Meet Dior Jazmine | Artist, Owner, & Operator

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

Hi Dior, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
A few different things really! I have always dabbled in making natural body products, working with herbs, salts, and oil infusions. I have an organic spa industry background and I am an eclectic green witch for sure haha. Bringing wellness and clean self-care into the world was a big goal of mine. I wanted to start sharing my crafts with more than just friends and family, helping people relax and feel good.

Since I was a teenager I enjoyed making jewelry pieces or taking broken ones apart and making something new. I had inherited my mom’s old jewelry tools and used them for years. Whenever I wore something I made, people would ask me if I sell them. I started out listing small jewelry projects on Poshmark years back and then depop.

During 2020 when we were in quarantine at home, I had these spooky coffin t-shirt ideas come to me suddenly. I drew the designs out, digitized them, did some research and brought them to fruition! This was truly the turning point in deciding that it seemed only fitting to have my own eclectic store where I could put all of my various creations in one collective space that is my own, for everyone to shop and enjoy. I finally had the time and means to go for it and open up my little shop online, so I did!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In addition to owning, operating, and creating for my business, I’m also an artist and entrepreneur in other forms. I’m a content creator, UGC creator, Actress, and Model as well; a full-time artist, so I love that I can tie in all of my work together. That’s something I’m really proud of! When it comes to my shop I can model my own pieces, edit my own content, create my own videos, etc. I admit, it can certainly be challenging to manage my time and avoid burnout. It’s no easy feat, but I love what I do. I had to start from the bottom, as most of us do and I have learned so much along the way. Creating a block schedule and learning the ins and outs of everchanging social media marketing are super helpful. Starting a small business during the pandemic was quite literally “risky business”, but I was willing to take it. When you have passion and willpower, you can do so much! That and somewhat of a schedule haha.

I’m from Los Angeles, the SFV to be specific. I grew up immersed in artistry and diversity. I couldn’t be more grateful for that. There is so much inspiration everywhere you look here. In addition, I have always been into the alternative scene and culture. Spooky and kooky is my norm so it certainly influences me heavily as well. Being able to create for the weirdos like me and connect over it brings me so much joy.

My family and I are Puerto Rican with a diverse extended family. My family has had an influence on me within my upbringing when it comes to drive and perseverance, overcoming, creativity. It means a great deal to me to be a woman of color entrepreneur, especially knowing the background my elders and ancestors came from. The biggest goals I have are to do what I love for a living, to do it proudly for myself and those who came before me, and do it whilst being inclusive in a world and subcultures that deserve more representation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have so many favorite little spots in LA! Brunch at Red Maple in Toluca Lake for the most delicious food and lattes is a must. If it’s not too hot, a hike at Fryman Canyon in Sherman Oaks is always beautiful or Solstice Canyon in Malibu for something more chill. My favorite beach is Leo Carillo because you have the normal beach and the tide pools and caves. There’s also tons of starfish and sea anemones there! The best Italian restaurant in LA in my personal opinion is a charming little place called Spumoni Restaurant in Sherman Oaks. As for nightlife, I’m a big fan of the local Mr. Furley’s bar in Sherman Oaks. The food is delicious and affordable, the service is awesome, and the drinks aren’t shorted. Avalon is by far my favorite club in LA, especially during Emo Nite, but dance nights are great too! The California Science Center, The Getty, and The Observatory are perfect for an immersive experience. A day trip to Little Tokyo to shop, walk around, and get some revolving sushi at Kura is a must as well! Any time someone comes to LA to visit, I love to suggest a concert if someone is playing that we like. The music scene in LA is fantastic.

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 give a very big shoutout to a few people who genuinely deserve it.

My mom, Elsa thank you for continuously believing in me and my artistry. She wears my jewelry pieces often and she loves my clean beauty products. She tells all her friends about my business and always supports me in my artistic endeavors.

My soulmate and best friend of over 20 years Tori, thank you for being the proudest bestie anyone could ask for. You are always so interested in what I will create next. Your enthusiasm in saying, “Thanks, it was my best friend!” or “My best friend made it!” when someone compliments how soft your skin is, how good you smell, or how nice your jewelry is, is unmatched.

My beloved bestie Tess, thank you for continuing to support my shop and promote it to everyone who surrounds you. She also set up my very first vending event at the hair salon she manages, The Harbor in Silverlake, CA which was such a heart warming, successful event powered by women and small local businesses. Your excitement and belief in me means so much.

To everyone who has shown any sort of appreciation for my shop or purchased something, thank you. You make this possible.

I love you all to pieces! xx THANK YOU!

Website: https://www.awholenewwitch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awholenewwitch

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/awholenewwitch

Other: My instagram vs shop instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spyroyalty