Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My grandparents who immigrated from Cuba have inspired me in this business. They came to the USA in their teens and later in life opened up 2 successful restaurants in West New York, NJ. Their wisdom holds a lot of value for me and my business journey. They have always told me "In everything you do, pour your heart and soul into it. It’s the only way to create something that truly matters."

How do you stay motivated?

I love creating unique candles and experimenting with new scents and designs, which keeps me excited and engaged. Positive reviews and repeat customers remind me that my work is making a difference in others' lives, providing great motivation. I enjoy pushing my creative boundaries, whether it’s by using eco-friendly materials or creating limited-edition collections. These elements help keep me motivated through both the highs and lows of running a small business.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Firstly, I'd upgrade production equipment like wax melters, pouring pots, and molds which would improve efficiency + quality. I'd ramp up marketing efforts through social media ads, influencer partnerships, and a well-designed website. Part of this would go into professional photography for product listings, content creation, and hiring a branding consultant to refresh the company’s visual identity. These necessary changes would help me to then open up my own Twoscentsbybri,LLC. store