SIDE HUSTLE STORIES – ANDREA LACEY-MALVERN
So who is Andrea Lacey-Malvern?
I am Andrea the creator behind Forest Soul Designs. Mother to a mixed up teen and a super cute Border Terrier. I live in beautiful Devon with my partner Lee. In my day job I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and have just qualified as a Canine Massage Therapist. An experienced witch (wiccan for 30 years), Reiki and Crystal healer, I am possibly one of the woo woo-ist bees. I make handmade magical jewellery inspired by nature and made with Love and Intention and blessed with reiki to connect you to places where your soul sings. I also love to bring my Crystal knowledge to our furry best friends with my unique Crystal Healing Bandanas and Dog Tags My current side hustle is Forest Soul Designs and I have an Etsy shop and have started doing more in-person shows. I love all things creative (I have done many different crafts over the years including making award-winning mohair bears) and to learn new things and am undertaking my Reiki Master training next and I hope in the future to start my own Canine massage practices.
How did you cross paths with Julie and Happy Side Hustle?
I crossed paths with Julie on her side hustle challenge about 15 months ago. I had just started making resin jewellery and was thinking about having to sell some (there are only so many people you can give stuff too!) I saw it advertised on Facebook and signed up.
How did you feel when you found out about the challenge?
I was in 2 minds about joining the challenge as I had never done anything like that before, but I thought it looked like fun and I might learn some useful tips.
Why did you decide to join it?
I decided I didn’t have anything to lose by joining.
What was your favourite part of the challenge?
I enjoyed all of the challenge, I loved having an accountability buddy and seeing everyone taking part, I learnt something from every section of the challenge.
What was your biggest takeaway or a-ha moment from the challenge?
My biggest takeaway was that it was something I could actually do and learn to do properly.
Who would benefit most from this challenge?
Anyone who wants to do something creative or has a service they wish to get out into the world in a happy and stress free way would benefit from this challenge.
Where can we find you?
Forest Soul Designs
Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ForestSoulDesigns
Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/ForestSoulDesigns
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ForestSoulDesigns/
What is your next big goal?
My next big goal is to grow the jewellery side by looking at wholesale stocking shops and to do more in person shows. I will also be quietly working on my canine side with a view to launching in the future.
Are you in the ‘Fast Track your Happy Side Hustle’ or ‘The Hive’?
I am in the Happy Hustle Hive.
Did you have any experience running your own side hustle before? How did that go and what do you know now that you didn’t know then?
I didn’t have any experience in running a side hustle. Everything I have done I have learnt since the challenge.
What’s your biggest tip for someone who’s considering setting up a side hustle?
Do the challenge, join the hive.
What’s your favourite thing about being in The Hive?
My favourite thing about the hive is tricky can I have 2? The support from Julie and the bees and the masterclasses.
What’s your favourite thing about your new happy side hustle?
The favourite thing about my side hustle is the ability to be flexible. Work as much or as little and have plenty of scope to keep on creating.