Meet Spirit Corley | Small Business Owner & Creator

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

Hi Spirit, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance during the pandemic has been enlightening, and it’s taken on a whole new meaning now that life, as we know, has changed. This year, I’ve had to be more intentional with creating a better balance. I’m not sure I had an outstanding work-life balance before the pandemic (workaholic), but I did work at creating mindful moments and space to be creative, enjoy conscious cooking, fitness and focus on work. Work-life balance can be challenging when there’s so much to juggle, but it definitely looks different now during COVID-19 when all you can do is stay home, but luckily I still workout and, of course, escape in creativity. I enjoy being able to do lunchtime meditations now that I’m working from home, making healthy vegan meals between projects, and just being more mindful. There are some things I can’t control now but what I can control is how I respond to things. I miss family and friends because they balance me, and that’s been hard. In life, we need interaction and connections; that part has been the most challenging. My takeaways from this experience when it comes to creating a work-life balance are staying in the moment, being intentional, and breathing!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

When I created Gem Scents Aromatics, I decided the best way to fix how perfumed products smelled on women who are conscious about what they use was to develop natural aromatic products that smell amazing and environmentally friendly. My bath and body products are handcrafted from superior quality essential oils, uncut oils, and imported oils from around the globe—designed for women (and men) who appreciate products that work with their body’s natural pH even while working out, dancing, or a night on the town. It’s been four years of hard work to become an actual business brand while putting myself out there more, which takes courage and vulnerability. None of it is easy. I’ve experienced many challenges and continue to, especially during the pandemic and having to shift and pivot a few products and develop new ones that I consider essential and self-care-focused. My story is, I took an illness that challenged me but made me look past limitations and create a brand that truly resonates with my life by design.

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?
Colorado is the most beautiful state ever! Born and raised in Southern California, I’ve come to love Mile Hi living and love showing it off to friends and family. For adventure doing the Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs, it’s the must-do stairs to heaven that will push you beyond your comfort zone physically and mentally. Still, it’s such an adrenaline rush once you’ve made it to the top and look out onto the valley. A few days of recouping is probably necessary afterward, so some light shopping and afternoon lunching downtown near the capital; we have excellent vegan restaurants that even meat-eaters love. Day-tripping is the best, and driving through the I-70 corridor while blasting music and laughing while cruising winding highway through the most beautiful and lush mountain slopes you’ve ever seen is a total must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout-out Sistahbiz Global Network for creating an online community of black women in business and a collective community of successful goal-oriented women, and Women Creating Our Futures for the firm foundation of stepping out in truth and living one’s best life as strong women by inspiring us to live out our dreams.

Website: www.gemscents.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemscents.aromatics
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spiritcorley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemscentsaromaticsllc

Image Credits
Spirit Corley