Being a female entrepreneur can get lonely at times, which is where building a network of people on a similar path can be incredibly enriching. Not only does it ease that sense of isolation, it can also help you develop critical skills as a business owner. I’ve made many connections that have evolved into collaborations, mentorships and deep knowledge sharing. So, put yourself out there by attending networking events and diving into your existing contact list.

The reality of becoming a business owner is that you leave your 9-5 to work 24/7. There are no rules or guidelines on how to spend your time, so if you want to avoid burnout, it’s crucial to know your most and least productive hours. For me, my days don’t start any earlier than 10am. After a few hours of solid work, I take a long break from 2-6pm because my productivity dips during this time. I then restart work after dinner and continue until midnight.

In my corporate job as an analyst, I performed the same types of tasks daily. As a small business owner, I quickly realised that I’m not just the co-founder and candle maker, but also the marketing team, the advertising specialist, the customer service representative, the analyst and more. It’s important to learn these core functions before outsourcing them, as only you truly know your business inside out.

Lunaire is centred on sustainability, and our mission is to replace single-use candles with our refillable Forever Jars. I’m passionate about making a positive impact on people and the planet, and that passion drives me to keep innovating with Lunaire. It also helps me prioritise when making long-term business decisions and reinforces my “why” behind starting Lunaire.