For the past six years, Debra Dajes had been waking up at four a.m, donning a white jacket and chef’s hat and heading to The Mandarin Oriental, where she worked as a chef. The hours were long, the work was hard, and she wasn’t happy.

Then the pandemic hit, and she was left without a job.

“ I’ve always wanted to be my own boss,” said Dajes, “I never really liked the idea of others bossing me around and telling me what to do.”

Dajes has always been a spiritual person and has let her life be heavily impacted by numerology, the mystical relationship between a number and a coinciding event. “ The numbers four and seven have followed me around for years,” she said, “I consider them my lucky numbers

.” She drew inspiration from her interests and came up with her business model: Numboxology.  

 “Numboxology combines numerology and spirituality in a destiny box,” said Dajes, “you don’t know what you get until you receive it.”

At first, she wanted to find things that would be perfect to accompany her destiny boxes. But due to the pandemic, she’s had to stay inside and find alternatives. Dajes fills boxes with crystals, candles, and jewelry. 

“I looked online for things that would fit my destiny boxes well,” mentioned Dajes, ”At first, I couldn’t find anything. I started giving up, but then I found these beautiful bracelets and necklaces that really represented what I wanted to do. I do make my own candles.” The boxes have two different prices. A single box is $16.99. If you want a couple box it would be $26.99; shipping is $3.99. 

 “I maintain a 60-40 profit margin to be able to carry the business afloat while still giving good products.” She advertises on her own website and on many social media platforms. Dajes herself created and designed her website. 

The first time Dajes got a sale, she was ecstatic. “I had checked my phone for a split second and saw an email that somebody had bought my destiny box. I was surprised that somebody actually wanted to buy my products. I immediately went to get the box ready and I sent it out.” 

Because she doesn’t have a physical storefront or a stall at the mall, it is harder to get to know her clients. But, she uses social media, like TikTok and Instagram. “You have to get to know your audience through the internet instead of reading physical cues from people that may or may not want to buy your stuff,” said Dajes. 

So far, she’s made about $65. She’s been in business for about 3 weeks now, opening up her business on October 20’th. To make ends meet, she’s been working with DoorDash and UberEats until she can get a steady job apart from her small business.

“I definitely want to be able to add more products consistently and collaborate with bigger brands that will allow me more exposure for my own brand. Anything is possible if you truly believe in yourself,” said Dajes.