Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cayla Barbieri, Founder of June Moon Apothecary, located in Norwood, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
June Moon Apothecary was always my biggest dream. It is a spiritual-based business that focuses on intentional magick. Every product I create serves a purpose: mental health, healing, positivity, empowerment, moon magick, and so much more. Not only is June Moon Apothecary a luxury candle business, but it also focuses on the divine feminine, both dark and not. Embracing the darkest parts of ourselves and powering through those shadows. Founded in 2020, June Moon Apothecary has a dark academia and witchcraft vibe. My customers are mainly spiritual practitioners of all types and enjoy the journey of healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up always enjoying aromatherapy and being drawn to certain scents. I have always aspired to be an artist. Whether that meant being a writer, a painter, or even a fashion designer. Art has always been my therapeutic outlet and has gotten me through the darkest of times. Not only am I a business owner, but I am also a certified makeup artist in the Philadelphia area. I have been a makeup artist for 5+ years, and it is also a huge passion of mine.
To me, being an artist is limitless, and there are no rules. When I traveled to New Orleans a few years back before June Moon Apothecary was officially a business; I was truly inspired. In New Orleans, I deeply felt so spiritually connected; I felt like I was home. I discovered how much impact artistry goes. You would see artists on the street early in the morning singing and playing instruments. Painters with their work in Jackson Square. I firsthand saw no fear of rejection, only determination to show their work to the world, and that inspired me.
Being a mental health advocate, I simply want to live my life with purpose, strong intentions, and the ability to impact & heal others as best as I can. With each product I make, my own energy goes into every scent, every ingredient, every crystal, every herb, and every floral. Some products are even distinctively made during certain phases of the moon. My life is based on intentions; therefore, so is June Moon Apothecary.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The most rewarding part of being a business owner is sharing my love for art and creativity. For me, being able to take anything I have ever been through and turn that into power while also creating products that can help others do so - is everything to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Running a business has so many benefits, and it brings so much more opportunities every day to grow, both as a business and as a business owner. However, one of the biggest hardest parts about running your own business, at least for me, is that I do everything myself. I creatively think, plan, create, navigate all social media platforms, make all of the listings, fulfill each order, hand write each thank you note, package, and send them off. My business is a ONE woman job and while some days it can be overwhelming, remembering I am doing exactly what I love is the most rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are to fight for your dreams & take risks, don’t allow others to convince you can’t achieve anything in life, and work hard (& the next day, work even harder).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
“Magick begins within you!”
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JuneMoonApothecary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junemoon.apotho/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Junemoon
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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