Dazzling Drusy Crystal: A Hot Item in Today’s Jewelry Market
written for SWCreations by Lisa A. Vella>
One form of quartz crystal that is becoming more popular among jewelry designers today is known as the Drusy (pronounced DREW-zee) mineral. Oddly enough, there are many different spellings, including “druzy,” “drusie,” “druse,” and even “drusies.” The word itself originated from the German word, druse, and is defined as a beautiful grouping of very tiny crystals that grows on the surface of a stone. It is also not uncommon for drusy to form in the cavity of a geode or larger pocket of a mineral deposit.
When ground water carries dissolved silica and forces it into a porous area of a rock, rapid cooling occurs. Tiny crystals, the drusy crystals, then form on the surface or in the cavity of that rock. It may be composed of the same material as the base rock, or it may consist of a layer of clear quartz over different material. Chrysocolla, azurite, malachite, and uvarovite (pronounced oo-vare-oh-vite) are just a few of the many forms of drusy out there.
Up until about ten years ago, drusy minerals were of little interest to most, but their use to gem carvers and jewelry designers has raised awareness and notoriety to the general public. Perhaps one reason for its sudden popularity is because it has so many unique characteristics. The crystal clusters grow in outward facing positions and are angular in shape. Its basic structure, which resembles sugar crystals, is very interesting in appearance, but when forming in its natural state may take a long time to grow.
Most non-quartz species are natural and come in a multitude of colors—also an attractive feature for jewelry designers and connoisseurs alike. It forms in colors of green, blue, black, white, orange, and even polka-dot. It may be surprising to know that even colors such as hot pink (cobalto-calcite) and multi-colored (rainbow pyrite) forms of drusy occur in the natural world—not at all color-enhanced by man.
The fact that it has been around for thousands of years, makes it popular among the general public. It is strongly associated with interesting folklore and healing properties that give it additional appeal. Many who wear it even today believe in its powers—just as those of ancient times did.
Generally speaking, all drusy crystal is thought to help promote inner strength, and is even believed to encourage ideas or thought forms to grow. Specific forms of the stone, however, are known to have their own individual benefits. For example, Chrysocolla, a light green or sky blue stone promotes creativity, female energy, communication, and even aids in the relief of ulcers and arthritis. It is also associated with peace, patience, and unconditional love. Malachite, on the other hand, has powers of protection, success in business, and was often worn to detect impending danger. It was thought to break into tiny pieces when danger was near. Folklore says that Azurite, named after its azure or deep-blue color, was used in ancient cultures to contact divine consciousness. For this reason it was also known as “the stone of heaven.” It’s purifying effect on the mind and body helped one connect with the highest wisdom.
People appreciate drusy crystal for many different reasons. For some, it’s for its aesthetic beauty. For others, it’s for its healing powers and nurturing properties. Whatever the reason, it is certainly considered nothing less than a lovely gift from nature.
Work at Home Mom – WAHM
by Stephanie A White
Working from home can be a very rewarding job. It is such a gift to be able to see your kids off to school and be there when they return home. There are more than 10 million Work at Home mothers ranging from your crafty mom to your data entry computer job mom. With gas prices still on the rise you might welcome not having the daily commute and shelling out all that money.
If you are currently looking for something to do from home you need to be on the alert for the Work at Home scams. Just remember that old saying, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” If they are asking you for money to help you find a position this should be a red flag. Real opportunities do exist, but you will have to exercise discretion to determine if the position is real or a scam. This would be an excellent time to have your guard up and take the time to do the research. After all anyone, even scam artists, can build a presentable convincing website these days.
These are some good tips and words of caution:
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· If they are asking for money, NEVER send money; legitimate recruiters or employers will never ask you for money.
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· Check and see if the opportunity comes from a real website. If you are not familiar with the company do some additional research.
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· Look through websites to locate information about the company, such as; address, email, and telephone number. You may have to do a Whois.net search to see detailed contact information.
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· Filling out the forms could be a scam to get your email address, so be sure you thoroughly do your homework on every website, before giving out your personal information.
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· Watch out for the ‘Act Now!’ statements. Although you do not want to miss out on an opportunity, be patient no legitimate company will hire you on the spot.
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· If the income they promise seems too incredible or they promise you will only have to work a few hours a week, be very cautious. This is one of those ‘too good to be true’ red flags.
A good place to start is to determine what your areas of interest are. Also, what fields are you experienced in? The odds are if you like what you do you will probably enjoy doing it more. Someone once said “if you love what you do, the money will follow”, and I can attest to that statement. If you are starting your own business it can take 2-3 years to get the business off the ground. Starting an online business can be very rewarding but will still require work and research to climb to the top of the search engines. It is possible to create a successful internet business that requires less overhead.
If your Work at Home business does become successful you will have to learn how to balance working from home with managing your family. It is possible to use a content management system to build just about any type of online business. The content management software programs require a learning curve, but they are easier to manage on the day to day basis. In the beginning you will have more than enough time to expand your topics of interest although as your business grows you may find it is more than one person can handle. Unless your company is producing enough to hire outside help you will want to avoid spreading yourself too thin; after all there is only so much one person can do in one day and still have time for her family.
http://workathomesuccess.com/scamalert.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Work_at_home
May’s Birthstone: Enduring Emerald
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
May’s birthstone is emerald, a green gemstone that heralds the lush landscape of spring. May is a month in which flowers blossom, grass unfolds, and everything seems new again. Emerald is a stone that capture’s all spring’s verdant splendor, ranging in color between a bluish jungle green to chartreuse. The stone and the month are a perfect pairing.
May’s birthstone is emerald, a green gemstone that heralds the lush landscape of spring. May is a month in which f
lowers blossom, grass unfolds, and everything seems new again. Emerald is a stone that capture’s all spring’s verdant splendor, ranging in color between a bluish jungle green to chartreuse. The stone and the month are a perfect pairing.
Yet, for all of its exotic allure, emerald stones are simply a green variety of beryl. Aquamarine, another type of colored beryl, is the sister stone to May’s birthstone. But unlike aquamarine, emeralds are notorious for their flaws.
Though emerald clocks in at a respectable 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, its frequent flaws and inclusions make it less durable than many birthstones; emeralds are more prone to cracking than similar stones of the same size. To disguise the flaws and enhance the appearance of the stone, most emeralds are treated today with colorless oils and resins. Unfortunately, this means that they cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath and you have to be careful even washing y
our hands if you’re wearing an emerald birthstone ring.
May’s birthstone has a rich history and lore that spans the globe. Emerald once betokened power and rule in ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Cleopatra famously mined them in Egypt, and rulers from India to Persia and beyond rushed to buy them. The ancient Roman writer Pliny once famously observed of emerald that “Nothing greens greener.”
But emerald’s history isn’t just limited to the cradle of civilization. The discovery of the new world revealed that
emeralds were prized in the Americas as well. In 1532, Conquistidor Pizzaro captured the Inca King of Peru who named among his treasures an emerald crown. Cortez also loaded boats with emeralds to bring back to Europe.
In addition to their historical importance, emeralds also have religious significance. The bible names emerald as one of the birthstones in the breastplate of Aaron, representing the tribe of Judah. Emerald has importance to Christianity as well. Italy boasts of a Holy Grail cup made of emeralds that was captured during the crusades and which is said to have been used by Christ at the Last Supper.
The Koran also describes heaven’s garden as being carpeted with emeralds, and the famous ‘Mogul Emerald’ has prayers engraved in it. The Hindus revere emeralds for their supposed healing properties and its name in Indian means “the green of growing things.”
From the old world to the new, emerald’s rich religious and cultural history made it a prized stone in ages past, but our love affair with May’s birthstone still endures. In fact, high quality emeralds are worth more than diamonds by carat weight. Perhaps it is the vast depth of emerald green that calls to us, or maybe, as the ancients believed, the stone is simply soothing to the eye. Whatever accounts for our fascination, emerald is like spring captured in a stone and that makes it the perfect birthstone for May.
Links
February’s Birthstone: The Romance of Amethyst
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
Amethyst is February’s birthstone. Some might wonder whether amethyst’s rich violet hue is appropriate for a month associated with red roses and candy hearts. But as it happens, the legend of Saint Valentine says that he wore an amethyst ring carved in the shape of cupid. Amethyst beads, with their grape purple tints, have been associated with love, fertility and romance long before pink Hallmark Cards took February’s center stage.
In fact, before the legend of Saint Valentine and his amethyst ring, there was the legend of Cleopatra and hers. Though Egyptian pharaohs generally adorned their tombs with amethysts, Cleopatra wore hers on a spectacular ring symbolizing love, light and life. Cleopatra was thought to be the incarnation of Isis by Egyptians, and some Romans thought she was the incarnation of Venus, Goddess of Love. With her amethyst ring, Cleopatra was said to have ensorcelled not one, but two powerful Roman generals: Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Perhaps it is for this reason that Roman wives came to believe that amethyst beaded jewelry would assure their husband’s devotion.
Moreover, the story that gives February’s birthstone its name is a romantic tragedy. Dionysus, the Greek god of fertility and wine, fell in love with a maiden named Amethyst. When the maiden refused the drunken god’s affections, she was turned to quartz. But when the God saw the girl thus, he was overcome with love and sorrow. He wept upon her statue and his wine-purple tears stained the stone forever.
Thereafter, ancient people’s thought that amethyst had the power to prevent intoxication. Cups and goblets were carved from amethyst to protect against drunkenness. Amethyst’s reputation for being able to grant its wearer a clear head, promote feelings of love, and ensure devotion made it a popular stone amongst the early clergy. Amethyst beads adorned crucifixes worn by bishops and cardinals, but Catholicism wasn’t the only religion to prize February’s birthstone. Amethysts are also Buddha’s gemstone and treasured in Tibet.
Amethyst beaded jewelry can be as pale as lilac or as vibrant as lilac–versatile colors that compliment most skin tones. Moreover, February’s birthstone registers as a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means that it’s durable. In fact, amethyst’s beauty and durability ensured that it was once amongst the most expensive gemstones, but due to large deposits found in the modern era, amethyst birthstones are now affordable on any budget. One drawback to February’s birthstone, however, is that daylight can change its color. Purple amethysts can be restored by means of radiation, but to preserve the intense royal color, it’s best not to wear amethyst beaded jewelry when sunbathing or otherwise exposed to intense light.
In modern times, February has become a month of sober reflection. We acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans during February because it is Black History Month. We remember our great leaders on President’s Day, and we show our appreciation for the ones we love on St. Valentine’s Day. So too has amethyst become a modern symbol of clear-headedness and an open heart, which makes it an ideal birthstone for those born under the sign of Aquarius.
Links:
What Mood are You?
written for SWCreations by Lisa A. Vella
In the 1970’s a new and interesting kind of jewelry became one of the biggest fads of the decade to hit the market. It was the first piece of jewelry that could supposedly tell what mood its wearer was in. This piece of jewelry was the mood ring—it was fun, it was fresh, and it was totally cool if you owned one! Today, mood jewelry comes in more than just the original form of mood rings. There are now necklaces, earrings, toe rings, and most recently, beads to become bracelets. Regardless of form, however, mood jewelry has an interesting history.
It is a bit uncertain as to who actually invented the mood ring. One story says that in the 1960’s a man named Marvin Wernick invented it. He had supposedly gotten the idea while watching a doctor friend of his apply a thermotropic strip to a child’s forehead during an emergency. The strip changed color according to how hot the strip became. After giving it some thought, Wernick, a jewelry designer by trade, realized that he could turn this into a fun invention for ordinary use. It wasn’t long before the mood ring came about.
Still others attribute the arrival of the mood ring to a man named Joshua Reynolds, who was also the inventor of the Thighmaster.
Apart from who invented it, it still works the same. The stone of the ring itself is either a hollow piece of glass filled with liquid thermotropic crystals, or a clear glass stone that sits on a sheet of liquid crystals. These crystals reflect different wavelengths of light based on the body temperature of the person who is wearing it. The stone then changes color according to the body temperature.
So how can you tell the mood by a person’s body temperature? People’s body temperatures tend to vary based on what mood they are in. For example, if a person feels stressed their body temperatures often drop. If that person is wearing the mood ring, it would typically be represented by the ring changing from the neutral green to black. When one is very happy, or even in love, body temperature rises, and the ring should change from the neutral green to dark blue or purple.
Whether mood jewelry actually works or not remains to be seen. There are a few different variables that can render them inaccurate. For one thing, individual companies calibrate the temperature of their rings slightly differently, so sometimes the colors are not completely universal. Another thing to keep in mind is that not everyone’s body temperature is the same in certain situations, like extreme stress or when in love. The following is a list of colors and their general meanings:
- Brown: Anxious, nervous, fearful
- Black: Stressed, tense or feeling harried
- Grey: Extremely nervous or anxious, scared
- Amber: Slightly nervous or anxious
- Green: Neutral reading, normal, not under great stress
- Blue-green: Emotionally charged, somewhat relaxed
- Blue: Relaxed, At ease, calm, lovable
- Dark Blue/Purple: Very happy, in love, passionate, romantic
Regardless of who invented it or how accurate they are, mood jewelry is still great fun to both own and wear. It is attractive, stylish and comes in many different forms. So why don’t you try it out for yourself, test out the accuracy—see what mood you are in! After all, that is part of the fun of owning mood jewelry.
January’s Birthstone Garnet and Auld Lang Syn
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
January’s birthstone is garnet, a stone with an inner fire that defies even the coldest winter days. And the month of January is filled with those. January is named for Janus, the two faced Roman God of beginnings, endings, gates and doors. This is because January pays tribute to the year just past and harbingers the journeys we’ll make into the New Year.
As we make those journeys, whether as trips or metaphorical resolutions, no more fitting birthstone could guide us than garnet. This is because ancient cultures like the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and even Sumerians used garnet beaded jewelry as protective talismans for journeyers. The garnet appears in the bible as the fourth stone in Aaron’s breastplate and Noah is said to have used a garnet lantern to guide his Ark at night.
For those seeking garnet’s sure guidance, garnet beaded jewelry is ideal. But garnet rings are particularly popular birthstone jewelry for January, because a ring represents the completion of the yearly cycle.
So what color should garnet connoisseurs wear?
Blood red garnet beaded jewelry stands out like a blooming rose against January snows; the gemstone’s name itself derives from the pomegranate, a fruit with sparkling seeds that resemble garnet beads. Certainly, deep crimson is garnet’s most popular and iconic shade.
But January’s birthstone can be any shade, and garnet beaded jewelry can be found in a rainbow of hues. For a time, it was believed that garnets came in every color but blue, but the discovery of blue garnets in Madagascar in the 1990s put that idea to rest. Now, smoky blue garnet is amongst the most prized gems both for its rarity and its ability to change color in different light.
Unusually colored garnets each have their own names. For example, purple garnets are known as Rhodolite, mandarin orange garnets are called Spessartine, brown or black garnets are known as Andradite, and emerald green garnets go by the name of Tsavorith. This is to name only a few.
This wide variety of names for January’s birthstone stems from the fact that garnet is not a single gemstone, but rather, a family of related stones. What all varieties of garnet share is a common formation and cubic crystalline structure. Garnets are uniformly brilliant, natural, and durable. Garnets are also amongst the hardest gemstones, rating between a 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, and garnet beaded jewelry is generally affordable, making an ideal birthstone.
In fact, there are no known enhancements for garnets, so it’s difficult to fool a consumer with inferior quality garnet beaded jewelry. Perhaps it is this inviolable purity that turned garnet into a symbol for remembrance and faithful friendship. After all, historically, garnet has been a gift exchanged between good friends who are parting, to ensure that they meet again. January’s birthstone is even said to rekindle old feelings.
Thus, in a month when we gather with family and sing of old acquaintances forgotten and never brought to mind, garnet birthstone jewelry stands as a tribute to January’s two aspects–reminding us of the past and guiding us into the future.
Resources:
Garnets
January Birthstones
December’s Birthstone: Turquoise and Blue Topaz
Cool Blue Turquoise:
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
Turquoise is December’s birthstone, blue as a winter sky or a Christmas forest. These cool turquoise shades have endeared December’s birthstone to cultures from antiquity to today. Even though this opaque gemstone brings to mind the native tribes of the American Southwest, historically, the largest source of turquoise beaded jewelry was the Middle East.
Iran was the single greatest source of quality turquoise, and December’s birthstone was prized by the Egyptians as far back as the First Dynasty. Indeed, turquoise is a regal stone that has adorned the rulers of Persia, Egypt, Israel, and China. Even on the other side of the world, turquoise beaded jewelry was considered fit for Aztec royalty and chiefs of the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes.
For all these civilizations, turquoise was held in esteem not just for its peaceful hues, but because they believed that the gemstone worked as a talisman to clear the mind, enhance good health and protect the wearer from dark forces. In fact, the legends surrounding turquoise all revolve around the gemstone’s reputed ability to bring cheer and dispel darkness. This might be one of the qualities that makes turquoise the ideal birthstone for December — Seasonal Depression Awareness Month.
When given as a gift, turquoise beaded jewelry is meant to endow the recipient with great happiness throughout the year. Certainly, the cool blue that is most prized in turquoise cannot help but be a soothing balm to weary winter spirits. But the green tints that bring to mind placid Caribbean seas add warmth to the season.
In ancient times, Egyptian turquoise was said to be greener than the gemstones found in Iran. Then, as now, green turquoise beaded jewelry was less prized than the blue. The difference in color is caused by the presence of copper and iron. The more copper is present in the turquoise, the bluer it will be. If more iron is present, the turquoise beaded jewelry will appear greener
Whether green or blue, December’s Birthstone requires some special care. Scoring below six on the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, even turquoise beaded jewelry can fracture easily. If turquoise jewelry is exposed to cosmetics, perfumes, or even skin oils, the appearance of the stone can change dramatically. Turquoise stones and beaded jewelry needs protection from the elements and is seldom faceted. (If one desires a more traditional translucent December birthstone, the alternative is icy blue topaz.)
To enhance the appearance and durability of turquoise, even the ancients treated their polished turquoise beaded jewelry with wax. In modern times, jewelers often seal turquoise gemstones in a synthetic resin. But even more radical treatments have been devised that can devalue December’s birthstone for the unwary buyer. Perhaps this is why some experts claim that high quality turquoise is now rarer than any other precious gem, including diamonds.
But for those who were born in December, many beautiful and affordable turquoise beaded jewelry and inlaid stone options are available. After all, December brings with it the winter solstice when the sun’s ebb on the sea’s horizon finally reverses course. That makes turquoise, a gemstone that encompasses notions of both sea and sky, a most fitting birthstone for December’s devotees.
Relevant Links:
Wikipedia’s entry on Turquoise
International Colored Gemstone Organization
November’s Citrine and Topaz:
Birthstones with a Sunny Disposition
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
With fallen leaves swirling on chill winds, November marks our last fond farewell to warmer days. As trees turn color and people get cozy with spiced cider, the gemstones for this month are bound to bring seasonal cheer. Citrine and yellow topaz are November’s birthstones, heralding the harvest with their warm and sunny hues.
Topaz is one of the oldest and most revered ornamental gemstones in the world. The ancient Egyptians believed that the bright and beautiful stones were glowing drops of light cast to earth by the sun god Ra. The Romans attributed the golden gleam of topaz to Jupiter, their god of light and sky. And in the Bible, topaz was one of the twelve named gemstones set into the breastplate of Aaron.
In fact, at one time, all yellow stones were called topaz.
Topaz runs the gamut of autumn shades from the pale yellow of a chardonnay to ambered honey or a vibrant pumpkin orange. Topaz will not scratch because it is extremely hard (rating an 8 on the Mohs scale), but it also has what is known as “perfect cleavage.” This means that it can chip easily, which, combined with its expense, may be why many people with November birthdays prefer citrine.
Citrine, November’s other birthstone, is sometimes indistinguishable from topaz to the untrained eye. Citrine has often been sold to fool consumers under the names golden topaz, Madeira topaz, Brazilian topaz, Bahia topaz, and citrine topaz.
But as closely as citrine and topaz resemble each other, they are very different gemstones. In fact, citrine’s sister gemstone is actually the amethyst. Both citrine and amethyst are varieties of quartz. Amethyst can be heat treated until the purple color turns amber when it can then be sold as citrine. Of course, the same phenomenon occurs in nature when purple amethyst crystals are exposed to hot centers in the earth and transformed into citrine. So the distinction between the two gemstones is largely a function of color. (When a gemstone combines amethyst and citrine together, it is known as ametrine.)
But while citrine, amethyst, and ametrine are essentially the same stone, the two November birthstones, citrine and topaz, are entirely different minerals.
Of the two, citrine is more common. Ranging in color from a bright lemon yellow to a deep tawny brown, citrine brings out the gleam in any gold setting. Along its color spectrum, citrine even encompasses cinnamon orange and a shade of red that is reminiscent of Madeira wine.
There are not many yellow gemstones in the world, and of those that exist, citrine is the most affordable. It is also extremely durable. Citrine’s hardness measures 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes citrine largely impervious to scratches. But more importantly, its crystalline properties make citrine difficult to chip.
Historically, both yellow topaz and citrine were said to bring light and clarity of mind to those who owned them. Yellow topaz and citrine were both worn to gladden hearts, banish fear, and to help see through deception. Even in the contemporary world, these gemstones are known to evoke images of autumn gourds, roaring fires, sunflowers, and melted butter over cobs of corn. So what better way to commemorate the month of November than with one of these elegant birthstones?
Resources:
Healing Qualities of Gemstones
Citrine Crystals
Citrine on Wikipedia
Topaz on Wikipedia
More about the Month of November
October’s Birthstone: Spooky Tales of Pink Tourmaline
Opals and Pink Tourmaline
written for SWCreations by Stephanie Dray
There are two October birthstones: opals and pink tourmaline. But while opals are more famous and certainly have their charm, pink tourmaline’s spooky qualities make it the perfect birthstone for the month in which we revel in ghost stories and the supernatural.
You see, pink tourmaline shares a unique quality with all tourmaline gemstones—it’s pyroelectric and piezoelectric. That means that when heated or put under pressure, tourmaline gemstones take on an electric charge and can actually pull things towards them. If you vigorously rub and warm up your pink tourmaline birthstone jewelry, it can “magically” attract nearby bits of paper and dust. It might even make the hairs on your arm stand on end!
But spooky action at a distance isn’t the only haunting quality of this October birthstone. Tourmaline jewelry can also appear to be different colors when viewed from different angles. The scientific explanation for this is pleochroism, an optical phenomenon in which light wavelengths are absorbed and bent in different degrees as they pass through the crystal. The mundane result, however, is that a set of birthstone jewelry is mystical and ever changing. Is it any wonder that tourmaline gemstones have been considered magical since ancient times?
Amongst gemstones, tourmaline is available in the widest variety of colors. The Egyptians even told a tale that tourmaline passed over a rainbow on its journey to earth and called it the gemstone of the rainbow.
There are even varieties of color in pink tourmaline itself. One of the most popular varieties is called “watermelon tourmaline.” Watermelon tourmaline is green on the outside, giving way to a slight white rind, and then a brilliant pink or red interior. When October’s birthstone displays three colors, as it does with watermelon tourmaline, it’s known as multicolored tourmaline. If it displays only two colors, then it’s known as bicolored tourmaline.
Because tourmaline gemstones come in every color under the sun, special names have been invented to distinguish them. For example, blue tourmaline is known as indigolite and green tourmaline is known as verdelite, so when shopping for your October Birthstone, keep in mind that pink tourmaline also has another name: rubellite. (For jewelers and gemstone enthusiasts, a true rubellite is a variety that does not change colors depending on the light source or viewing angle, but pink tourmaline might be sold as rubellite anyway.)
Tourmaline is the official mineral of Maine. It’s quarried there and in a variety of other locations all around the world, so October’s birthstone is available in almost all price ranges. It can even be irradiated to give it a more intense color.
Tourmaline ranges between 7-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale; that makes it ideal for birthstone jewelry, which must both be durable and wear well. (October’s other birthstone, opal, is not as hard as tourmaline, and can become brittle and break easily. Also, whereas pink tourmaline can be faceted for more traditional jewelry settings, opals are best polished and smooth.)
Remember too that if transparent rubellite or multicolored watermelon tourmaline is not your style, you can even find October’s birthstone in a cat’s eye pattern. And if that’s not perfect for the month that celebrates Halloween, what is?
SWCreations Artist Spotlight – Body Divine This is the first in a series of interviews designed to spotlight women who run creative businesses from home while rearing their children. Michelle Hurd has agreed to visit with us for this interview. I think that you’ll agree that shehas a fascinating story.
An Interview With Body Divine’s Michelle Hurd
written for SWCreations by Laura Spencer
This is the first in a series of interviews designed to spotlight women who run creative businesses from home while rearing their children. Body Divine’s Michelle Hurd has agreed to visit with us for this interview. I think that you’ll agree that she has a fascinating story.
Body Divine has specialized in soaps, moisturizers, and home spa products made with only natural ingredients and essential oils for over seven years.
As Michelle says, “Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It requires care just like our heart. To strengthen the heart we exercise it. Our skin’s health is directly related to its moisture content. It needs vitamins and minerals (food), and TLC! I have formulated my products with natural ingredients that provide this.
Here is Michelle’s story:
SWCreations: How long have you been selling natural skin care?
Michelle: I began to research the art of soapmaking in 2000 just for fun. Shortly after that one of my sons had several different rashes over the majority of his body. After many visits to doctors, who treated him with steroids, I took matters into my own hands. By changing his diet and using completely natural soap, lotions, and bath salts (that I made myself) his skin condition cleared up. Friends started requesting the soap!
I studied Chemical Engineering in college for several years, so I understand chemistry. Creating soaps, lotions, body scrubs, and masks that have beneficial properties and feed the skin cells was fascinating. I continued my education and experimentation and developed a line of products that are used by naturopaths and other health care providers. I began studying about healing the skin when my other son suffered third degree burns over 17% of his body. Certain oils and essential oils help the skin’s cells grow and affect both scar tissue and skin color.
SWCreations: What sparked your interest in essential oils?
Michelle: The natural healing properties of essential oils and the fact that they are soothing, both physically and mentally. I just take a whiff of lavender essential oil and my shoulders relax and pleasant thoughts can come to me. I use essential oils/aromatherapy for minor illnesses for my family such as colds, stomachaches, headaches, insect bites, and as insect repellent. I also use them for relaxation. I started learning about aromatherapy in the early 90s.
SWCreations: What makes your soaps and lotions unique?
Michelle: There are unique properties in each oil I use in formulating my products. I use aromatherapy principles in selecting scents and botanicals that are in the products. Some soaps are for fun and provide TLC, some soaps soothe the skin, others are formulated to help things like eczema and dry skin bumps or deter insects. The Bath salts provide minerals and relaxation . While the soaps sound functional, they are made beautifully with natural colorants. You will feel the difference on your skin. My soap bars last much longer than commercially made soap bars. The image and professionalism of the products differentiate them as well. My ability to communicate the benefits and educate the consumer is what sets Body Divine apart.
SWCreations: Do you have a favorite oil or soap, and why?
Michelle: I am indebted to Emu oil — it gave my older son added elasticity (reducing the amount of skin grafts) and softened the scar tissue. I have an Emu soap bar, which is lovely and healing! My favorite soap bar is the Massage bar. It is a timesaver — you get cleaned while you soothe your muscles with a massage. I love it on my feet. The best oil for your skin is Olive oil and I use it in all my soaps and scrubs. By itself it is too thick and can clog pores, but mixed with other ingredients it provides a breathable, protective layer for your skin.
SWCreations: What was your biggest challenge that you had in setting up your business?
Michelle: My biggest challenge has been juggling my craving for knowledge and product development with the need to educate people about my products and take care of the business. Those two aspects of business require different skills.
SWCreations: What is your day as a home business owner like?
Michelle: It was overly full until I established work hours to keep myself from checking emails one more time, and so on. I have a separate room at home for Body Divine HQ. I try to leave work at work!
SWCreations: What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment?
Michelle: Personally, my biggest accomplishment has been raising two sons (aged 10 and 12). Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is that I have developed Healthy Skin seminars in order to educate people about ingredients in commercial products, what to look for in natural products, what that means, and the top five chemicals to avoid in skin care today. It is, in a nutshell, education.
SWCreations: Do you have any exciting plans “in the works” that you’d care to share
with the readers?
Michelle: My lastest product is a lotion stick, a “solid” lotion. It looks like a giant lip balm. The heat from your body melts the oils into your skin so you have a protective layer on your skin and just the right amount of moisturizer. Ingredients include emu, jojoba, avocado, mango and shea. Look for November issue of Texas Monthly magazine. They will showcase several Body Divine products in their “Holiday Wish List” section.
SWCreations: Where do you see your business in five years? In ten years?
Michelle: In the next five years, I hope to continue to improve the effectiveness of my products and develop complementary products. In ten years the kids will be gone – expansion time!
SWCreations: Do you have any advice for others who might be interested in setting up their own business?
Michelle: There is a difference between crafting and owning a business. Make sure that you want to own a business. It can quickly own you! Start off slowly to test the water. Create an image for your business through consistency of a logo, business cards, written documents, the Internet. Join support groups such as the American Business Women Association, your local Chamber of Commerce, and groups in your area of interest. Think positive! Ask for help.