Today we’d like to introduce you to Jara McConnell.
Hi Jara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was in a place in my life where I needed to redirect my energy and find peace within my circumstances. I needed a surgery to help my eye as I had detached retinas and my friend said have you heard of a Mala ( prayer beads). I had heard about them but didn’t how to use a Mala.
During this journey was difficult as you really understand when you are alone with your thoughts it can get heavy very quickly.
So I made my own Mala and it looked very long!!! But I did it and put my prayer on each bead and wore it and meditated On them.
I then healed and met Richee my partner and he asked what do you think about bringing your gift to others at the local farmers markets and that is how it happened
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think the obstacles and struggles that we find in small businesses are mostly on ourselves we put a lot of expectations on what it is that we feel that we should be doing. I think I had great advice in the beginning I had someone tell me don’t overthink it until you need it don’t get it I think we spent a lot of extra money on things that we don’t need in our business that we aren’t there yet so those at one of the few obstacles I saw but also getting out of your own way I love what I do and the struggles I think I’ve been outside influences not so much in my business being organized is something that I struggle with in a way that you have something every day that you’re looking forward to like an agenda or schedule I’m pretty free spirited when it comes to those things but I would that technology would be my Achilles’ heel or how to process things.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am most proud of starting We overthink and do not do as much as we should. Sometimes change is hard and when we are in the valley looking up towards the light that is where we find our true selves.
I am proud that when you start you are it!! No one is looking to see how things are going when you’re alone and making it happen! The process is so important as you can lose what you started in the first place !! To bring joy the bringer of light!
I shine my brightest when I am in front of the community. I am all about Interactions versus transactional. To speak and share knowledge of what I have learned and to pass it along to someone who loves pieces but doesn’t know the makeup of the piece or how it should function to how it is make and to have the greatest quality as well! I love what I do especially when children walk up.
Showing them the singing bowl and showing them how it sings to bracelets that are just their size. When I was in the darkest places, I remember the little joys. Passing those along to others is so sweet for me and my happy place.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
– People
– Joy
-Smiles
-The littles
All of these are so important in the moment and to catch those moments are fleeting so stop and take them in.
Pricing:
- Bracelets $30-90
- Mala beads (prayer beads) $80-$490
- Earrings $20-$130
- Necklaces $60-$130
- Rocks/ littles (little green bracelets I give to children)
Contact Info:
- Email: jaramcconnell@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jarayoungdesigns
- Youtube: jarayoungdesigns
Image Credits
Jose Coli
