Meet Cherish Harris: Owner of Raw Oasis

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

Hi Cherish, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had a feeling I was meant to go into business and become an entrepreneur. But, not until late 2018 did I know exactly how that career path would start for me. It began with a simple idea between my Co-Founder, Tiana, and I about making jewelry. During that same time we had began to dive deep into our spirituality. This was sparked by our intense love for kundalini yoga, crystals and astrology. One Downtown LA hot day, we put the idea of crystals and jewelry together and Raw Oasis was born. Over the next few months the thought process for Raw Oasis began to expand to something more than just crystals and jewelry. We wanted a safe place for people in our community to be able to come to, connect with their spirituality, and learn about things that we had to travel to different parts of LA to learn. Retreats, yoga classes, and spiritual healing are just some branches of the thought process behind Raw Oasis – while also continuing to make hand made crystal jewelry and lifestyle products.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Raw Oasis, is evolving everyday. At the moment, I am working to educate people on the power of crystals and crystal healing. I try to supply the best quality crystals from all around the world and turn them into unique jewelry pieces, allowing a person to be able to carry that crystal energy where ever they go. I am most excited for what is in store for my business in the future. I have plans to open a crystal store and host Yoga / Meditation Classes and retreats. Most will be free or on the cheaper side because I understand that sometimes, paying for a yoga class isn’t an option for some. Being a South Central native, yoga classes and retreats were not things regularly talked about growing up, I want to be the person to change that for the community. Meditation is proven to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. I want this to be an option for those in the community who may be struggling with their mental health. A place they can come to for a peace of mind. Being a small business, I face new challenges everyday. But, through those challenges I have learned that it is inevitable and it will make reaching my goals that much better, knowing I kept pushing through. I want the world to know that Raw Oasis is here to uplift and guide individuals on their spiritual journey.

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.
While also wanting to take my friend to some mainstream places, I would want to show her some more lowkey places as well that only LA natives might really know of. I would start the days with a good breakfast spot. The Coffee Company, Simply Wholesome, Mama’s Chicken, and The Pan are some of the places we would get breakfast. Can’t go wrong with any of them. For lunch or dinner we could check out Robata Jinya, Kabuki, Gracias Madre, Andre’s Italian, or SOL Cocina. I would take her sight seeing for ocean views in Palos Verdes and Malibu and even start one morning with a hike in Pasadena. For drinks at night Yamashiro’s is the perfect view to have while sipping cocktails. Can also end a few nights at a bar like Adults Only or Lock and Key.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All of our friends who have shown so much love to the brand deserve a thousand shout outs. From all the orders, to our very best friends coming to assist with long days of work and tasks – a very special thanks to them (you know who you are). Family, for always being there and supporting through the journey.

Instagram: @shoprawoasis

Twitter: @shoprawoasis

Facebook: shoprawoasis

Image Credits
Tiana Sharp