Meet Priscilla Araujo: Behavior therapist

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

Hi Priscilla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before anything, I’d like to mention that my small business bloomed in the middle of the pandemic just like thousands of others. It was something i relied on for income for about a month until my unemployment finally kicked in when first loosing my job. It was a time where I new I had wanted to do something like this for a while, but did not have the courage nor confidence to do so. So I finally just went for it. I feel like so many key elements came into creating my small business, so Ill tell you a few.I am big on self care, and really look into what I put on my skin and things i buy interms of keeping it as environmentally friendly as possible. Its almost as if its extremely toxic to go inside of my body then why should it go on my body? Thousands of big companies are responsible for a portion of global warming and the waste land. When I was really thinking about creating something, I did not want to fall into that factor even though I am a small business. I wanted to do my part. So that is where, my business, cillasglossin, became something. Originally I started with lip care (lipgloss that I made from home with natural ingredients, lip balms, and lipscrubs) and then later on turned into organic soy candles that were only made with essential oils and the plants themselves that were brewed into the soy when melted. Overall my small business, is nothing like work but Ive made it a place where I can enjoy my instagram and so can others. For example when it comes to celebrities, regardless of the talent or little talent, I always look towards the ones that use their platforms for the good and how they do it. I then realized that even though my platform wasnt the biggest , that my platform still mattered. I looked for issues that were huge, yet no one talked about them. So in October, I looked into women femicides in Mexico (especially since most of my followers are women) and i started giving out information about women femicides but also mentioned prior that it could be triggering and constantly did polls that people would actually do. Then in November I partnered with an organization “eyes that see” that works with women in ethiopia and takes them out of prostitution, modern day slavery, and provides them with medical care, intense counceling, jobs, school, a home, etc. and had the actual founder do an instagram live with me and share where 15% of all monthly proceeds went to them, then did a fundraiser with other local small businesses and 100% of all proceeds went to the organization. It is something that I look forward and want to continue implenting. It is something that I love to do and love to create. A platform where not just women but all people can come and feel safe, feel honored, and feel seen. My small business is still processing and still evolving and changing every day. To so many new ideas, to changing errors that were made on my end, to constantly making sure I dont loose my focus and dont forget my why.

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 am currently a college student, getting my associates in Behavioral Science. I currently work with children with autism, but have been working with special needs adults Since August of 2018, and working with children. Throughout my college expierience I have normally worked two jobs at once, while going to school partime. But finally made the brave decision of going to school full time during the middle of a pandemic to get my degree faster. It definitely has not been easy, but I refused to quit. Alot of people would mention that working with special needs is not for everyone, and that you must have all the patience in the world. And the truth is, it is definitely not for everyone but it is probably the most rewarding thing that Ive ever done. People underestimate people with special disabilities, but they happen to be some of the most caring and loving beings I have personally ever encountered. My heart has always been for the people, and fighting for people who cannot fight for their own. I believe thats why my heart is in the career path that I chose. I believe that is why I constantly want empower not just women, but the people who support my brand even if its just with a simple follow, click or like. I want my small business, including my blog, to stand for something bigger than itself….. even if it means I only have 12 followers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San DIego is one of the most unique and most known places in the U.S. I personally prefer spontaneous hangouts and pretty views rather than a fancy dinner. -Some of my favorite places happen to be Tideland Park, right off the Coronado bridge in Coronado Island at around sunrise/sunset and especially night time. – Sunset Cliffs, there is so much more to explore besides the view itself. – Balboa Park at night is the prettiest – Hiking trails like potatoe chip mountain, torrey pines and so much more – Grab a good bigger from Hodads and sit on the benches at the beach and catch the sunset – Cruise around north park for a great casual meal

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?
In all honesty, I wouldnt be where I am today if it werent for my God, my leaders, family, and friends that never gave up on me. They always poured love into me, time and knowledge and always saw the better version of me even when I couldnt see it in myself.

Website: www.cillasglossin.com
Instagram: @cillasglossin

Image Credits
Unice Fernandez, Mervin Quintana