Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Gonzalez.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! I’m Ali! I am a first generation Mexican American child of immigrant parents who worked so hard every day, but still came home and made time for us. My mom taught me to cook at a young age and we worked as a team to prepare meals for our family. We had family dinner together every night, then we made time for homework, and later in the evenings, I remember spending time with my dad watching basketball games on our ancient living room TV obsessing about what an amazing ball player Michael Jordan was, my dad was a HUGE fan and by default, so was I! I am the middle child of 3. Simultaneously the most obedient and the biggest rule breaker if it’s possible at all to imagine.
I felt a need to be different often and to choose options that others weren’t choosing. Some of those differences though were out of my control. I’d heard stories all my life of the gifts the women in our family developed. A great aunt who communicated with spirits and had a strong accuracy with divination. Aunts often saw apparitions and even had physical contact with spirits and entities. Most importantly my mom was an empath with strong energy healing abilities and sensitivity to ghost energy. With all that background exposure to the paranormal, I was able to recognize my own intuitive affinity pretty early on.
A few years ago, after the loss of a very close family member, I made a decision to seriously consider using my knowledge and my gifts in my work. I needed to know that my life had a purpose beyond my familial duties and a 9-5. It was what I consider to be my “Spiritual Awakening”. I began to work with crystals, with the intention of using their healing energy in a way that anyone could easily integrate into their lives. My business started small and I sold only by word of mouth, to co-workers, to family, and to friends.
At the time, the only thing I was selling was beaded bracelets. As my business began to grow through referrals and social media I integrated wrapped crystal necklaces and even stone rosaries. For me, creating has always been a necessary energy outlet. Jewelry making is not my only business, I am also a full-time hairstylist and through that work, I am able to connect and create on a different level. Now years later I have a legitimate online store aside from a social media presence, stocked with not just my beaded bracelets and wrapped necklaces, but also earrings, anklets, and mala necklaces. At times I even have some clothing items or other similar accessories. Aside from my store, I teach classes alongside my best friend on topics concerning spirituality and energy healing like “Signs You’re An Empath”, and “9 Chakras”.
I am a certified Master Reiki practitioner for Usui Holy Fire III Reiki as well as Holy Fire III Karuna Reiki, and use that modality to not only help clear stagnant or blocked energy from clients but also to infuse all of my jewelry and all of my items so they are programmed to their highest healing abilities when they go out to their new homes. My goal is to program this light energy for long-term healing and protection of the wearer from negative energy as well as comfort through their own healing journeys. The greatest reward for me is the positive feedback I get from clients who have experienced a shift in their lives and have opened their eyes to healthier life choices.
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?
Fear has held me back from making many big or important life decisions. Luckily, I have an amazing family who has supported me and encouraged me every step of the way. The times I forgot how capable I was, my parents were there to remind me exactly why I was more than destined for this, never letting me feel alone and always willing to help in any way possible.
In 2020 of course as much of the world shut down, hair salons nationwide also were forced to close down. At the time being a hairstylist was my primary source of income and when I had no control over closures and no way to make money in this venue, I buckled down and decided to put all that energy into my shop. I had children to think of and excess creative energy that needed to be put to use.
I also struggle with social anxiety, and some of that comes from getting overwhelmed energetically in large groups because of my empathic sensitivities. But this summer I made another brave move to get involved in local markets and sell my jewelry face to face. As scary as that’s been for me, It’s extremely satisfying to overcome the fear and get confirmation that I can do something I once believed I’d never do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist at Thomas Hardy in Downtown Ogden, where I get to work with colors and chemicals as a creative medium separately from Milky Jade. With Milky Jade I am responsible for my own web design and for updating my inventory. I receive and send all orders myself. I do all my own marketing and pretty much run a one-woman show! Ha ha! I create all my own jewelry and do my own photography, and even reels and TikTok to stay present on social media. I’d say the thing that makes me stand out from others is the importance I put into prioritizing energy work and imprinting all my products and work with the purest high vibrational energy. Using Reiki energy to infuse good intentions into my environment and being a resource to clients and customers who need help on their healing journeys.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Above all, I want to help others. I want to feel like I’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life and like I’ve influenced them with some of my optimism. If I am not the person that they can relate to or the type of help that they need, I am more than happy to refer them to other healers in the community and other small businesses that I love and follow. I do not believe myself to be all-knowing. I prioritize learning and research, and enjoy adding to my “toolbox”.
Contact Info:
- Website: milkyjade.com
- Instagram: @milkyjadeco
- Other: @milkyjadeco
