Meet Tonya Kassler | Soulspressions Crystal Business Owner/Artist & MRI Technologist

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

Hi Tonya, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I had to make was deciding to quit my fulltime steady job to invest in my Soulspressions crystal business fulltime. It was a tough decision. I was constantly tossing about the pros and cons, the what and what if’s, the bad and the good, the unknowns and I was scared but also excited. My parents were supportive with my decision even though they were scared with the normal doubts a parent would have leaving a stable job behind! I am a licensed MRI technologist leaving this stable career to go into my OWN business, the unknown. I was working my job and my crystal business and putting in over 90 hours per week for about 6 1/2 months until I got to a point I needed to make a decision. It was becoming hard to manage both due to the demand increasing in the business and the time I was able to offer. Out of processing, I reached out to a successful business man named Dan, I became friends with over the course of time. I was explaining my stability in my business and my current situations. This particular line he said really stuck with me, he said ” That’s what separates a wantrapreneur from an entrepreneur!” At that moment, it took me less than 5 minutes to decide, “Lets go for it!” I put my notice in that day and of course responsibly! That statement had such power behind it because I wanted to fully commit to myself and had to have tremendous faith in what I was doing and preparing for myself and the business. An entrepreneur at heart I am and I am SOOO HAPPPPPYY I took this leap!
I always tell people you are in control of your own happiness, and I love seeing people happy! It was my turn to take control and I am so happpppyyy I did! It has been a lot of hard work and perseverance but, I know it will ultimately pay off!
Have faith in yourself!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Crystal Dealer at heart, Pet Artist at times and crazy cat lady all the time, I LOVE my new career path! On my Soulspressions Facebook page, I have a crystal live show every Wednesday and Friday starting at 7pm EST and I am your host! I have been described as a crazy, quirky person that hopefully keeps you smiling each time. I have a huge variety of quality crystals at amazing prices. It is a fun, interactive environment where I will talk live with my crystal peeps and show all the crystal goodies! New crystals every week and giveaway fun! The cool thing is, you don’t have to leave the comforts of your own home to have fun and be apart of the live. Hop on and say hello, there is a great group of people that watch, its like us all getting together and having a giant get together without dressing up. Sit back and have some wine or whatever beverage you love and enjoy the show! If you don’t have Facebook or prefer not to shop on it, I do have an Etsy page: Soulspressions. I have met so many amazing people since I started my business and it all has been an absolute amazing journey. The challenges I have to overcome is the self doubt that would come to my mind about the business. The first week of leaving my old job was scary because I was like OMG what is next but, work does not feel like work anymore, it feels natural and exciting! I am trying to go with the flow instead of think, will I be okay? I know I will be okay, no matter what! The feeling of owning my own business and working so much in it has been more freeing to me than I have ever felt working a 9-5!
Another minor challenge has been getting my business on all the major platforms and getting my name out there. Marketing and word of mouth. Any opportunity is a great opportunity. I thank you for this interview!

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.
If my friend were to come over, I would take her/him on a hike! If its a weekend long trip, it would be to the Adirondacks because we can! Either get an AirBnB or camp out, whichever is decided. If we stay local, which I tend to be kind of a homebody, we’d get my favorite food garlic, haha, is that a food? There is a place in Baldwinsville called “Angry Garlic” and it IS AMAZING, just like my breath. If they aren’t down for that, I would go to Thai Thai which is my top favorite cuisine! We’d go for walks/runs, stay in and watch shows, look at crystals, and be with my cat fam. lol – I am pretty sure this is my friend?!?lol

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thank you to all that have supported me throughout this entire process! You all mean the world to me and I can’t thank you enough! I appreciate you ALL! Xoxo

Instagram: Soulspressions

Facebook: Soulspressions

Other: Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/Soulspressions TikTok: Soulspressions

Image Credits
*Pet portrait I created.  I do pet portraits and this is one I show often on my Facebook Lives! *Pearl and Felix – People know them on the live as Perdy and Cyclops(one bad eye). I was taking photos for Etsy and Pearl wanted to be the main event. Felix decided to see what’s going on and start a cat fight. Cat showdown! *The Soulspressions Satin Spar Moon and Chakra Set. *Iris Agate/Rainbow Agate Moon found at Soulspressions. Cool semi precious stone that diffracts the light and creates neat rainbow effect. *My logo *Two photos are of my table. I have so much more than what is seen here but just an idea of some of the crystals I offer! *Mural I created at Riverside Diner- I do a lot of different kinds of artwork!