Featured Image: Alesa Hefner, owner of The Southern Moon Crystal Company, is pictured on the UT Martin campus. (Pacer Photo / Gwendolyn Lyle)

Martin, Tennessee is home to many different small businesses, including one founded by former University of Tennessee at Martin employee, Alesa Hefner.

Hefner, a former Sodexo employee at UT Martin, started her small business in February. While at Sodexo, she managed their social media platforms and planned student events, including seasonal events for the Halloween and Easter seasons.

Hefner always had a love for crystals. For her birthday, her husband bought her a pink plum amethyst moon crystal, which she said inspired her to start her own crystal business.

Hefner has many different types of crystals that come in many different shapes, including moon, heart and skull crystals. They are all different sizes and are unique in their own way.

She is currently working on a website, but for now, she operates her business through a Facebook page where customers message her directly. Hefner offers a 10% discount to UT Martin students who message her the word “Skyhawks.” She also provides free local delivery within a 25-mile radius along with free shipping on orders over $200.

Hefner plans to attend local events, including the Soybean Festival, but does not plan to open a physical storefront. She said keeping the business online allows her to maintain lower prices for customers.

“I believe that everyone should have access to affordable but great quality crystals,” said Hefner. “It’s something that brings me immense joy, and I love seeing people be happy.”

Her goal is to make crystals affordable so more people can enjoy them without breaking the bank. While some crystals are rare and are more valuable than diamonds, Hefner works to keep her prices reasonable. Her most expensive item is currently a five-pound labradorite priced at $350.

Hefner said her crystals are ethically sourced, meaning her vendor does not use illegal labor practices such as child labor. The vendor also provides certificates of authenticity for all crystals.

Along with providing affordable products to customers, Hefner also enjoys being able to give back to the community through her business. Hefner is also active in the community, volunteering at a local food pantry and participating in the Angel Tree program.

Though Hefner does not expect to make significant profits, she plans to donate 10% of her earnings to charity, including organization such as St. John’s Community Services in Martin. So far, she has used her profits to help purchase a car seat for a child in need.