"Always remember that you have nowhere to go but up, and you will get there, with some hard work and dedication" with Melissa Randazzo
Melissa Randazzo is a full-time mother, social worker, and business owner. She makes and sells handmade healing jewelry using all-natural crystals and gemstones. She was inspired to open her shop, True Warrior Jewelry, after undergoing fertility treatment and giving birth to a premature baby. She used crystals during these difficult times for their positive energy and now wants to share her love of crystals with the world.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
Hi! My name is Melissa Randazzo. I am a full-time mother to two beautiful children, a 3-year-old boy, and a 4-month-old girl. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I am also a fully trained, 200HRYTT Yoga Teacher as well as a holistic practitioner with the use of energy and crystal healing.
What inspired you to start your business?
It’s kind of a long story.
About three years ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis. I had to undergo surgery and various treatments. The surgery left me without my fallopian tubes. My husband and I were newly married and devastated as we wanted a little baby of our own and fertility treatment (IVF) was our only option.
I underwent a few rounds of IVF, which included hormone treatment, daily doctor’s appointments and blood tests, hundreds of needles to my tummy, and various surgical procedures. IVF didn't seem to be working on its own, so I researched holistic treatments. And that is where I discovered the power of crystals! I read that Moonstone and Rose Quartz were excellent stones for fertility, so I went out, bought some beads, and made my own fertility bracelet. And guess what? I became pregnant during the round of IVF where I wore the fertility bracelet I had made. During this time, a few girls I worked with were going through the same thing as me, and they asked me to make them bracelets as well. They then wanted bracelets for their friends and family, who wanted some for their friends and family and so on.
Fast forward a few months... my pregnancy landed me in the hospital on a few occasions for bleeding and early contractions. And after only being pregnant for 6 1/2 months, my little boy decided it was time to come out. He was born prematurely at only 30 weeks, weighing just 3 lbs. We spent weeks and weeks in the hospital's NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit. This was a very trying time for both myself and my husband. I already suffer from anxiety and the circumstance surrounding my son's birth was making me even more anxious, as we didn't know if he was going to be okay, or when we would be allowed to take him home or even hold him (I wasn't allowed to even hold him for a few weeks). So I turned to crystals again and made myself more jewelry to keep myself grounded and calm. I nicknamed my little man my True Warrior because that is exactly what he is. He's a strong-willed little boy who pushed through. And I am happy to say that he is now a happy and healthy almost 3-year-old boy (although he thinks he’s a teenager)!
I realized just how much crystal jewelry helped me during some of my most difficult times. So when my son was finally released from the hospital I decided that I was going to turn this into a business, so that I can share the amazing properties of crystals with the rest of the world. I am so grateful that I have been able to do this and I love hearing stories of how my jewelry has helped others!
I hope that my jewelry can help you guys the same way it helped me!
Where is your business based?
We are based in Staten Island, New York.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
The first steps were opening up my Etsy shop and buying supplies. This was much more difficult than I had anticipated. When buying supplies and first starting out, you have no idea what you’re looking for. What sellers are reputable, what stones are real, things along that line. It took a lot of trial and error before I could figure out who can be trusted in this business, as far as where my supplies came from, so I could give the best quality to my customers.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Social media has absolutely been the best way to raise awareness for my business. Although social media may have some drawbacks, it is a great way for artists and makers to meet like-minded people in the community, and to reach out to customers who are looking for exactly what you are selling. I have made so many amazing customers, and relationships, through social media; specifically, Instagram. It has been amazing for my business.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been trying to figure out the balance of life while running a business. I am a full-time mother, and I also work as a social worker as well, so finding time to fit all of this in has been hard, to say the least. My business is so important to me and I keep thinking about why I do it: to help others learn about the healing properties of crystals, but also to make a better life for my family. Putting it all out on the table and seeing the reason why I persist is how I am able to overcome the difficulties of balancing my days.
How do you stay focused?
I think the way I stay focused is by telling myself how important it is to remain focused and on task. If I don’t focus, I won’t be successful, and then I won’t be able to give my family the life that I want them to have.
When I go work in my studio, I will usually put a show on in the background, usually The Office, because I’ve seen it so many times so I don’t have to pay attention. It helps to drown out all the noises around me and keeps me on task.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I differentiate my business from the competition by making each item to order. I have no inventory. Everything is made per customer and per their request. Whereas a lot of jewelry shops are a one size fits all scheme, I make every piece to fit the individual. I also feel that I differentiate from others at my price point. I try and keep my prices as low as possible so that they are affordable to all.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
The most effective marketing strategy to grow my business has been the use of Instagram. Instagram has been integral for me, as it has introduced me to lifelong customers. The people that I meet through Instagram and make relationships with, they then promote me and tell their friends about me. This has been an amazing way to make new customers.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
My best piece of advice for an aspiring entrepreneur would be to never give up. I have had high highs and low lows. There are times I’ve wanted to just throw in the towel and move on. But I didn’t. And you shouldn’t either. Always remember that you have nowhere to go but up, and you will get there, with some hard work and dedication.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
My favorite app is Instagram. Like I’ve said earlier, it has helped shape my business to be where it is now.
I honestly don’t have a favorite blog. There are too many to choose from!
And my favorite book of all time is The Bell Jar. It is raw and real and helps me to feel that I am not alone in this world.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
My favorite business tool and resource is Etsy. Etsy is an amazing platform to sell handmade items. It introduces you to a wider audience and basically sends people who they think will like your products towards your shop. Etsy is amazing and if you’re looking for a new platform to sell, I would definitely look into Etsy.
Who is your business role model? Why?
My business role model is Alli Casazza. She is a full-time mother, like me, who knows what she wants and doesn’t stop until she gets there. I’ve learned a lot from her and her podcast!
How do you balance work and life?
This has been difficult for me, especially since we have been quarantined and my studio is in my home. I balance it by pushing myself towards my work when I know I need to. Sometimes it’s an internal fight to step away from my family and work, but I push myself. I also have an excellent support system. My husband is always there to help me. My 3-year-old son loves what I do and will also come to my studio to help me, which is a great way to get work done while also bonding with him!
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
My favorite way to decompress is by watching 90 Day Fiancé with my husband at night when the kids are sleeping. It’s the best show and it makes me so happy!
What do you have planned for the next six months?
In the next 6 months, I plan on launching new collections to my website. I’m also hoping to be in a few more retail stores as well.
How can our readers connect with you?
Email: TrueWarriorJewelry@gmail.com
Instagram: @True_Warrior_Jewelry
Facebook: TrueWarriorJewelry