Gina Casazza has been passionate about the healing power of crystals for years. As an offshoot of that interest, she started making aromatherapy crystal bracelets, each designed with a mood in mind – think “calm,” “joy,” “inspired,” and so on – to ground its wearer in an intentional state of mind throughout the day. Last year, Casazza decided to add another layer to the benefits of her bracelets by incorporating NFC technology into their charms and beads each piece that connects users to her digital wellness hub, Discover Omnia. Here, folks can find meditations, breathing exercises, motivational tips and journal prompts. While the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-based entrepreneur has experienced some growing pains while giving her bracelets a tech upgrade, she’s thrilled to see her creations helping others along their own journeys.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
It is a first-of-its-kind smart-tech crystal bracelet. There simply isn’t another product like it on the market.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
When I started up, I hired someone to code the wellness hub for me. It didn’t go well, and I lost thousands of dollars, which prevented me from hiring someone else. I then spent the next six months learning how to code, so I could build the hub myself. That was a huge success – and now, every time I visit it, I feel pride in what I accomplished.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Sales and marketing – when you have a unique product, you have to constantly explain it to people. To address this, we have participated in festivals and other events where we can show the product to people in person. We also film people’s reactions to using the product, which we can then use in our online marketing. That said, organic online marketing is tough. We just keep trying new things, then see what people connect with and go in that direction.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Create a landing page, share that and see how many people sign up. That way, you can learn early on if the site works, or if there is interest in your product.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
The dark days are the best days, because that is when you find out what you are made of. I laugh, I smile, and I remind myself that those moments are when you grow and learn. Keep pushing through.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Good to Be” by Mark Ambor.
Who is your most important role model?
My teacher, Randy Veitenheimer. He is the host of Quantum Effect, which streams on Gaia, an online resource for spiritual videos.
Instagram: @omnia_elevate
Facebook: @omniaelevate
TikTok: @omniaelevate
YouTube: @omniaelevate
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