Today we’d like to introduce you to Inna Pavlichenko
Hi Inna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
One winter, my amazing little sister had a birthday and I wanted to get her a gift that I knew she would love. She was a big fan of fantasy, so I decided to buy her a candle in the shape of the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter, her favorite movies and books. I got her a beautiful scented candle in a glass jar where the hat was a removable lid and the candled smelled like Butterbeer. I was inspired by the creativity and I thought, “Can I make a candle like this?”
My journey started there and I was instantly sucked in. I read a lot, researched, and watched thousands and thousands of videos studing how to make candles. I was nervous and excited when I ordered supplies for my first candle. In the beginning my candles were not that great, but I was happy like a child because made it on my own. Afterwords, I improved myself, making more and more unique shapes, scents, and colors with different materials and oher surprises.
Unfortunately, a few months after discovering my passion, I was forced to move to the United States to escape the war in my home country. I had to put my dreams on hold while I focused on building a foundation and network in a whole new world. Luckily, I quickly met my new best friend (and now fiance) who helped me with finding work, settling into my new life, and eventually starting my business. My business started small, but I was able to find comfort, happiness, and pride in making high-quality candles for my friends, family, co-workers and neighbors while I grew my shop.
Now that I’ve had the support and experience, my curiosity and drive has opened a bigger world for me. I’ve learned how to make dozens of products like body scrubs, face masks, lotion bars, lip balm, diffusers, car sprays and more. My most popular product was released six months ago, when I tought myself how to make hand-folded wax petals and started offering custom candle bouqets.
Like most small business owners, I still struggle with doubts, but inside of myself I know that I’ve grown and will always find a way to do a great job. My online shop recieves orders from all over the world and I’m excited to see my work can bring others the same excitement and joy I felt when I found a beautiful gift for my sister.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Unfortunately, a few months after discovering my passion, I was forced to move to the United States to escape the war in my home country. I had to put my dreams on hold while I focused on building a foundation and network in a whole new world. Luckily, I quickly met my new best friend (and now fiance) who helped me with finding work, settling into my new life, and eventually starting my business. My business started small, but I was able to find comfort, happiness, and pride in making high-quality candles for my friends, family, co-workers and neighbors while I grew my shop.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business started small, but I was able to find comfort, happiness, and pride in making high-quality candles for my friends, family, co-workers and neighbors while I grew my shop.
Now that I’ve had the support and experience, my curiosity and drive has opened a bigger world for me. I’ve learned how to make dozens of products like body scrubs, face masks, lotion bars, lip balm, diffusers, car sprays and more. My most popular product was released six months ago, when I tought myself how to make hand-folded wax petals and started offering custom candle bouqets.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never give up, just continued and go to your dream.
Pricing:
- Candle Flower Bouquet / depends of style. Starts from $46 (6 flowers)
- Candle Flower Bouquet / 12 flowers $76
- Realistic flower candle / $40-45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotJustACandleShop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notjust_acandle/
