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

Hi Teryn, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I chose a zebra as an illustration for my business, remedes + richewels. A logo and power animal of sorts. Zebras symbolize the master of balance and represent individuality and freedom. I truly believe it is impossible to be a master of balance, so I look to the zebra as a symbol of encouragement to bring about balance and awareness in all that I do. Not to master it, but to understand how my experiences with balance resonate with me and to my individuality. Not only with simple practices like, “I exercised today, I will enjoy a treat later to celebrate”, but on a level deeper than that. How do my thoughts and feelings come into balance? How does my heart balance my mind? I believe we are all authentic beings and one persons idea of work/life balance is not the same as another’s. Let’s celebrate our individuality by exploring what balance means to us. I know, that as my priorities change in life, my idea of balance changes along with it. I believe it is necessary to pursue passion first, whether that be in work or life, and the balance innately follows.

What should our readers know about your business?
remedes + richewels was created from a place of uncertainty and stillness. It was during a time in my life when I was feeling unfulfilled and lost. Mental health was the priority and the thought of anything beyond that was debilitating, until it wasn’t. I began writing a business plan, creating a website, and designing a logo. This was exactly what I needed to shift my mindset, and shift my heart. Every step of the way, the business has been slow, intentional, and truly a labor of love. There are days when I am ready to throw in the towel because I can’t believe I am only this far, after almost 5 years in business. There are days that I want to celebrate and shout from the roof tops about how proud I am that I have come this far, after almost 5 years. This is what running a small business consists of; uncertainty, stillness, momentum, risk, QUESTIONING everything and BELIEVING in everything and nothing all at the same time. I have learned to be patient with myself. I have learned to honor and accept what I am feeling on the given day, because it is ever-changing and nothing is constant. I have learned to shift my business with my surroundings. Even in the current climate, I am allowing myself the creative freedom to thing bigger and act bigger. Most of all I have learned to believe in myself and what I am capable of, and that is all I could ever hope for.

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?
Welcome to Tucson! We will eat our way through the town, visit our local favorites, and adventure to the mountain top! First and foremost, SUSHI. Yes, believe it or not, our little desert has a great sushi spot, and I’ve had sushi in some serious hotspots. And I don’t mean hot temperature. So first up is Kazoku, for some Yellowtail and Salmon Belly nigiri and a Passion Roll to top it off. Then we would head to Tito & Pep for some exceptional cocktails and maybe a few more bites. I am hoping that my friend came to town during Cultivate market, because we would definitely be doing some shopping with our favorite local artists and makers. We would go to the infamous Hotel Congress and grab a dessert at Cup Cafe. Adventuring to the top of Mt Lemmon for a hike is a must. Axe throwing at St Huberts Hatchet House is also a must. If there is a good show at The Rialto, definitely going there for a music fix. After we are stopping at Good Oak Bar for fried pickles and a cocktail. Maybe we will venture to an underground experience at Tough Luck club. Shopping is on the agenda at Batea Boutique, The Ninth House Shop and Creative Kind. A pilates class at BodyQuest for some mind and bosy awareness. We will do some more eating at Welcome Diner and Ermanos. A visit to Saguaro National Park West and the Desert Museum is on the lisst. Maybe we will even stop in at Old Tucson for some real Wild West attraction. SO MUCH TO DO! I’m exhausted. And fulfilled. I love Tucson.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my upbringing, my family, for finding passion in the stillness and uncertainty and encouraging me to exercise my creative being. My family has the mindset of sustainability, so this was taught to me at a very young age. Composting, Recycling, reusing, manners, gratitude, graciousness and open-mindedness were the ideas and actions that surrounded me, and still do to this day. This was a privilege, to grow up with supportive and caring people. It is what has shaped me and encouraged me to do better and be better. I found a supportive partner that inspires me and motivates me. I attracted a team of passionate and conscious beings that grow the business in ways I would not be able to on my own. I live in a community whom champion small businesses. I am honored to collaborate amongst the most wonderful makers and artists. I am completely surrounded by all that one would need to grow a successful business created with heart and vulnerability. Shoutout to all the people who are going that extra mile to make this world a better place. THAT is my inspiration. My story is interwoven in all the people who have supported me, mentored me, loved and encouraged me. “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller

Website: www.remedesandrichewels.com
Instagram: @remedes_richewels
Facebook: @remedesandrichewels

Image Credits
Moon Valley Creative -portrait shot Fletcher & Co – product shots w/white background