Meet Carla Ross | Small business owner and maker of handcrafted goods

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

Hi Carla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have always jumped first and asked questions later. This can be detrimental but there is no adventure without risk. I never wanted to have a boring life so I made a pact to never do what was expected and always follow my heart. It got me into trouble a few times but that all led me to right here right now, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m from South Africa and I always wanted to expand my horizons. So, I lived in London for a bit and have been here in California for 10 years! I tried many different jobs, some because I needed to pay the bills and some because I wanted to get them out my system. I lived my ‘Empire Records’ dream and worked at a record store up in Berkeley. I got my true crime buzz on and worked for the Police. I had fun working in advertising which is where I met my husband, and I also did some terribly boring stints in Finances and Magazine Distribution, where my soul died a little bit. When I started making jewelry as a hobby, someone suggested I sell them on Etsy. Now I have two successful stores where I get to make and sell my products on a daily basis. I know risk and change can be scary for most, but boredom and complacency is my biggest fear so I will always take a chance and believe it will work itself out. You only have one life so make sure you don’t miss out on opportunities to make the most of it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been interested in spirituality, but not religion. My mother opened an Esoteric bookstore and it was there that I felt most at home growing up. She sold homemade candles, soaps and rune stones to the open minded and I would occasionally mind her shop, perusing the books on magic and mysticism while doing tarot readings. But then life happened and I forgot about it. Boring jobs and bills took over, and eventually I met my husband at the advertising company where we both worked, and moved to California with him after we eloped to Las Vegas. It was here that I began to truly feel like myself. There is so much to see and do and create when living here. During the pandemic, I was sewing face masks due to the shortage and selling them on my Etsy store called Desert Weaves. Sewing hundreds of masks felt good at times, but was often tedious, especially while dealing with the monotony of pandemic life. I felt burnt out and it was then that I remembered how much I used to love reading about crystals and herbs. I decided to start dabbling and making natural products like my mom used to sell. And that’s how Lavender Moon Rose was born – from my need to look inside and practice self-care during a time when the world was chaotic and scary. I realized I was particularly drawn to green witchcraft, which does not idolize or worship anything except nature. I’ve always kept an herb garden and felt happiest outside in the sun. But more importantly, it taught me how to find magic in the mundane and in doing so, find myself again. I pour my energy into the things I create and hope they can bring happiness and peace to those that wear or use them.

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.
I love the South Bay and hate traffic so I tend to linger here. I’d take them to visit the Original Farmers Market in Torrance (right next to my house) and get some yummy and healthy treats for the day. A paddle board session around Naples Island in Long Beach is a must. We’d have to stop for some crystal shopping at Recircle Home in downtown Long Beach. We’d spend some time in Hermosa, hanging out on the beach with friends, getting sandwiches from Mickey’s Deli and cruising along the bike path. Palos Verdes offers a bunch of fun hikes with amazing views, which usually lead right down to the ocean. I would also need to take them to Redondo Beach Pier, grabbing some food at R10’s (highly recommend the Brussels sprouts) before finishing the evening watching the sunset and sipping on a Fire Chief cocktail or two at Tony’s on the Pier.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has always been my biggest supporter. He was the one who believed in the things I make and sell. He has always boosted my confidence with his words of encouragement, and is extremely helpful when it comes to branding and setting up at craft markets. My mother inspired me to make things, she was always sewing and baking when I was growing up and I think my happiest memories were hanging out with her whiles she sold her goods at markets. And of course, my customers who support my two businesses and make my dream possible. There’s nothing more satisfying than making something that puts a smile on people’s faces.

Website: lavendermoonrose.etsy.com

Instagram: @lavendermoonrose

Other: Email: lmrshoppe@gmail.com