Made With Love - Sophist

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Neiman, Founder of Sophist, located in Peoria, AZ, USA.

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

I am a veteran woman-owned small business that gives back to our community. I sell essential oils, soaps, custom-made-to-order candles, lip balms, bath bombs, shampoos, and so much more. We cater to every age group.

Tell us about yourself

I love helping people and making people happy! I wanted to give purity and love to products we use and enjoy every day while being the light in someone's darkness.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am currently located inside retail therapy, and these ladies are amazing and give back to the community as well as support small businesses, so I team up with them as much as possible! I donated to a local women's shelter formula, clothes, car seats, and so much more, as well as gift baskets for a restaurant to auction off to raise money for an employee needing help. I have helped with school supplies and volunteer work and strive to keep giving back to our community in any way I can.

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

One of the hardest things, I think, is just staying positive and knowing it takes time to establish yourself. You essentially think it's going to be easy because you see these fortune five hundred companies that make it look easy, but it's blood, sweat, and tears. You get what you put in.

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

1. You can do anything, but you can't do everything, so it's okay to ask for help.
2. Take advice, learn, grow and adapt.
3. You got this! There will be hard days and setbacks, and nobody said it was going to be easy, but it will be worth it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I want to just really thank everyone that supports local small businesses, and there are so many amazing small businesses at retail therapy, so come support us, please!!

Where can people find you and your business?

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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