Meet Vana Shipton of Shiptonville Candle Company!
Photo by The Dashing Ginger
Hey, babe! Ready to take a peek into a fabulous biz owner’s story?! Meet candle goddess, Vana Shipton of Shiptonville Candle Company. Vana is a South African-born Greek living in beautiful St. Petersburg with her Husband (who’s also an entrepreneur) and sweet dog. You may have seen her around St. Pete, coffee in hand, with a large top knot and platform shoes. Her premium, soy candles and room sprays can be found on the shelves of over 20 retailers around Tampa Bay. Enjoy getting to know Vana through her humor and stories!
Video: Cristina Danielle Creative // Location: The Meet Suite
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
I was born and raised in South Africa by Greek parents now living in the USA and loving every minute of it. I've been living in St. Petersburg since 1995 and watched it culturally and physically grow with googly eyes while it gave me the opportunity of starting a business and creating these euphoric soy candles for your absolute enjoyment.
How did your business begin?
I always feel a little strange mentioning this, but it's true and it's real-life. I got many migraines in the past and after many years 2 brain tumors were found. I still get a small number of migraines and some get triggered by scent. By creating the candles myself I get total control of quality which in turn helps everybody.
Then a completely different story. My friends would always ask what I would like for my birthday. I would always tell them that I did not want anything, however, they always insisted. I would be defeated and ask for a simple white candle.
With the two melted together, a euphoric baby was born.
What's 1 challenge you've faced and how has it effected your business? What did you do to overcome it?
I probably struggle with paying myself. I'm in the fourth year of my business. Profit First was recommended to me. I just paid myself for the first time and will make a monthly habit of it. Even if it's small it will grow with time.
What's 1 success you've had since you’ve created your business? How do you feel when you look back on it?
Constantly and steadily changing my agenda to fit my newly changing weeks has been the most evident in keeping up with progress, happenings, education, and socializing to help put my business on the map. It's a moving beast. Looking back on it makes me realize how powerful social media is. Like super-powerful. MEGA. Not just a cliche.
What's the best piece of advice you could give someone looking to start a business?
Really simple: just do it. There is no perfect time.
When are you at your happiest?
I love Tuesdays. That's when I make candles. My favourite day of the week. It's peaceful. It smells delish. Looks gorgeous. Fills the room with productivity. It's like baking the day before Christmas. I just cannot get enough of it.
What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?
It's temporary.
Whats 1 personal goal you've set for yourself this year?
I wanted to open a retail store. :) Big smiles. Done and done. I would be so happy if you came to visit my shop. It's itty bitty, but oh so much fun.
What's 1 business goal you've set for yourself to accomplish this year?
I wanted to surpass last year's financial total.
Photo by Jessica Ann LLC
What's the first thing you do on a Monday morning and why?
I organize my week on Monday. This brings me bliss. Now don't get me wrong it life still get topsy turvy and the agenda goes out the window at times but I try my best to keep on the rails.
Where can you be found + what will you typically be up to on a Friday night?
Friday night I crash on the sofa with my hubby with yummy food and Netflix or a groovy movie.
Finish these sentences:
My go to karaoke song is… “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics
My signature drink is… Bourbon neat.
My favorite quote is... don't mistake my soft heart for a soft head.
Learn more about Vana and her organic soy candle company, Shiptonvillve Candle Company, on her website and Instagram.
Disclaimer: Vana is a member of Babe Crafted (at the time of publishing).
