The Journey to Zotique Essentials
Updated: Aug 12, 2019
Let me start this off by saying HELLO! Thank you for taking the time to explore my site and products. I have put a lot of heartfelt hours into making this dream come true. I am looking forward to adding products as time goes on. I have so many ideas brewing!
My name is Zoi. I was born and raised (and continue to live) in New York. I met my husband almost seventeen years ago. We got married ON our ten year anniversary. We had our first son, Jacob, in August of 2014 and our second son, Noah in July of 2018. It's been quite a journey and I wouldn't change anything about it. I believe that everything that happens in our life, happens for a reason. One change alters our entire life - just think about it. Life is not always a smooth straight road. But who wants that anyway? Hurdles build character, and I have plenty of character, baby!
I always knew that I wanted to do something creative. From a young age, I remember I really liked drawing. It made me really happy to draw. At some point, I had a tracing paper sketchpad in which I used to design dresses and designer clothing for my own line. I used to sit there for hours just brainstorming what would be so popular and what models would wear walking down the runway.
My ideas have changed over the years, but I always knew that I am meant to do more - to be more - than my career. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy teaching. I have been in the field of education for many years. I have worked with children from the age of 2 to 10 years old.
Last year, I got my dream job, and one I fully deserved, as a Reading Specialist in my school. I worked with children in grades 3-5. Never in my life did I think I would enjoy working with the upper elementary grades, but it was the best year in my entire teaching career. I loved it so much. I learned so much about myself, as an educator, and so much from the children I worked with.
Then things changed. My husband and I bought a house 35 miles from my job. We commuted every day - 3 hours a day. I remember telling my husband I'll take the commute over looking for a job near our new home and going back into the classroom. That is how much I enjoyed being a teacher with small group instruction.
Then things changed, again. We got pregnant with our second child. I had full intent of going back to work after maternity leave. That is, until it got closer to the time I was to return. That's when we had the most difficult decision we had to make. I resigned from my job. Six years in one school. It was a very emotional time. I never thought I'd miss my job as much as I did.
Being home with Noah was a game changer. He didn't sleep which meant I didn't sleep. I got a bit depressed. I was lonely and it was a sad time. I didn't have anyone a few minutes away from me anymore. Then came April and my best friend was holding a manifestation accountability group (Hi Crystal and Ellie!) in which we were taught to journal every day. My goal was to be able to work from home. I already knew what I was going to do (and it wasn't this, believe it or not). My first week of journaling was about something else entirely. Then this idea started creeping up in my thoughts. The idea was creeping because it was once tucked away in a deep dark corner of my creative mind. I had wanted to open a business selling lip balms and lotions years ago. I started buying materials and even made some stuff, but I just got deterred from my negative thoughts clouding my vision. Now it was back in my thoughts. From my thoughts to my visions. From my visions to planning and doing research. Then this business became the big picture and the other idea was starting to lose its shine.
Zotique Essentials was born and I had a notebook with me at all times, writing down ideas of what I was going to sell. The types of ingredients I wanted to use. The people I wanted to reach. This gave me life again. It gave me hope. It gave me the spark I thought I lost. It gave me purpose. I'm not just a stay at home mom. I am an entrepreneur (or shall I say mompreneur). I am so happy this found me when I needed it. I am excited to share this journey with you all. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I hope my products lift your spirits and fill you with positive vibrations. I want nothing more than happy people and happy thoughts filling our world.
Thank you for taking this journey with me!
