Community Highlights: Meet Ariel Wright of Mylk & Huney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Wright.

Hi Ariel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always knew I wanted to create something people could wear, and for a long time, I thought that was going to be clothed. I actually bought the name Mylk & Huney 7 years before I ever did anything with it. One day I was inspired to make some delicate clay earrings because they were trending, but I felt they were all too big for my taste and I couldn’t seem to find anything smaller. As I do, I often resign to the fact that if I want something, but can’t find it, I’ll have to make it. So I did. After I made what is now known as the Rainbow earrings, I was getting people asking where I’d got them. So I made a couple for people, and before I knew it, the popular spa I work at in Sedona allowed me to sell them on consignment. That’s when things really took off.

A few months after seeing my jewelry’s success in the spa, I worked on my website, photoshoots, product descriptions, and the works! I was able to launch Mylk & Huney Jewelry into the world on January 1st, 2022. It has been a wild and unpredictable year since bringing this little store to life, and a lot of refinements have been made throughout. Now Mylk & Huney reflects more of my work as a Reiki Practitioner, Ayurvedic Counselor, and Astrologer as the whole line is Reiki infused and the mala collection helps find balance for certain zodiac signs and Ayurvedic constitutions. It’s been a real journey, and not an easy one, launching a passion project with little to no money. I risked a lot to make it happen and there were many times I thought I should quit. Now it’s been over a year, I’ve expanded into 4 different galleries and spas in the country, and I truly can’t wait to see what other expansion is to come for this little business!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been bumpier than ever LOL! The biggest bump in the road for me in creating this little business was money. Money, money, money – they say more money, more problems, but I have yet to find that the case. I risked pretty much all my financial security to make Mylk & Huney happen.

There were times I thought I was crazy, doing the wrong thing, but it always felt so fulfilling that I kept going despite the ever-dwindling bank account. In that process, my self-esteem would take some blows especially if products weren’t moving & selling. I kept wondering how this would be sustainable and if it’d make it past its first year. With enough support from friends and family keeping my chin up, I stuck with it, kept with the financial risks, and before the year was up, I’ve finally been able to put that money towards a blossoming life of alignment.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Alaskan Native who lived many years in the heart of Sedona, AZ. The magic of the land and people brought me closer to my spiritual side and into the heart of Reiki. Blessed by a beautiful teacher, I received my Level 1 & Level 2 activation codes to channel Reiki in my life and with my clients. While I’m involved with many works outside of jewelry making, Mylk & Huney is one of my biggest passion projects to date!

The jewelry I create is crafted with hand-rolled clay, real gold, authentic gemstones, and brass. Inspired by the elements of this world and the simplicity of the old way, the clay and beaded earrings stay true to simple designs like in ancient times. The gemstone mala bracelets are a reflection of my dedication to meditation and a reminder to be present. The reiki-infused jewelry is a symbol of a simpler time, where we all slow down and connect with one another, and with Mother Earth.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I worked predominantly alone, but can’t underestimate the value of talking things out with friends, family, and my ever-supportive partner.

There’s always some trial and error, but with the internet allowing so many to flourish with their passions, you can find so much helpful mentor information online. As for networking, wear or use your product all the time and it’ll spark a conversation! Word of mouth is great and I think underestimated in this world of technology.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mylknhuney.shop/
• Instagram: @mylknhuney
• Facebook: @mylkandhuney

Image Credits
Amelia Gray @ameliagrayphotography