Crafted conversations

Alma Aromatherapy

During this crazy time, I felt it fitting to sit down with someone who brings calm into our lives. Alma Aromatherapy is an expert in essential oils. Established in 2016 and promoting a holistic live lifestyle ever since. It's so important now to take care of our mind and bodies alike. This edition of Crafted Conversation we will see the story behind the Alma soothing products. 
She’s popped up at my shows, I have seen her at other shows, but I will admit prior to this, I did not know too much about her other than she’s a been vending for years, her roller set are amazing, and shes always so dependable, so I am very excited to introduce and to get to know Victoria Serra, creator of Alma Aromatherapy today. after reviewing the interview I realized we are more a like than I could have even imagined from our music choice to our fears, and our entrepreneurial spirit. I am left inspired bu knowing someone else out there how the same thoughts and mindset at me. So let’s dive in a get to know Alma Aromatherapy and Victoria a bit better.

Flamingo Flea: How did this business start for you?

Alma Aromatherapy: I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I thought of many ideas that weren’t realistic for me so they never happened, but I always had it in the back of my head that I wanted to start something. I used to buy room sprays and essential oils for different things, one day I ran out of the room spray but I had the oil so I just re filled it, and that’s when I got my aha moment.

FF: When did you start Alma Aromatherapy?

AA: I started Alma in June 2016, but for the first two years I had other jobs and didn’t really put much effort into it. In 2018 is when I decided to make this my job and focus on it 100%. I always thought it would be impossible to leave my job and not get paid every two weeks, and just the fact that I’m doing this full time, is a huge accomplishment for me.

FF: When you are working late night and you’re on a roll, what type of music do you have playing?
AA: Tame impala, war on drugs, devendra banhart, milky chance. Sometimes I’ll play music in Spanish to sing

FF: What do you hope to be doing in 1 year, 5 years? What is the ultimate goal?
AA: Short term, I want to finally be able to pay myself a steady salary. Long term, I want to create a safe working environment for other people. My goal is to be able to put together a team that loves their job and feels cared for. I also want customers to really enjoy our products and make them part of their life, feeling confident that they are using something that was made with natural ingredients

FF: I’m sure it was an exciting moment for you, what was your very first sold item or event you popped up at?
AA: The very first product I sold was the Lavender + Camphor Body Oil. Back then I only had the room fresheners, body oils and lip balms. The table definitely looked empty but I did it anyway.

FF: We all have To Do lists, but let us know what is on your Ta Da list? What are some of your greatest accomplishments and what are you proud of? Dont be shy!
AA: My greatest accomplishment is building a company from the ground. I have zero experience, no financial help, and I still do everything alone and manage to get by. I would of course love to build a team, but I’m really proud of getting to where I am without any help. I used to give myself so many excuses, and now I have none

“I want people to have the option to have natural skincare products that work. Our skin is our biggest organ and we should be conscious of what we’re putting on it” - Victoria Serra

FF: Name your favorite part of vending at an event.
AA: Meeting people that have heard of the brand before. I love asking how and where they found our products. It’s still crazy to me that I have a brand that some people might recognize, and they aren’t my friends or family

FF: What fears did you have to conquer to get where you are now? Most of us have those negative thoughts that say we cant and shouldn't take a risk or do something different, did you experience anything like that?
AA: The first fear I had was money. I haven’t received any financial help so the thought of not knowing when I’m going to make money again was pretty scary. It’s also scary not having any prior experience and just figuring things out as you go. But the biggest fear for me was the thought of what are people going to think of the products? When you put yourself and your products out there you can’t help but take it personally if people don’t react well to them.

FF: And finally, my favorite question to ask - What is the biggest lesson or lessons you’ve learned along the way?
AA: I’ve learned many! But the biggest one is to keep going. I’m not a patient person and it’s been a challenge not seeing results right away. There have been many times when I want to quit because I don’t know where this is going to go, but for the first time I feel so strongly about something that I won’t stop until I see where it takes me.

You can shop Alma Aromatherapy on the Virtual Flea and on her website. If you liked our interview, give her a follow @almaaromatherapy and show her some love.