Local StoriesApril 30, 2024

Conversations with Alicia Zelaya

Local Stories

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Zelaya.

Alicia Zelaya

Hi Alicia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in crafting started as a child, from making jewelry and creating my own natural body products to making pottery. I started my business journey right after graduating from undergrad when I crafted my own essential oil roll-on and wore it to a party. A lot of the girls loved the smell and wanted me to make them their own! This was when I decided to create my own Etsy page dedicated to the various creations I would offer.

Unfortunately, the pandemic interrupted my process, and my business was at a standstill for a few years. I decided to go to grad school and work on my career during that time. Then, one day, I decided to make candles for myself and my friends, and once again, friends were asking to buy them. This was when I started to begin crafting, marketing, and promoting Aromas delSol Creations! This was the year I similarly had the time to really focus on my business and I hope to add even more creations to my Etsy page soon!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The main struggle was being a young entrepreneur and working a full-time job.

I have a hard time juggling the two since I am a one-woman show! I do everything from marketing, promotion, crafting, shipping, inventory, and photography for my business!

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I love my currently full time job and being in the public health field. Through my work, I’m able to help my communities and offer resources to those in need.

My career is one of my passions and can take a lot of my time away from my small business, but I am working on balancing the two. I’m also trying to get better at marketing my business. My goal this year is to host a vending booth a summer market. While it’s a small goal, it’s a leap I need to take! Eventually, I’d like to bridge my career in health and wellbeing into my small business to focus all my attention on what I love.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have a strong dedication to Mother Earth! I love planting and gardening, and I am a big proponent of sustainability and zero-waste products.

I even incorporate this in my business, but using Amber glass jars that can be repurposed. Most everything that I use in my household is environmentally conscious and zero-waste, and I urge everyone to consider these types of products!

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