In this captivating episode, we're joined by Daniel Virgadaula, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and the Founder of Exotic Crystals LLC, an online retail store boasting over 30,000 Etsy and eBay sales. With a decade of business under his belt, Daniel has propelled his company to remarkable success, bolstered by a thriving social media presence with over 140,000 followers.

With a hands-on approach, Daniel orchestrates all aspects of his business, from product acquisition to photography, stone cutting, social media management, shipping, and customer service. Our conversation unveils the fascinating journey behind Daniel's trajectory, from humble beginnings as a dishwasher and camp counselor to curating an impressive collection of precious gems and stones.

Starting as a hobby on Instagram, Daniel's passion evolved into a full-fledged enterprise, marked by his unwavering dedication—quitting his job to invest 15-hour workdays and finding his Instagram account rapidly gaining momentum. We explore the ethos of "no Plan B" that propelled Daniel's commitment and resulted in over 30,000 sales and counting.

Amidst challenges and triumphs, including the creation of an Etsy store adorned with a palette of vibrant colors and amassing nearly 10,000 five-star reviews, Daniel's authentic and customer-centric approach shines through.

We delve into the artistry behind his photography, his meticulous attention to detail, and the disciplined rhythm of his daily routine. From a cross-country move to the evolution of his lapidary skills, Daniel's entrepreneurial odyssey showcases resilience and determination. He shares valuable insights into handling doubt, embracing rejection, and offers indispensable advice to young entrepreneurs.

With an eye on the future, Daniel outlines his aspirations and the spirit of innovation that fuels Exotic Crystals. Join us as we explore the gems of wisdom from Daniel's journey, offering a wealth of inspiration for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.

Where to find Daniel and Exotic Crystals LLC:

Website - exoticcrystals.etsy.com

Instagram - @exoticcrystals

What we cover in this episode:

• 00:33 Daniel Virgadaula Introduction
• 02:20 How Dad got into the Precious Gems & Stones Business
• 07:30 Dishwasher & Camp Counselor, building his collection
• 09:00 Starting an Instagram Account for fun
• 09:30 Prospecting & Mineral Shows
• 10:45 "Why not start buying & showing my collection"
• 14:30 Quitting his job/working 15 hours a day on the business
• 15:45 The Early Grind/Instagram Account blowing up
• 20:10 "There is no Plan B"
• 21:10 Over 30,000 Sales/Biggest Challenges
• 22:30 Creating the Etsy Store
• 24:05 "the store was a palate of colors"
• 25:40 9,800 Five Star Reviews
• 28:15 "Nothing on there is by accident"
• 29:05 "I always wanted it to be how I would want it as a customer"
• 30:22 "I've taken over 1 million photos"
• 31:43 Simple 4 Step Schedule
• 34:18 Moving to California & residing in Arizona
• 41:15 How Dan decides what gets listed on the store
• 43:00 10 Year Anniversary
• 45:45 What's next for the business?
• 46:00 Learning Lapidary over the past few years
• 53:40 How to not quit?
• 57:11 Why Dan doesn't run any sales on his store
• 58:38 How to deal with doubt as an Entrepreneur
• 1:00:27 Advice for a young Entrepreneur
• 1:02:53 Why it's a great time to start a business

Where to find Daniel and Exotic Crystals LLC:

Website - ⁠exoticcrystals.etsy.com⁠

Instagram - ⁠@exoticcrystals⁠

Where to find us:

Tomas: - https://www.tomasvirgadulacoaching.com/

Lexee: - https://www.instagram.com/tarotbylexee/

- https://linktr.ee/tarotbylexee