This interview is such a powerful story. Amy Anastassia changed the trajectory of her life by cultivating something she was passionate about. Amy turned her passion into a business, and she has never looked back. We delve deep into the background of Amy’s life before finding out about her meaningful brand.
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Astro Stassia…
I moved out of London at 18 to pursue a degree in Southampton and was met with a major culture shock experiencing racism on a more intense level than I had ever experienced before. I was the only black person on my degree course and the only black person in several work places where I experienced and witnessed racial abuse and bullying.
It became clear to me very quickly while I was experiencing this trauma that this would be my experience in all workplaces as a dark skinned black woman because unfortunately we do not live in a post racial world.
I come from a family of black people who have had to simply put up with workplace racism in order to have a secure financial future and I decided to end this generational curse by empowering myself to create a business and practice self preservation through pursuing my lifetime passion and study in crystal healing and occultism.
I grew up in a Jamaican household where I would hear the adults around me speaking seriously about subjects like Obeah, dream decoding and witchcraft which was my first introduction into the spiritual world, by time I was in high school I was obsessed with studying crystals and astrology! The esoteric world of crystal healing has been an inspiring, mind opening and cathartic space for me during my trauma and I wanted to share that healing energy with likeminded people by launching Astro Stassia.
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
“Trust in yourself” – An important part to self esteem and self confidence means trusting yourself, you won’t go far in business if you don’t trust yourself or your decisions.
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of crystals?
Follow the crystals you are drawn to not what is popular, your experiences with crystals are unique to you and what works for some people won’t work for others. Curating your crystal collection is a deeply personal experience, there is a reason and relationship with every crystal piece you own, the crystals you own each have a purpose to be with you at this moment. Do your own research on crystals you are drawn to and record your experiences with them.
Astro Stassia Crystals
Business can be an upward struggle at times, how do you stay positive?
I honestly don’t stay positive. I find it healthier for me to acknowledge the ebbs and flows in my life and take breaks as needed. I reject the idea that I have to stay in positivity because it is unsustainable due to life’s uncontrollable nuances and leads to burnout.
I am still in the early days of growing Astro Stassia and can easily fall into overworking so it is important for me to remind myself it is ok to take time to reach my business goals in order to acknowledge the importance of recharging my spiritual and mental energy. This mindset allows me to enjoy the process of building my business and be kind to myself even through the hard times. In my mind I’m playing the long game for long-term success because success means not only money to me but also happiness and peace.
Do you have a go to quote when lacking motivation?
“Mek it happen”
Coral L (my Mum)
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
Astro Stassia is truly built off our social media community. Social media has meant that I could build a successful online business while experiencing low confidence and struggles that would have held me back if I had to have a physical presence in a shop.
The crystal community on social media has been so kind and integral in supporting the growth of Astro Stassia, it was through our social media that landed us our first magazine feature with British Vogue and now this interview with House of Coco. Social media really has been the nucleus of Astro Stassia’s opportunities so far!
Do you have a favourite crystal, and what do you use it for?
My favourite crystal of all time is Optical Calcite aka Icelandic Spar, this is one of the first crystals I researched when I launched Astro Stassia, it is a crystal with a rich history of use reaching back to the Vikings and it quickly became one of my bestsellers. Opitical Calcite is great for optimism and success and I can honestly say that has been my experience with this crystal.
How do you want people to feel when they first purchase a crystal from you?
I am Libra rising which astrologically means I live a Venusian life and I want my customers to have a truly magical Venusian experience when purchasing crystals from me, each package is actually rose scented with the crystals individually wrapped in our pink eco friendly bubble wrap. I carefully consider each step in the journey of our customers, from first seeing the image of their desired crystal on my website to receiving the package and unwrapping their new crystal! Happy customers fulfil me!
Astro Stassia Crystals
If someone were to ask you for a crystal to help with his or her general wellbeing, what would you suggest?
Girasol Quartz, it gets its name from the Italian word “Girasol” which means “sunflower” or “turn to the sun” which beautifully represents how this stone brings light in it’s owners life. It has a similar appearance to Clear Quartz however it has a milky glow throughout the crystal that intensifies as light touches it.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which crystal would you take with you?
Benin, West Africa is top of my bucket list! I apparently have strong ancestral roots in Benin and it is the birthplace of Voodoo so I feel a special draw to this country! I would definitely bring Black Tourmaline and Hematoid Quartz along with me to keep myself grounded and protected in such a spiritual destination.
What’s next for you and your brand?
Astro Stassia in 2022 will be expanding our inventory and adding exciting new product lines outside of crystals! Inshallah continuing more growth and success year on year!
Where can people find out more about Astro Stassia?
Visit our website: Astrostassia.com and follow us on Instagram @astrostassia, Twitter @astrostassia, and Facebook to keep up to date with us!
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