Today we’d like to introduce you to Reva Cummings.
Reva, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a former educator. I taught elementary school for 18 years. I was proud to be named “Teacher Of The Year” (2017-2018 School Year). However, I had basically hit a Plateau as an educator and yearned for a life of more freedom mentally, physically and spiritually. So I began doing my research and thinking about my best options for a new business opportunity and the necessary steps needed to open a business. I visualized my plan by journaling all of my thoughts and putting the pieces together. In the spiritual community, we use the term “Manifest “. When you manifest something, you bring it, whatever “it” is to life by writing it down, praying over it with intention and taking the necessary actions needed to get there. After you have done so, the doors of the universe literally begin to open up. God begins to answer your prayers. The signs reveal themselves to you. In turn, one must behave as if it is already done! With that, I wrote my plans down, resigned from my profession as a “Traditional Educator “ and changed my classroom.
Originally, my plan was to open a childcare center. However, my plan was delayed, not denied. Meanwhile, I already had a clientele of customers who enjoyed the natural bath and body products that I was making from my home to supplement my income as a teacher. So I took that idea and ran with it! I called my brother and asked for funding, and he said YES! I began to look for a brick and mortar building to bring my project to life. Needless to say, I was turned down over and over again by several landlords due to my being a “Start-Up” Business. Then one day, I saw the cutest little house on a corner, in Cedar Hill, walking distance from my boy’s`school. It had a “For Lease” sign in the yard, so I called immediately. After a little negotiation, I was able to secure the spot.
The owners are former educators as well and was touched by the fact that it was super important to me to be able to stay involved as a parent with my boys. I’ve always taught at the same school my boys were scholars at, therefore, breaking that routine was not an option for me. However, I knew there was absolutely no way I could occupy such a large space alone. So I began to assemble a team of professional women who offered services that were complementary to my products. I sub-leased spaces to them and “The House of Healing Marketplace” was created!
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth road at all! There were nights that when I didn’t sleep at all! I worried over making sure my team and I created an atmosphere of “Peace And Calm” so that “The House Of Healing” would live up to its name. Also, because I am an introvert and an empath. I tend to wear my feelings on my shoulders and constant interaction with customers on a daily basis drains my energy, so to prepare myself for that on a daily basis. I wake up at 5:30 AM everyday to meditate, pray and set my intentions. Furthermore, I make sure I get to my place of business before anyone else arrives to meditate some more. I use my sage stick, Palo santo and reiki music assist me. Once I do that, I’m ready to conquer the world. I SHOW UP! Even on days when I think that the weather is too bad outside, or customers won’t stop by, I show-up anyway. Those are usually the best days because I tend to make good connections on those days when I had originally planned in my head to stay at home.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shea Sage And Salt – what should we know?
Shea Sage and Salt has evolved into much more than I imagined. I make bath and body products using an all-natural ingredient called “Shea Butter” That is my main product line. I also carry natural soaps, bath salts, Pink Himalayan salt. Recently, my college roommate has partnered with me to process and promote a Sea Moss Gel. We are exploring several other products for both inner and outer vitality. In “The House of Healing” I sell my line of Shea Sage And Salt pure. Shea butter body creams, Sea Moss Gel and other vitality products. Along with that, there are other independent business owners in the house as well, Jameka Lew of “Winks Lash Lounge and Vinson Smalls of “Code Fresh”. What sets me/ us apart is that my team and I are just flat out unorthodox. We are a collective unit of spiritual people, healing others with our services and life’s circumstances. That’s hard to explain, so I always tell people just come to out to our location, the interior will explain itself.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Dedication and consistency is key. Although the market may be saturated in various areas, customers enjoy an “Experience”, therefore success is inevitable!
Contact Info:
- Address: 701 W. Beltline RD
Cedar Hill, TX 75104 - Website: www.sheasageandsalt.com
- Phone: 469-249-2322
- Email: relax@sheasageandsalt.com
- Instagram: Shea Sage & Salt LLC
- Facebook: Shea Sage & Salt LLC
- Twitter: @TheePreKTeacher
Image Credit:
Tommy Gee PNPSquared
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
