Self Made Sister

After listening to countless entrepreneurial stories, I truly believe that for some entrepreneurs, their business journey is meant to be and a higher power helps pave their path.  And, this is one of those stories that doesn’t feel like coincidences played a part – it’s as if this was always meant to happen for Christine Flores, owner of The Beeswax Co. [http://www.beeswaxco.com] based in Dripping Springs, Texas.  She always knew she wanted to own a business, but couldn’t quite figure out what exactly she wanted to do until one day she heard about a beeswax candle company.  She was instantly intrigued in the beeswax industry and loved that her own family lineage tied into beeswax as her great grandfather was a beekeeper and Christine had fond memories of him working with bees.  So, when Christine was 7 months pregnant, her stars aligned and she became the proud owner of The Beeswax Co.  She immersed herself into learning all about the candle and beeswax industry and talks through what sets her business and products apart.  She even uses her grand-daddy’s beekeeping tools to burnish each candle that is made by hand.  Christine like to think of her work as a beautiful collaboration between people and bees.

It’s that time of year where we wear flip flops, sandals or no shoes at all.  We are spending hours outside and kids have dirty little feet from running around on the grass.  Ann Malik, Mom of 3 and Founder of Jasmine Seven [http://www.jasmineseven.com], wanted her kids to enjoy an active lifestyle but wanted to go from fun time outside to naptime without having to give her kids a bath.  So, she developed Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes, a plant- based wipe that are compostable and naturally moisturize with Vitamin E and aloe.  They are alcohol free and made with all natural and non-toxic ingredients.  They are naturally scented and leave your little ones feeling clean, cool and refreshed.  And, these aren’t just for kids, I know I could’ve used these in college after a night out or after a long day of walking in sandals.  In addition to the Fresh Feet Wipes, Ann has also developed other wipes for those with active lifestyles – body wipes, yoga mat wipes, bike wipes, sneaker wipes and shoe horns.  Ann’s products, which can be found on Amazon, are meant to make your life a little bit easier while keeping you and your little ones clean.

I truly believe that despite the year that was 2020, there were countless positive personal and professional shifts as well as ideas that were created that may not have happened otherwise.  Ashley Kenny, Founder and CEO of Heirloom [http://www.sendheirloom.com], started Heirloom because her family was desperate for it. At the beginning of 2020, her 92-year-old Grandma Fran was stuck hundreds of miles from her family, unable to see visitors due to the pandemic. The months dragged on without her seeing her great-grandchildren laugh, walk, or talk, and it was breaking her heart.  With some tape and construction paper, Ashley cobbled together a video player and loaded it with videos of her family. Grandma Fran’s reaction was spectacular and Heirloom was born. Many iterations later, Heirloom is a high-quality product which has warmed many more hearts.  Heirloom mails your videos in a physical book that automatically plays when opened for your loved ones to enjoy and cherish. Creating an Heirloom video is super easy - just visit the website at www.sendheirloom.com, upload your videos and pick your cover. Your video book is shipped full of your videos in just 48 hours and arrives in five to seven business days. Customized video playing books filled with memories are a lasting gift to treasure. * Use code SELFMADESISTER10 for $10 off your first book!

Highly regarded as one of the best event planners in the industry, Beth Helmstetter, Principle Event Designer and CEO of Beth Helmstetter Events [http://www.bethhelmstetter.com] - a full service event design and planning studio specializing in celebrations and multi-day weddings throughout the world -  never actually aspired to become an event planner.  Born and raised in a small Missouri town, Beth’s career started in the non-profit space and while helping plan events on the side, her passion for planning beautiful events was born.  Beyond just aesthetically gorgeous events, Beth is often called upon to create sacred moments.  She has the unique opportunity to work with diverse clientele to produce luxurious and memorable celebrations around the world.  From weddings on the enchanting coast of Italy to charming Central America, to events in an exotic corner of Bali or a private estate in the Rocky Mountains, Beth immerses herself into the creative process to bring her clients memorable celebrations to life.

Dr. Nirali Patel struggled with problematic skin as a young adult which is what made her so passionate about learning more about skin care and develop products to help others feel confident in their own skin.  An acupuncturist by trade, Dr. Nirali founded Twigs & Tansy [http://www.twigsandtansy.com], a line of handcrafted organic products targeting problematic skin.  While completing her Acupuncture Masters and Doctorate program, she became obsessed with the healing properties of herbs and learned how to expertly blend roots, stems, twigs, bark, leaves, buds and flowers into oils based in Chinese Medical Dermatology.  She developed a line of skin care that heals, nurtures and soothes skin without chemicals, fillers and preservatives.  Dr. Nirali believes that women and plants are a force of nature.  So, it makes sense that our skin is at its best with plant ingredients, which help our skin become more beautiful, stronger and flawless.