Ezmia Bascom is a one-woman spark, a constantly churning generator of ideas and action: an entrepreneur who’s running a small business from her home, taking care of her family, and looking forward to a better day. That’s all of us, though, right?
What we find most charming and disarming about her is the fact that she’s willing to put it all out there, the good, the bad—even how to overcome the everyday blahs. She’s making room in her life for good things ahead and not forgetting to acknowledge the pain, persistence, and courage it takes to get there.
Ezmia recently visited us at Spark*l HQ in San Luis Obispo, and while we’ve always known her to be kind and creative, it was her funny, bright, and sincere side that showed out so clearly in person. Her visit stays with us, and we’re so happy to have a souvenir of our time together in her Power By Ezmia band.
Below, a few excerpts from a sit-down with this powerful personality whose internal wattage lit up our whole studio!
What makes her go: I was born, raised, and still live in a small town in Southwest New Mexico. I grew up in a big family with three brothers and one sister. My dad was an entrepreneur. He owned his own business for 26 years while my mom raised us. She later went to work as a medical transcriptionist a few years after having my little brother, her last baby. We were all pretty active kids. I played volleyball, basketball, and did track. I then went to college, intending to become a nurse until I passed out in a hospital and decided that probably wasn’t a good idea! I then changed my major to elementary education. I pursued this venture until I started observing and realized that my heart just couldn’t take the changes happening within the school system. I changed my major again and received my Bachelors in General Studies, focusing on art and science. I knew this avenue would allow me to finish school—but also, if I decided to teach, I would have the credentials aside from the licensing. Nonetheless, I have always been a worker. My first job was at Subway when I was 15, then lifeguarding, waiting tables, a secretary, retail manager, bartender, senior admin clerk, and a photographer through the years.
Babies enter the picture: After having my first, I was out of work for five months due to postpartum depression; I then went back to work for three days and decided I just couldn’t be away and had to make something else work! I resigned to take care of my baby better and also myself while my husband was away at the police academy. I picked up my camera again and started booking mini sessions, which turned into birth photography, maternity, and family photos. During this time, I also started playing with makeup. I joined a company with the desire to inspire other women and mamas to ‘do something for themselves, guilt-free. I have always liked hair, makeup, and clothes—but I wasn’t ever great at any specific thing- but knew I wanted to be. I found that makeup was a form of therapy for me—it helped me walk around with a pep in my step while not only transitioning as a new Mom but while battling depression.
A turning point: I knew how [depression] was making me feel, and I felt like I had a mission to encourage everyone else to find something that helped them navigate tough seasons or find extra energy while they tackled their day-to-day things. My husband saw what I was doing as a hobby, but I saw it as a mission. I wanted to make this work. I wanted to reach as many people as I could and touch their lives in some way. I put my head down and did just that! Fast forward 2 1/2 years later- and my business has exploded.
A ‘hobby’ became a family business: I was not only doing makeup therapy but also started expanding, working with other brands that I felt suited me and my mission! A year and a half later, my husband was able to leave law enforcement and now works as VP of Ezmia Inc. This was a pivotal time in our life because what he once saw as a hobby had flourished through determination and WORK. It also brought him home, away from a stressful job, to be a stay-at-home “working” daddy as I had once aspired to be as a new mommy. I now work with many brands, sharing the things that I love with thousands of people who support me not only as Ezmia, the entrepreneur but as Ezmia, the woman who battles depression and anxiety and still choosing to wake up each morning, find joy and share my struggles and wins while doing the things I love: hoping to empower others to do the same no matter what they are combating in life!
One of my favorite things about entrepreneurship is that it helps you create bonds and expand relationships beyond just business. I am always honored each time I see Sparkl’ cheering me on or supporting me in the comments of my content.
Enter Spark*l: Spark*l started as a business relationship that has flourished into a friendship. One of my favorite things about entrepreneurship is that it helps you create bonds and expand relationships beyond just business. I am always honored each time I see Sparkl’ cheering me on or supporting me in the comments of my content. It shows appreciation [for our] collaboration and that our work doesn’t go unnoticed. I love supporting other small- women-owned businesses because I am the product of chasing that once small dream [through] adversity. I think now more than ever; people see the impact they can make by shopping small after seeing [the hard times]. 2020 brought. While some businesses have flourished, others have not. I am incredibly grateful to have played a part in the growth and expansion of Spark*l.
Work, family, and balance: While my upbringing has influenced my determination and work ethic, now it’s my family and doing something I love that makes me jump out of bed each morning. I read once to make your WHY so bulletproof that it will get you through the tough times, and that is what I try to focus on when I am struggling. I focus on WHY I do the things I do vs. WHAT it is I have to do.
My why is my mental health; getting up and getting dressed isn’t just about ‘looking good’ it’s about the time it takes to sit and do something that brings you joy and doing it guilt-free. Looking good is just a bonus!
On her terms: I feel privileged to work from home and have multiple income streams, but I would be lying if I said it was easy. I sometimes have to dig deep and remember the joy in all this. My why is my mental health; getting up and getting dressed isn’t just about ‘looking good’ it’s about the time it takes to sit and do something that brings you joy and doing it guilt-free. Looking good is just a bonus! I want to show my girls that through hard work and determination, big things you only dreamed of can become a reality.
A work in progress: I grew up in a home that was always under construction- it was sprinkled with so many unfinished projects, and I told myself that one day I was going to build/renovate a home to completion while not sacrificing our financial standings- and I did. Sometimes I just stop… and breathe it all in. Remind myself that I am worthy and that my patience and persistence paid off. I want my girls to see that not all jobs have to be conventional. Going against the grain and withstanding adversity can amount to a big reward of peace and joy!
Life in Silver City: To be frank, where we live isn’t what it used to be. We have a quaint downtown that gives a very touristy-artsy vibe… but over the years, it has deteriorated. Crime and drugs have overtaken the area, and it’s sad—but it’s the truth! So many abandoned buildings, lost businesses, and zero economic growth. It’s one reason why I’m so thankful to be working from home in conjunction with so many flourishing companies because that opportunity is not found just outside my front door. This area is great if you love hunting and the outdoors. Outside of that, my family is what keeps us here. We have been toying with the idea of moving to San Antonio, Texas. So pray for us and that opportunity to come to fruition 🙂
On her charity: I do not have anyone in my family who has battled this cancer younger than 40, but breast cancer runs on both sides of my family. I have had an aunt on each side battle aggressive cancer and are now in remission. It is a constant reminder to be proactive and schedule your annual appointment and do breast examinations. One of my favorite motivational speakers/bloggers, Becki Crosby, battled cancer and passed in March of 2020 at a young age. I followed her and was affected by her loss. She was such a powerful woman who truly never gave up hope. This disease does not discriminate, and it’s important to remain vigilant and proactive and that’s why the Young Survival Coalition and their work is so important—and important to me.
Her favorite band: Although I love them all, I would have to say Power By Ezmia because it felt very intimate and close to home to create it myself. You all know I usually go with neutrals, but the creation of this band brought me so much joy. I think the meaning behind a pearl is so dynamic in symbolizing: peace, power, and patience±and knowing that it’s happening in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just so empowering.
The year ahead: My goal is to continue to work hard to move and obtain a better quality of life for my kids. I want to be in a community where we have the freedom to put our kids in dance, gymnastics, ballet, etc.… whatever they aspire to try. I want to be able to do it! We just don’t have that opportunity here! Business-wise, I want to collaborate with brands like I am with you all. This has been so much fun. I loved the creative side of it all, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
To support Ezmia and the Young Survival Coalition, find Power by Ezmia here.