Conversations with Melanie Moreno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Moreno.

Hi Melanie, 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 left my career as a school principal for the third and final time in 2017. I have always been creative and I spent ten years in between my education career running my own photography studio. I knew that I was destined to be working both as an entrepreneur but also as a creative. Creativity oozes out my pores.

I sold my house of 22 years in 2018 to launch a new creative venture and Boshek was born. I started with designing spiritually infused jewelry such as malas and leather and gemstone bracelets. I have always been into fashion, music, and yoga so I decided to design and launch my own clothing label with a focus on sustainable, slow fashion. All of my clothing is made out of organic cotton and hemp. I like to define it as upscale festy clothing. My inspiration was designing something that is the exact opposite of what we are often required to wear in the workplace. I want to be able to move freely in my clothing and have access to deep belly breaths throughout my day. Our solar plexus chakra is our power center and I don’t want to feel constricted to this energy due to constricted clothing. It was my vision to create a cohesive look with the clothing and jewelry collections so it could take the guesswork out of looking great!

I officially launched this business after two years in development three weeks before the world shut down. After I got over the initial shock, I pushed forward and Boshek is still here today and thriving. I took the time during the pandemic to gain new skills and took a metalsmithing class that has now become my new obsession. I am launching new products this fall that will include sterling silver, gemstones, and leather. I can’t wait to introduce these to the world as I continually refine my product lines.

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?
Launching Boshek provided me challenges that were completely unanticipated. Like everyone else, my world was turned upside down when the pandemic began. I spent two years in the development of Boshek and all the product lines and this culminated in a huge launch party that included other healers and artists through a healing arts event. Three weeks later the world shut down. To say that I didn’t panic a bit is an understatement.

I pivoted my business seemingly overnight and started sewing masks. I was fortunate that I am a seamstress and had a lot of fabric sitting around. I sewed until my fingers were raw for about four months and that helped carry me through the first part of the pandemic. My marketing plan includes launching at markets, festivals and shows but it became apparent that they were not coming back anytime soon. I worked on developing a network, local partnerships, and increasing my online presence.

I am happy to say that Boshek is thriving and the summer market season was a great boost to the business. I am looking forward to developing the next phase of my business which will incorporate my yoga teacher training, reiki, and Ayurveda. Much of this work will be infused into everything I create.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known as a bit of a renaissance woman. I have always been creative. I am really doing exactly what I want to be doing in life and I am able to use all of my skills and integrate them into everything I do. I will continue to design sustainable clothing for my clothing label, metalsmith and mixing multiple mediums in my work, and developing the healing side of my business through yin yoga, pranayama, Ayurveda, and Reiki.

I will be redefining my photography business to not only photograph products for myself and other businesses but also integrate this business into my healing work and helping people see the beauty that transpires when the mind, body, and soul are in alignment.

I am living the life that I have created and I could not be happier.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am happy right now in the present moment doing exactly what I love to do. I get to create every day and to me, there is nothing better. I have learned that happiness is an inside job and it is a choice. I created the life that I love and one that I don’t need a vacation from.

I love to spend time with my children and pets. I dedicate time each week to my yoga practice which keeps me balanced and sane. I LOVE going to hearing live music. I mostly love anything related to the Grateful Dead and the jam scene. After over twenty years, I still love taking photos. The camera will always be an extension of me.

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my days. I am Happy!

Contact Info:

• Email: melanie@5280alchemyco.com
• Website: www.boshekboho.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boshekboho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boshekboho

Image Credits
Firefly Photography