Today we’d like to introduce you to Essence Nelson.
Hi Essence, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My business is called Cryptikus Oils. It’s plant-based personal care with a holistic twist. Initially, my business was a hobby, but it took some convincing from other people to sell my handmade products. Living in Atlanta from a teen to an adult, my body would react to different kinds of soaps and other chemical-based products. Some of the symptoms included swelling to hives on my neck and it was a struggle. Let’s not forget experimentally pricey.
Moving to San Antonio created different lanes for me: some good and the others… not so hot. The good was learning to become more self-sufficient by utilizing tools around the home. Now the bad: I got Injured. Within three months of my stay here, I started to develop tension headaches for two weeks to discover that my spine curved upwards while my vertebrae stopped moving individually.
The injury caused me to be out of work and I needed something to preoccupy my time. To be honest, it was hard being at home alone so I decided to go back to the kitchen and resume my herbal study. After publicly discussing the benefits of herbs and giving away prototypes, friends and other supporters told me I should start selling. At first, the answer was no, but the thought of spreading herbal awareness to “potential consumers” changed my mind.
After 100+ hours of research, almost giving up, and figuring out my business path, Cryptikus Oils was officially launched in November 2021. I went into this venture with 100% determination, and a whole lot of sacrifice, and now the hard work is paying off. The biggest lesson so far in this space of entrepreneurship is this is simply a journey within itself. There are good days and bad days, but you can’t give up on something you’re passionate about.
The quote “patience is a virtue” is an understatement in my business path. I’m networking with amazing people and can see more doors opening for Cryptikus oils in the future. I’m incredibly thankful for everything and hope to manifest more!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Just kidding. The road is still incredibly bumpy though. As stated before, I went into creating my business while recovering from a spinal injury. I’m still recovering. The difference from when I started to now is too great. The progress is amazing (thanks to my chiropractor and yoga). The tension headaches are gone but the unfortunate struggle is my muscles are pushing through my ribs. Sometimes I can feel it around my sternum and it’s really… annoying. I call it the injury’s domino effect.
Another sacrifice is “vagued” health. I have a bad habit of putting my business ventures over my health. Health means financial, spiritual, and physical. I make sure to buy high-quality ingredients and bottles for my cultivators. I take what I do seriously. I see a future with Cryptikus Oils and sometimes It can cause an unhealthy balance. I’m learning how to say “stop” and focus within. Especially because I don’t want to regress in my spinal injury. Health is important, you know?
Lastly is my business identity. I create “visuals on a budget” as content for Cryptikus Oils. I enjoy doing it and this is another way of showing a second side to the viewers. However, I go through occasional imposter syndrome and the self-doubt is real. There are times when I feel my work isn’t good or I feel it’s not “edgy” enough. I don’t know why that happens from time to time. Sometimes I have to regroup to combat the self-doubt and remember that there’s room to grow including the production.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a proud nobody who loves to create. I don’t have much of a specialty and to be completely transparent, my mind is the driving force. I don’t know where any of this truly comes from. Creating the “Cryptikus Oils experience” can challenge my creative process because I’m making a product into subtle art.
What’s unique about the experience is the cultivators (including potential) receive the time spent on the business. They’ll see digital art, poetry, various personal journeys, and product information down to the science! I’m giving a piece of myself without following trends. That’s what I’m most proud of.
What are your plans for the future?
I have a few ideas in mind but can’t share them as of yet. I want things to be set in stone before revealing anything. My biggest passion is creating a production company. No shame in sharing because it’s been worked on in the past. It’s currently postponed at the moment. Other than that, growing Cryptikus Oils is my goal to open other avenues.
Pricing:
- Mystik Talismans $10.99 +Tax
- Roll On bottles (10 ML) $14.99+Tax
- Multipurpose Mist (2oz) $13,99+Tax
- Liquid Pomades (Body Oils) $17.99+Tax
- Toners $15.99+Tax
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cryptikuseo
- Facebook: search Cryptikus Oils
- Other: linktr.ee/cryptikusoils
