We had the good fortune of connecting with Shay Koloff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I wanted to do something I loved, many jobs come with security, skill , and ranking but for me I wanted to feed my soul. Owning my own business allowed for my creative skills and flexibility to work how I wanted on things that mattered to me!

What should our readers know about your business?
Zenith Moon Co. is different from other herbal businesses because we are prided on providing organic small batch handmade products that taste good and make you feel good. We are big on recycling and ethically sourced supplies. I’m most proud of the amazing feedback we have gotten from our customers and the benefits we have been able to provide to lovers of herbal remedies! We are excited to be offering multiple healing services and a retail tea room in Colorado Springs coming May 2022, under the name of The Broom Circle Holistic Healing and Tea Room. Our new space will offer products and services from Zenith Moon Co. LLC and my partner in business, Natal Desires LLC which will include tea tasting, jewelry, handmade body care products, and body care services like sculpting and body conturing.

How I got where I am today was determination and networking! Starting out in business I had no idea what I was doing and trying to build the platform on my own proved to be a turtle race. Once I reevaluated my business and the ways I could improve my customer base, I began to seek out other business owners in the area and worked with them to build connections!

It was not easy at all in the beginning because there is no direct manual on how to run a business. I had to make many sacrifices and overcome many challenges due to lack of support, money, and business knowledge. There’s been many times I have faced discrimination in more ways than one but I overcame these challenges with research , patience, and self reliance. It takes a strong individual to work for themselves because this becomes a way of life, not just a career.

Lessons I have learned along the way is to be consistent and to be patient. There is no get get quick rich path that you can take when it comes to starting a business. There is planning, branding , marketing, and producing items that go into building a successful business. It will be not be easy, you will not always make money, and there usually has to be a steady revolving income to support the passive qualities of any business. I have learned that simple is better and embracing your strengths. It’s okay to change and evolve along the way.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that you can do anything you put your mind too! I started out in my kitchen in northern Oklahoma 4 years ago never dreaming that I would be where I am today. My business is my pride and joy, and for me it is more than my job. When we decided to move to Colorado in 2020 without any friends, family, or support I never thought then that I would be able keep my business alive, move in the middle of a pandemic, and survive to open a store and work for myself full-time, but I’m here to say anything is possible!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Funny you should ask, I have what I call the Trifecta of the OCC ! My top 3 places that I always take my friends or family that visit from out of town are Garden of the Gods, Manitou Strip, and Slice 420!

Some of my most favorite places to visit with friends outside of the of the springs would be going to any hot springs in Buena Vista, or having a fun walk through Meow Wolf! Just finding a nice trail to skate on even, is always a must if the weather is nice!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my husband Merlin, who has been my biggest support system, and biggest helper in my business journey! From the first day I wanted to do business he has always encouraged me and believed in my abilities to succeed! My husband being an artist himself finds the business world fascinating and I’m hoping one day he can quit his 9-5 to do business with me full time! With his constant support and love I have been able to achieve so many small victories as black woman owned business!

Website: www.zenithmoonco.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/zenithmoonco

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/zenithmoonco

Other: https://linktr.ee/thebroomcircle

Image Credits
Her Wandering Lense D20 Photography The Photo Babe

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