Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candles but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dina Gahol, Founder of Lil Hazel Lites, located in Carpentersville, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! My name is Dina Gahol. I am the owner of Lil Hazel Lites, making homemade scented candles and Room -Linen Spray. I'm fairly new in the small business community. My customers are mostly women that are candle lovers and appreciate hand-made crafts.
Tell us about yourself
I love candles! I got it from my mom, who also loved candles. She had them all over the house. When she passed away, I found some old candles in my basement. Instead of throwing them away, I thought, why not try to give them another life? Maybe I can practice on my mom's old, dusty, hard pillar candles. I started googling " do it yourself" and how to make candles at home. I watched a lot of Youtube tutorials. A few months after, I started buying my supplies from different candle companies. After a bit, I made my first batch, and it turned out nice. Nice enough to give them as gifts. So my family had candles for Christmas! They were surprised I made them. I had great feedback. It took me almost two years to decide and take the big step to make it a business venture! I wanted to be really good at it first before taking the big leap! Making candles is not work for me, and I enjoy making candles. It calms me, relieves stress, and is therapeutic. Making candles reminds me of my mom!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I lost my job of 31 years, 4 years ago. It broke me. It was devastating. I was depressed. I had to think of ways how to get back on my feet. I prayed a lot. I reached out to my family. It was a very challenging time for me. I was lost. The difficult part is how to put the broken pieces together. My biggest accomplishment is I took the risk! I didn't think I could do it. Sometimes you just have to say, "Just do it," and see what happens. Don't dwell on the negative side; just have FAITH! Things will work out eventually.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Running a small business is difficult, and I have my good days and bad days. This venture is a learning process. Getting no sales, and being rejected, are hard to get thru, but it's part of the business. Doing everything on my own is hard, but my family is there to support me when I'm overwhelmed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the step, take the risk. You don't know until you try.
- Just have faith in your ability to learn and grow.
- Surround yourself with positive people that will encourage you and support you on your journey to be your best self and succeed!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lilhazellites.store/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hazel.lites.9/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilhazellites/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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