Hidden Gems: Meet Amanda Heslinga of Rocks with Sass

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Heslinga. 

Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Seven years ago, I made a decision that would change my life forever. I declared to myself, my employer, friends, and family that my health and happiness were more important than anything in this life. I resigned from my fashion design job and committed to one year of healing. 

Rocks with Sass was born a year prior, during a nasty Crohn’s Disease flare. I found joy in creating unique crystal jewelry pieces. It kept my mind busy while my body could rest. I opened an Etsy shop and items slowly started to sell. I found myself thinking… could I turn this into something that could actually support me? 

Unfortunately, I had to hit rock bottom before I was willing the take a leap of faith. I was depressed, stressed, and down to 80 pounds. I knew it was time for a change. Once I fully stepped into that decision there was no turning back. I threw myself into what I loved: Rocks with Sass. I checked out business books from the library and started dreaming of the business I thought this could be: a small-scale operation that I could run out of my apartment. No employees. No storefront. Just a small jewelry business that would pay the bills and bring my happiness back. 

As big as that dream felt at the time… I really had no idea what the Universe had planned for me. Seven years later, Rocks with Sass has grown into a team of six. We sell anything and everything crystal themed: specimens, jewelry, self-care, candles, card decks, books, etc. We ship thousands of orders a year from our storefront in Westerville, OH. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There are growing pains with every business. I faced my biggest obstacle early on when I transitioned to doing Rocks with Sass full time in the midst of a Crohn’s Disease flare. I gave myself a lot of grace during that time. Achieving remission has been my biggest success… it has allowed me to put all other obstacles in perspective. When it comes to business there is a solution for everything. You just need to take the time to figure out your options, make a plan and then take action! 

We’ve been impressed with Rocks with Sass, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rocks with Sass is known for its beautiful photography, bright colors, and inspirational social media posts. I take pretty pictures for our feed because they bring me joy and I want to share that with our customers. My hope is that our photos spark something positive within the viewer – whatever that may be. But I hope they know that behind these perfectly arranged photos is a human being navigating her way through life. And life is not made up of perfectly placed experiences, but opportunities that will challenge you to grow into the person you are capable of becoming.    

Rocks with Sass has always been more than just a business for me. It’s been a gift born out of struggle and nurtured over 8 years of highs and lows. I’m grateful to have a community where I feel safe to share my moments of weakness and remind you that life can be beautiful and hard all at the same time. You are not alone in your struggles. We are all finding our way. 

Any big plans?
Right now, we are in the midst of a brand-new website launch! I built our last website myself using Squarespace, but the time has come for us to expand into the education realm and offer new features to our customers. We are gathering all of our research and knowledge from the past several years to create a crystal encyclopedia of sorts. Rocks with Sass is known for its visually appealing photos and this new website will be no different. It will have watercolor crystal illustrations, locality maps, and beautiful photography featured on every page! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rockswithsass.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockswithsass/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockswithSass