Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicki Malandra, owner of Nickilicious LLC., located in Lebanon, PA, USA.

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

Nickilicious is an aromatherapy candle business to transport you on a self-care and wellness journey. Nickilicious makes All-natural handcrafted scented wax melts and bath bombs and will be adding more aromatherapy products as the business grows. Our target market is those with chronic illnesses who need to practice self-care and anyone who loves to create an at-home spa experience.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Nicki, and I have multiple chronic illnesses, including lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndrome. During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, when many routine doctors and other medical professional visits were disrupted, I started looking online for DYI home remedies to practice self-care. I learned how to make facial scrubs, hair treatments, candles, and other home-spa treatments and enjoyed it so much that I decided I wanted to share my self-care creations with those with similar needs. Self-care is so important when you have a chronic illness, and little things like taking a hot bath or relaxing in your bedroom with a soothing fragrance can help relieve stress, pain, and fatigue symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business is very new, and I believe my biggest accomplishment is creating a business plan and sticking to the plan without getting overwhelmed. Taking one task at a time and making SMART business goals that work around my illness have helped me accomplish my goals.

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

One of the hardest things about being a sole business owner is doing everything yourself. Staying organized has been the hardest thing for me. Again, being able to refer back to a business plan helps tremendously. I have a separate notebook for everything from my business plan to inventory to shipping. Written notes can help you stay organized and refer you back to something you may forget.

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

  1. Do something you are passionate about.
  2. Create a business plan. You can even write the plan on paper but keep it somewhere close for reference.
  3. Research the industry, market, competitors, target audience, and legal requirements.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting your own business can be fun and rewarding, but it's a lot of work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nickimalandra.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nickilicious-LLC-105138708833070
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickilicious_22/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nickilicious_22
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-malandra-646070166/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.