The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Being a small business there comes the constant challenge of spending money to grow – I reinvested every penny for years before I saw it making a profit. There was no ‘overnight success’.
Learning to wear all the hats – even though eventually you can outsource some things – there are many (not so fun) jobs you just have to learn how to do yourself.
Another challenge is trying to let it go when things don’t go to plan, and not beat yourself up. Sometimes I would make a mistake, be annoyed that I missed it and beat myself up about it, but it is important to let it go, move on, and learn from the mistakes (ha, don’t we all).
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are that I do what I absolutely love, and I get to be creative whenever I want. I make potions that help people, and it fills my cup entirely.
In terms of cons, it is lonely. Sometimes it would be nice to have a team to bounce ideas off/laugh with/share the load/share the challenges with. Also, sometimes you have to be savvy and not too nice, which I struggle with, otherwise you’re running a charity not a business. It’s finding the balance between being the boss (and bossing yourself/ holding yourself countable) and being the creative.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I am always making new products. ORA has a strong offering of organic, natural skincare and wellness products but there’s always something else I can’t help to share. I would also love to grow the team and see more of a reach overseas…
Head to the ORA Aromatherapy website to find out more and to browse their products. You can also join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
