Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shakira Drones, Owner of IKiralot Crafts LLC., located in Bloomfield, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

IKiralot Crafts is a bath and body company that offers handmade cold process soaps, facial and body oils, body scrubs, powder facial masks, and soap-making classes. IKC was created for women that care for others but neglect themselves. Our mission is to partner with the community to merge wellness and education while enhancing our customers' overall quality of life.

Tell us about yourself

My aunt and a friend of mine were the inspiration for IKC. At the time, my aunt was diagnosed with Stage 0 Breast Cancer, and a friend of mine was suffering from depression. Outside of them being amazing moms, friends, and support systems to everyone around them. They both put other people's needs ahead of their own. As a result, I wanted to create a product for them that was handmade, safe, and offered aromatherapy to inspire a positive change in their mood. I made a few scented body scrubs and body butters for them, and the rest is history.

My external motivation comes from countless women that sacrifice daily for the greater good of their families. I see them, I know them, I am them. My internal motivation comes from my commitment to my community to be the change I want to see. As a registered nurse, I combine education, wellness, and entrepreneurship, which allows me to serve my customers using a holistic perspective, as opposed to simply making a sale.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been meeting my customers face-to-face, hearing their stories, and how my products and services have impacted their lives. Another big accomplishment I have experienced as a business owner has been cultivating partnerships within my community to serve my community. For example, I have partnered with Corona Health Food store (Newark, NJ) to sell various soaps, facial and body oils. Corona is a neighborhood staple.

I grew up across the street from the store. In addition, I have partnered with Creative Living Support Services (East Orange, NJ) to offer 4-week Soap Making Workshops for the community. Further, I have partnered with Greater Newark Conservancy (Newark, NJ) to host Soap Making Demonstrations for the community. Furthermore, I have partnered with Hayes West Center Hope (Newark, NJ) to host Soap Making Classes for the girl's club.

Lastly, my business has helped me to accomplish my goal of paying off $112K in student loan debt in 3 years.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is maintaining self-motivation. Being self-motivated can be cultivated by using your passion as fuel. If you don't know what your passion is, think about what people typically call you for and/or compliment you on, and start there.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Focus on solving a problem using the skills and/or talents you have within your arm's reach.
  2. Use your own money to run your business and keep your expenses low. Keep debt off the table if you can't pay it back immediately. Remember, the borrower is a slave to the lender-Proverbs 22:7.
  3. Use free and paid resources to grow your business: Score.org, UCEDC (resources & solutions for small businesses), Toastmasters, join your local Chamber of Commerce, FIVERR, Peer Space, Canva, create social media groups exclusively for your customers, watch business Earn Your Leisure, Sleep is 4 Suckers (business podcasts).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner is fun and stressful at the same time. The benefits, the freedom, and the lifestyle of an entrepreneur can be very alluring. Make sure you take care of your mental, physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional health; that's the real wealth.

My website is currently under construction (www.ikiralotcrafts.com). However, I can be reached at ikiralotcrafts@gmail.com and/or 862-800-7107

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ikiralotcrafts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikiralot/

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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