MEET BERWYN’S ENTREPRENEURS: DAISY BETANCE OF LITTLE BUDDHA BY DAISY
Name: Daisy Betance
Hometown: Downers Grove
Current Residence: Berwyn
About Daisy:
Berwyn has been home to my two dogs, Rocky and Nala, for the past 2 1/2 years. Family is very important to me and as such I enjoy chatting with my family almost daily and enjoy time together at a Berwyn hot spot on a regular basis. When I’m not in Berwyn, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
The Business Side: My parents raised us with a holistic background, especially my mom. She had a deep passion for a clean and holistic lifestyle. So I started to research and learn about all the horrible chemicals in our everyday products. I decided to take a soap and candle making class to learn how to start making my own clean products at home. Then I realized how much I really enjoyed making my own clean products.
The jewelry side of my business came in when I couldn’t find any diffusor jewelry that I really liked, so I started to make my own. After working in finance for 14 years I decided it was time to follow my true passions and dreams, combining the two things I really love to start my own business. I started my business last April and decided last November to do my business full-time. It’s been an amazing journey since.
Describe yourself using 3 words.
I would describe myself as a passionate, dedicated and artistic person. Ever since I found my true calling in life, I have found the fire in my belly and know that I will keep spreading the word of the importance of clean products and the healing properties of crystals and reiki.
What inspires you?
Both my parents are amazing people that have inspired me and my craft. My mom is an amazing woman and mother who always taught us how to care for ourselves in natural and holistic ways. Growing up, my Dad taught me the importance of working hard to provide for your family. He also had his hand in helping me be crafty. He recently helped me build my studio from the ground up!
Tell us something that people might not know about you.
My family is from Leon, Mexico and love getting the opportunity to go and visit family when we get a chance to go. It’s a beautiful city full of character, amazing food and great people.
Why Berwyn?
As a transplant from the city, I never imagined myself back in the suburbs. I had a few friends who lived in Berwyn and as I started to explore, I realized I really enjoyed how close Berwyn was to everything I found to be essential to my way of living. From quick access to the city of Chicago via public transit or access to stores, family, and restaurants, Berwyn had what I was looking for as a young entrepreneur.
Where is one of the most interesting places you’ve been?
I recently went on my first solo vacation to Peru in January. During my 2 week stay, I explored 5 different cities, took part in a 5 day silent retreat and enjoyed the beaches of Lima. I met some amazing people that I am still friends with today. The trip was a very healing and life changing.
What is the meaning of your name?
I was named after my grandma (my mom’s mom) who was also interested in holistic medicine and a holistic lifestyle. She was a very strong and passionate woman, who also serves as a source of inspiration to me. Her name was Margarita, which means Daisy in Spanish.
What gets you through a rough day?
I start my days with some self care of reiki and meditation to help me through the day. I noticed when I don’t do both of those things that I really feel off. If its a particularly stressful day I’ll make sure to add in more reiki or mediation time as it helps me calm down and de-stress. I just learned how to do transcendental meditation about 2 years ago. I highly recommend learning that technique. It’s great for mindfulness, stress relief and overall peace of mind and body.
What book impacted you the most?
The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People by Judith Orloff. For most of my life I always felt like I didn’t fit in because people always told me I was different or too sensitive. I always felt overwhelmed being in crowds or being around too many people. My reiki practitioner recommended I read this book and I realized that I wasn’t “different;" I was just an empath and that book taught me how to embrace and care for myself. Now I am able to place healthy boundaries around myself and continue to create healthy relationships with others around me.
What is the best room in your house?
The best room in my house is my studio that my dad created for me; it’s truly my happy place. It’s a perfect blend of serenity, zen and all of my dad’s love and hard work. I love just sitting in there and admiring the space. Every time I step into my studio I am reminded of my dad and all of his hard work. It reminds of all the support my family gives me and how they keep giving me the strength and determination to keep going. Being a small business owner can be tiring and scary at times, but knowing I have the support of my family is always what keeps me going.
