Bazaar Babe ~ Juliette Thornbury
Juliette is a crystal healer, collector and now author to the best selling book ‘The Crystal Fix’. She has a calming and kind energy that surrounds her and she’s definitely a gem of a woman to know. I spent the morning in her beautiful Mullumbimby abode which is adorned with treasures in every corner. We chatted about the magic life of Juliette and Luminosity Crystals.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are and what excites you?
My name is Juliette Thornbury and I live in the sweet little town of Mullumbimby with my partner Bali, and our rabbit Penny. I am a certified crystal healer and the owner of Luminosity Crystals. I have also recently published my first book; The Crystal Fix.
I grew up with two loving parents and my younger sister. My father was a talented musician and my mother is a beautiful photographer. Both of my parents were always so kind-hearted, generous and compassionate people and I am so grateful to have grown up in such a nurturing and creative environment. There is so much that excites me about our beautiful earth. Being able to wake up every day and do what I love is probably the most exciting thing!
Juliette wears the Ulysses dress in twilight
You are the founder of Luminosity Crystals. Can you tell us a little about your business and what drew you to work with crystals?
About 3 years ago, I decided to turn my passion for crystals into a business. I created Luminosity Crystals, an online store selling high-quality and ethically sourced crystals and minerals from all around the world. I wanted to be able to hand source the stones myself and share them with those who needed an alternative healing approach, or just a beautiful cluster for their home. Since then, my fascination with crystals has developed into a full-time career, connecting people all over the world with these powerful healing tools. The world of crystals and minerals has become an important part of my life; physically, emotionally and spiritually.
When did your love for crystals begin and has it evolved over time?
My passion for crystals began early in life. I would spend hours in rivers and creeks searching for crystals. My mum bought my first one from the Byron Bay market. This is where my crystal collection began, and I still have my first little agate geode over twenty years later. My grandparents are jewellers too, so I grew up around plenty of beautiful gemstones.
Where do you source your crystals from and what do you look for when selecting each stone?
I hand select most of the crystals myself; visiting gem shows, local collectors and trusted suppliers. Each piece is chosen carefully for their beauty, meaning and healing properties – focusing not only on high quality stones, but also the most beautiful and ethically sourced pieces.
The crystal healing industry is growing rapidly in popularity. With so many sources all around the world, both online and in-store, it can be difficult to know where your crystals originally come from and if they have been sourced ethically. Crystals can also go through many hands before ending up in yours, so it is helpful to look for a supplier that understands and respects where the stones have come from. By remaining conscious and mindful when sourcing crystals, we can ensure that the natural environment is appreciated and preserved.
You’re a certified crystal healer. Can you tell us a little about the healing abilities and powers of crystals?
Every crystal is unique in colour, texture, shape and structure – all elements that play a role in creating the healing vibration of a particular stone. The vibrations connect us to the Earth, teaching us the power of intention and encouraging us to grow, transform and trust in our own intuition. Working with crystalline energy assists in restoring the body to its natural state, helping to bring into balance all aspects of ourselves. Crystals encourage us to stay grounded and to feel a greater connection to nature. This results in a healthier mind and body, a more positive outlook and a greater sense of balance; even on our stressful days.
What are some of your personal favourite stones to work with and why?
There are so many that I love to use. The first one that comes to mind would have to be clear quartz. It’s probably the most common and recognised stone out there, but it's just something that I am so drawn to. Clear quartz is regarded as the most powerful energy amplifier on the planet and is considered a master healer with a high vibration of positivity. You will definitely find at least one in every room of my house! Another one that I have always felt connected to is black tourmaline. It’s just so grounding and calming; I always carry a small piece with me.
What crystals would you suggest to people who are just starting out with collecting crystals?
I always suggest going with your intuition. The most important thing is to go with the crystal you feel most connected too. If you feel drawn to a specific stone, it can often mean that you are in need of its particular energy in your life; I get so many people writing to me with these stories! If you are looking to find a stone for a particular need, it can also be helpful to choose by colour. For instance, pink and green stones are associated with the heart chakra and are powerful in aiding emotional healing.
Do you have a favourite crystal ritual you can share with us?
Crystal rituals are such a beautiful way to work with the energy of your stones. It brings focus and clarity to our daily lives and helps us to better connect with the crystals and our intentions. I actually have a whole section in The Crystal Fix dedicated to crystal rituals.
One of my favourite way to use crystals is in a grid. Created by placing a selection of stones in a symmetrical pattern, a crystal grid is used for directing the flow of energy towards a specific purpose. It can be used to transform the energy within a space or for manifesting an intention. Choosing crystals for your grid is an important part of the process. Use crystals that correspond with a goal or intention – You can select them by colour or by their healing properties, as long as you are using your intuition and creativity!
Juliette wears the Majesty dress in old gold
You have just released your first book ‘The Crystal Fix’. What inspired you to create this book?
When I first began learning about crystals, it became clear to me that it was not only about keeping crystals around you, it was important to know where to place them in your home, and which type worked best in certain rooms. I began getting questions on this topic as well, which made me realise that there wasn’t a whole lot of information on the subject. Energetically, certain crystals will help you attract the energy you want in each space. For example, Amethyst will create a calm and peaceful environment in your bedroom, while Carnelian can be used to promote creativity and motivation in your office or workspace. I wrote this book as a modern guide to creating a beautiful and empowering home environment with healing crystals.
The Crystal Fix was a best seller on Amazon. How did it feel to know that people were loving your creation?
I remember feeling so nervous before the launch date, to have the world judge something that you have put so much love into is quite nerve-wracking. I ended up being so happy with how it all came together and I hoped everyone else would love it too! It was definitely a huge shock to see it become a best seller after only a few weeks. It is really incredible to see so many people loving my little creation. One special moment for me was having Judy Hall (best selling author of The Crystal Bible), read and review my book. It was a huge honour to gain the approval of such a respected author and crystal expert.
You always capture your crystal images so beautifully. Do you photograph them yourself? And have you always been interested in photography?
Yes, I photograph them all myself – it’s definitely one of my favourite parts of the job. I watched my mum take photos all the time when I was young, and I started learning photography in high school. I also completed a graphic design course which taught me a lot about photography. My partner Bali is also a wonderful photographer, so I was very lucky to be able to learn from him as well.
Are there any plans for a book number two?
There are definitely plans for a second book. For now, I am enjoying a little break but I will be back to writing soon, and hope to publish another beautiful book next year.
What’s next for Juliette Thornbury?
At the moment, I am working on expanding Luminosity Crystals – I would love to open a shop one day soon. I couldn’t be more grateful for where I am in my life right now and I can’t wait to get started on some new and exciting projects.
For ethically sourced crystals shop Luminosity Crystals
For a book of crystals for the modern home shop The Crystal Fix
