also atrial-and-errorprocess. I’m sure I went through so many different containers for the seamoss gel, different types of string for the bracelets and Waistbeads, trying to figure out the best packaging for safe shipment and so much more.
3. Figuring out the right sizes for bracelets andWaistbeadsso they would be the perfect fit.
4. I went through so many different recipes to get the PERFECT taste for each flavorseamossgels. I even had taste test parties with my close friends and family to make sure that it not only tastes good to me but to others with a different taste palate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Handcrafted Jewelry (Waistbeads, Essential oil infused lava beads bracelets, sorority/fraternity bracelets, stones/crystal bracelets) and infused seamoss gel.
I am most proud of the fact that I actually
Brought my idea to life! I’ve always been hesitant because of the “What if’s” but I had faith in myself and I’m so glad I did. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!
What sets me apart from others is that I make products for the sole purpose of enhancing someone’s life mentally and physically. It was never based on the money. But in these unpredictable times, you have to have a backup plan.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My friends and family. They helped me with a few different things. A few of my friends have businesses already so they helped me insight on marketing strategies, learning to pace myself and not rush things because of excitement. Helping me promote my business, testing products in the production stages (trust me, sometimes recipes didn’t come out great), and pushing me to actually do this!
Pricing:
- Bracelets start at $7.99
- Seamoss starts at $10
- Waistbeads: price varies
Contact Info:
- Email: Angel.parker@gmail.com
- Website: Thenakedgoddessshop.com
- Instagram: @__beadsbynakedgoddess__
Image Credits
Nicholas Wilkerson
