Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shina Miner, Founder of Decor’d By Shina, located in Decatur, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Decor'd by Shina is a Candle business located in Decatur, IL. Every product is handmade by the owner and chandler, Shina Miner. You could call us the House of Scents! We offer quality Wood Wick Candles, Wax Melts, Room/Car Spray, and more. We love having fun and creating in the candle lab, but safety is our #1 priority. Every season you'll find new and top favorites. Can't find something you like? We'll make any scent and make it custom. Our customers love our creative names and vibrant candles. We love the expressions from our customers reading and smelling favorites such as Let That MANGO and Sun of A Peach, to name a few.
Tell us about yourself
My business started with an encouraging response from my husband during a conversation, "Do you think I could make and sell candles?" His response and support were the motivation I needed. The love of designing and excessive candle buying is what pushed Decor'd by Shina to be what it is today. At the time, my role had been switched to remote work. I worked the max of overtime to fund my business. I spent plenty of time researching and testing until I could make a candle in my sleep, not literally. In my first year, I was doing every farmers' market, pop-up shop, and event to get my name out there. Eventually, my business grew, and I became the candle lady.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is starting my business from my kitchen, and two years later, I have my own brick and mortar. It's still hard to believe that I have a store of my own.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is realizing everything won't always be perfect. A lot of my decor pieces had broken at my first event, but at that point, I realized I could either "go hard or go home." Giving up is not an option, so going hard with what I had is what I've always done. Learning to let things go and moving on is hard because I'm a bit of a perfectionist.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask yourself, are you ready for sleepless nights, hard work, and dedication? If YES, then go for your dreams. The sky is the limit.
- Always have a plan A, B, and C!
- Failing doesn't mean giving up; it means to keep trying and give it your best! You will face obstacles, but if your business means a lot to you, you won't sink.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stop by our shop anytime and create your own Mix A Melt, which is a DIY station that my customers love. Customers can come in, pick their own tin, and fill it up with whatever scent they desire. We also make custom candles and gift boxes for birthdays, graduation, gender reveals, and any special occasion you can think of. We love the challenge, so we can do just about any scent.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.decordbyshina.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decordbyshina
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decordbyshina/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/decordbyshina
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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