Becoming a Small Business Owner: A Journey of Passion, Purpose & Patience
BUCKLE UP - THIS IS A LONG ONE - BUT A GOOD ONE!
Starting a business often begins with a spark — a quiet, powerful moment that lights the way forward. For me, that spark came on a particularly hard day, when my daughter asked me to join her in making a candle from a kit she’d received. She could see I was having a hard and emotional day and wanted to pull me out of that. What began as a bonding moment turned into something much deeper — it was calming, joyful and inspiring. I fell in love with the process and soon found myself researching everything I could about candle making. That moment was the start of a brand built on intention, creativity, and heart.
My First Product — and a Sense of Pride
The very first item I ever made was a candle. Holding that finished piece in my hand gave me a rush of pride. Through extensive research and testing, that one creation led to another and before long, I had a small but growing product line of hand-crafted home fragrance products. Seeing my collection evolve and expand has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
Although candles were where it all began, they've taken a temporary back seat as my business has grown in new directions. They’re never far from my mind — I'm working behind the scenes and testing will resume again very soon.
Life as a Mother and a Maker
Each day starts early in our home. My son, who is both deaf and autistic, is usually up by 5:30 a.m. The first part of the morning is fully dedicated to being “mum.” Once he's off on the school bus by 8 a.m., I begin my business day — checking emails, writing my to-do list and getting stuck in (coffee in hand I might add).
We communicate through British Sign Language (BSL) and parenting a child with additional needs has made me a more patient, understanding person. BSL is such a beautiful and expressive language and I would encourage you to learn it if you get the chance. Everyone brings something special to the world — and that embracing our differences makes us stronger and generally nicer to be fair.
The Highs, the Challenges, and Everything In Between
There’s something magical about connecting with customers — getting to know their preferences, hearing their feedback, and sharing stories. These moments of human connection are the heartbeat of my business. Nothing beats seeing a repeat customer and picking up the conversation you left on their last visit. Whilst making a profit is important as a business owner - making connections is equally as important (for me).
Of course, not every day is easy. One of the most demanding challenges I face is handling several wholesale orders all at once. I have to become exceptionally organised and approach everything methodically — but I get through it (sanity intact). I've now learned how important it is to schedule downtime and work smart, not just hard.
Creativity Within Limits
I'm a naturally creative person, but I also recognise my limits, especially when deadlines are looming. Whether it’s designing labels, writing blogs, or planning social media content, I try to stay ahead and create as I go — balancing creativity with practicality.
Quality, Value & Knowing Your Worth
Everything I make is crafted by hand with care and over time, I’ve learned the importance of valuing my work and pricing it accordingly. We don’t start rich — building a business takes time and belief. If someone isn’t willing to pay for what you create, it doesn’t mean your products aren’t good enough — it might just mean you're not in the right space for your audience yet.
Self-Care and Resilience
When things get hectic, I remind myself to take breaks — even if it’s just sitting down with a nice cup of tea or listening to an inspiring podcast (or a bit of true crime - a personal favourite of mine and many of us out there). It's also important to reflect and look at what my achievements are - from one small candle to a whole fragrance company. It's so easy to get caught up when I'm busy, going from one event to another and keeping up with orders in-between but I have to make sure I constantly remind myself - Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
When everything feels overwhelming, I break tasks into smaller steps. Bit by bit, everything gets done — and I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause when needed.
Navigating Menopause as a Small Business Owner
Running a small business is a full-time commitment, but going through the menopause while trying to stay focused, creative and consistent adds a completely different layer. The brain fog, fatigue, hot flushes, and emotional ups and downs can really affect productivity and energy levels — even on the best days.
Some days, it's a challenge just to get through the basics, let alone pack orders, stay on top of marketing, or attend pop-ups. But what I’ve learned is to give myself grace, listen to my body, and work smarter, not harder. I’ve had to embrace flexible routines, take meaningful breaks, and make wellness a priority so I can keep showing up for my business — and myself.
If you’re a woman going through the same, just know you’re not alone. This season is tough, but so are you. And with the right balance and support, it is possible to thrive through it.
Words for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, my advice is this:
Believe in yourself.
Stay Focused.
Don’t let doubters derail your vision.
Not everyone will want to see you win — that’s why it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who do. Celebrate others and make sure you have a circle that celebrates you, too. Confidence, focus, consistency, and community are everything.
Also, really think about the kind of products you want to offer. Research, plan and once you know — go for it. Don’t live with “should haves” and “could haves.” If you love what you do and stay patient, your passion will lead the way.
At the Heart of It All
Being a mum will always come first — it’s my most important role. Creating and running my business gives me purpose and joy in a different way. The value of what I make goes beyond the product — it’s in the intention, the journey and the connection.
Whether you’re a fellow small business owner or dreaming of becoming one, I hope my story reminds you that growth is possible, even on the hardest days — and that the things we create with love will always hold power.
If you are thinking of starting a business - please do feel free to reach out I'd love to hear about it. If you need advise or just want to bounce ideas - get it touch (if I can help - I WILL).
Lotsa Love,
Felicia