Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Marie
Hi Julie, 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?
I am Julie Marie, the creator and owner of Lavender Rain Emporium. I am an artist and visionary who has long been searching for her purpose. I have created and sold a multitude of products over the years, from hand sewn purses and clothing to costumes and upcycled unique home goods, but I’ve always wanted more then just creating and selling.
Over the past couple of years I have battled severe mental health issues as well as navigating the waters of divorce and along the way discovered how much art and creating helped me through these troubled times. After spending time recovering I discovered how broken our society is when it comes to mental health and decided I wanted to make a difference. From the depths of my struggle I emerged with a determination to reclaim my purpose. Lavender Rain Emporium isn’t merely a business venture, it was a manifestation of my newfound calling.
Lavender Rain Emporium is my brick and mortar and online store that offers a variety of diy kits in a variety of artistic mediums as well as thoughtfully curated products and gift sets for the mind, body, and soul. We also offer an array of workshops and classes including jewelry, candle, and sugar scrub making; paper crafts such as journaling and handmade cards; acrylic and watercolor painting; and fiber arts. Each offering is designed to nurture creativity and self-discovery.
Through the workshops and classes, I seek to instill a sense of empowerment and personal growth in every participant. Conversations flow freely, weaving tales of triumph and resilience, as individuals find strength in shared experiences. Lavender Rain Emporium is a welcoming safe space for all people no matter their gender, race, mental health status, or limitations to learn new creative skills and share their stories, have a voice, and be seen.
When people, especially women are surrounded by other like minded people and business owners the creative entrepreneurial spirit is contagious, this space has became a canvas for inspiration and empowerment. i am excited to continue growing and sharing this unique space with other artists and women. Art is Magic. Strength is Power.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles I have encountered as a small business owner:
– Getting participants for classes and products sold. Once people discover my space they are excited to continue, but the struggle has been getting people through the door.
– Business funding – I started my business with my own money and have not had to take out any loans, but my business is struggling to bring in a profit which means those funds are getting smaller and smaller.
– Marketing – I have a limited budget which means paying for marketing is not an option which means all the marketing falls on me and takes time away from other aspects of the business that need my attention.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lavender Rain Emporium?
Lavender Rain Emporium is my brick and mortar and online store that offers a variety of diy kits in a variety of artistic mediums as well as thoughtfully curated products and gift sets for the mind, body, and soul. We also offer an array of workshops and classes including jewelry, candle, and sugar scrub making; paper crafts such as journaling and handmade cards; acrylic and watercolor painting; and fiber arts. Each offering is designed to nurture creativity and self-discovery.
In addition to the classes and products I also create date night/subscription boxes. I love to curate a variety of products from artists and small businesses and incorporate my own talents with paper crafting to assemble these unique boxes. For my blind date with a book and blind date with a tarot deck, I hand wrap and decorate the books and decks to create a beautiful and memorable unwrapping experience. I then hand pick a variety of items to compliment the book and intuitively chose items to reflect the individual to accompany their tarot deck. This process allows me to harness my metaphysical gifts as well as use my artist ability to create an experience for my buyers.
What sets Lavender Rain Emporium apart from the other creative spaces is that it is always evolving. Each day brings fresh faces and new inspiration. I offer unique classes that are different from the typical sip and paint studios or wood crafting workshops. I try to incorporate spiritual wellness and reconnection to the mind, body, and soul into each class. It is important to stress how closely connected art/creativity to spiritual wellness.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
User prompt: I love collaborating with other businesses and artists to create unique class/workshop experiences. For example, I recently partnered with a local Spanish market that teaches cooking classes, and we painted wine glasses while learning cooking basics. I would love to teach at other small businesses and explore unique ways to collaborate and support one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavenderrainemporium.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavenderrainemporium/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavenderrainemporium
