Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Paur.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a single mother of one in my early 20’s, I was successfully climbing the ladder of the corporate world. When my daughter Eve, started to have trouble in school, I realized I needed to shift my income in order to be more present and mindful with her formative years, I felt a pull in my heart and realized I was not living my fullest life at the moment. Fast forward a few years, I met my husband and we became pregnant with my 2nd daughter, Sophia-Jean and my creativity began. I always kept a notebook, designing pieces and ultimately creating the company REE-defined Rare Earth Elements (my husband would always joke and say, “Julia you are always thinking and working, it never shuts off!”). He has been my biggest fan and support.
REE-defined Rare Earth Elements is a meaning of three elements. REE the playoff of the Rare Earth Elements, natures gifts of beauty through crystals. REE-defined, the redefining of myself. The most important inspiration, my mother who left her corporate life in her late 30’s, as a computer programmer, and purchased a warehouse to travel the world hand picking crystals and semi-precious stones and becoming one of the first wholesale gem and mineral stores in America, Artcraft Imports. In 2000, my mother took over the family business, The Stagecoach Ballroom and left the crystal company she adored, while still keeping her private collection. I was always designing with agate slices and crystals, and while I was pregnant with my 4-year-old, I decided to create with her handpicked items.
The essence of REE-defined Rare Earth Elements was birthed in the summer of 2015.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has had many successes and failures. The first pop up I had ever done, I did not even have a tent, but I learned very fast and had many supporting local artists guiding me throughout my ventures. I give so many thanks to Near South Side and Fort Worth Makers for their community and growing knowledge. As a mom of two, a wife, a daughter, and a sister, at times life can pull you in many directions, there have been many sleepless nights creating and putting in long hours, so I could still maintain the family life but also help provide for my girls.
For any woman captivated in becoming their own boss, it takes perseverance, patience, trust in yourself, understanding there will be competition, there will be those who may not support your vision, but hold strong to your truth and keep creating and focusing. Stay positive, stay strong, find your tribe and love them completely, and the biggest – TRUST THE PROCESS. if you fail, it is only a learning lesson, and learn from the moment, it will make you GROW.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about REE-defined Rare Earth Elements – what should we know?
I love the beauty of nature. Creating with crystals has been so rewarding. Each piece is unique, and I love when my customers fall in love with the pieces I have created. People will ask, what is my most successful item. It varies at every show. The nightlights made with agate slices are always one of my favorite Items. In some shows, my agate wine glasses are the number one seller, and then I have the client who needs drawer pulls and I will personally come to their home or business and bring slices to create the look they are desiring, on other occasions, the napkin rings will be a hit. It just depends on the day, and what everyone is drawn towards, also the time of year can determine if they are gifts or a gift to one’s self.
As my brand, I have been most proud of being a featured artist in the MoonBox. Co, which lead to being featured in Forbes Magazine with my agate drawer pulls through their July 2018 featured box. I have also established relationships as a vendor in local shops around the Dallas/Fort Worth area and have one storefront in New Mexico.
Setting me apart from the average creator, I integrate my crystals in other practices of my field. During the time of establishing REE-defined, I was already a yoga instructor and became a Reiki Master. I utilize my gifts with clients and incorporate crystals during my sessions for each client. Creating a personal prescription for their health and emotional well being. I also guide each individual to locate where they are personally stuck and help them find the tools to begin their purposeful journey to live a more productive and meaningful life.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have found mentors throughout working at shows, my friends and local vendors are my mentors. I suggest finding like-minded friends that support your work and always ask questions. No question is ever too dumb, it only helps you THRIVE. Find shows that resonate with your work, find markets that successfully promote you, and be mindful to support your local vendors and companies.
Investing in yourself, and your work is so important. You have to believe in yourself, and the quality of your work to succeed. You are planting the seed and believe in your manifestations.
Contact Info:
- Website: ree-defined.com
- Email: ree.defined.fw@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ree.defined.fw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REEdefinedRareEarthElements/
Image Credit:
Amber Shumake
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