Meet Trailblazer Jessica Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Marie.

Jessica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Aster Earth is truly the manifestation of Mama’s love. My soap hobby turned functional after my first daughter was born with mild eczema. My background in plant genetics and dabbling with formulas, chemistry, and plants, in general, led me to develop my own custom soap formula and method to bathe her sweet six-month-old baby body. I tried every OTC soap and lotion I could get my hands on before I decided to just make my own for her, and it worked! I’d always have extras after each batch that I shared with friends and family, and it turns out so many people have sensitive skin issues. Soon, people were offering to pay me for the products and my path became illuminated. Five years ago, I started doing small markets and shows in Arizona and Pennsylvania, my home state. Aster Earth has now traveled the country on tour doing markets and shows in 15 states, ships to somewhere like 23 states, Europe, and Canada, and has 17 wholesale accounts to date. We’ve grown! In all these shows (I average about 30/year) I learned a little bit about what it takes to make a show successful. Aster Earth has now moved into the promotion field as well and works closely with venues in Phoenix to develop a space for the community, local art, makers, crafters, and music to interact in an approachable space. The two branches of Aster Earth continue to grow and develop in ways I could have only dreamed of five years ago when I was stirring the soap pot for my little baby girl. Blessed is the path of a mother, for this is where we find our truest self.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anyone ever asks me what it’s like to run my business, I tell them, my days (nights, mostly, because that’s when I work, while everyone is asleep), consist of developing solutions to issues. Sometimes, the issues are small, sometimes they’re suffocatingly huge, but always, that’s what I do at the end of the day. I come up with solutions to get the goal accomplished. Struggles: anything from back-ordered needed products (easy stuff) to firing employees for theft (not fun stuff), being two places at once (seemingly impossible stuff), and ultimately finding a way to juggle this beautiful gift of mamahood and boss life simultaneously (still figuring this one out).

My advice, just don’t quit. Don’t give up on yourself and those dreams. Hold true to the convictions you know about your product, your path, your voice, all you have to share. Follow your heart with tenacity. It won’t be easy. I promise you this, but the rewards of seeing your vision come to fruition are a motivation beyond belief to reach the next goal, smash the next hurdle and look to the future for the next “impossible” to be made a reality.

“Nose to the grindstone. Head to the stars.” -The Roots

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Aster Earth – what should we know?
Aster Earth is all about creating a good life.

We make soaps and all natural products to keep you smelling lovely, keep your skin healthy, and keep Mother Earth happy (natural products are much easier on our planet and we are striving each day to become minimal plastic and waste producing). We are all about embracing our fellow entrepreneurs, via active collaboration with many businesses here in Phoenix and across the United States to develop products they feel proud to carry and share with their clients. This concept of refusing to see others as competition, but instead as an opportunity for us all to grow, has to lead to a beautiful network of individuals that we are honored to collaborate with and hold hands as we walk each other towards our goals.

From a promotion stand-point in organizing events, Aster Earth creates a space unlike any other. We have so many talented individuals within our network who are excited to participate and grow with us. The most influential factor in deciding to promote our own events was the lack of respect and adoration that occurs in shows across the United States, trust me I’ve done them. Often times, a vendor can show up, pay a fortune, and never meet the promoter. We care. We want to see the show benefit the community, the venue, the vendor, the musicians, the speakers, in every way possible. The most impactful way for local businesses to confront mainstream corporate America is if we band together. We have a superior product, a personal connection, and the ability to network with one another. We’re all in this together. Let’s build something amazing!

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be flexible, be easy on yourself. Take care of yourself. Follow each and every intuition, even if others may not understand. You have been placed here with a purpose. Don’t deviate. Your heart knows the way.

Pricing:

• Soaps $6.00
• Booth fees vary
• Smiles are always free

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asterearth.com
• Phone: 4802849533
• Email: jessica@asterearth.com
• Instagram: @asterearth
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Asterearth/

Image Credit:
Jessica Marie

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