Mari's Oasis - Mon’Taasia Sharper
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mon’Taasia Sharper, Owner of Mari's Oasis, located in Detroit, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create soy candles, as well as bath and body products using natural ingredients. I make wax melts, soy candles, room sprays, bath bombs, hot/cold process soap, body fluff (OUR version of body butter), and many more goodies.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been into different forms of art (I'm a licensed cosmetologist), and I love a good DIY project. I also happen to have dry skin due to eczema, and when I had my daughter, she had it as well. The "smell good" products from larger companies didn't actually help to moisturize our skin, so I decided to come up with something that could do both! I love coming up with new products and allowing my daughter to help me in the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment(s) would be both my interview with our local news station (Channel 7), as well as a feature on a local radio station (Hot 107.5), both of which happened within the first three years of starting my business. To be acknowledged for something that I enjoyed making and people were enjoying as well was really exciting.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner for me is allowing people to help me when I need it. Wearing many hats as an entrepreneur is common, but it's also okay to allow people to help you, especially when they see you really need it. You don't want to get overwhelmed or burned out!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just go for it! You can sit and think of many reasons as to why it isn't the right time or why you should wait. Just take the leap, and it will be worth it.
- Don't let the number of similar businesses deter you from starting yours. There are enough customers to go around!
- Make yourself stand out. What makes your business special? Have something special specific to your brand that will help customers to remember and easily recognize you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, but also be willing to do the leg work yourself! Sometimes experimenting with different methods and products work better than just going off of what everyone else is doing. It's okay to be different!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.marisoasis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarisOasis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MarisOasis/
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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