The Small Business Journey – Staying Passionate and Pushing Forward in the New Year
Happy New Year, Candlebites community! As we step into another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey of running a small business—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. If you’ve ever pursued a passion, started something of your own, or even thought about turning your creativity into a business, you’ll know that the path is anything but easy.
But here’s the thing: if you believe in what you’re doing, keep going. Small businesses thrive on passion, resilience, and a strong belief that everything will fall into place. And if you’re reading this, maybe you need that little reminder to keep pushing forward too.
The Reality Of Running A Small Business
When I started Candlebites, I had no idea how much work, patience, and dedication it would take. There were moments of doubt—days when sales were slow, when I second-guessed my designs, and when I wondered if this dream was worth chasing.
But I kept going. Why? Because I believe in my craft. I believe in the power of scent to evoke memories and emotions. I believe that my candles, inspired by Singapore’s diverse cultures and flavors, bring joy to people. And that belief fuels me to keep creating, learning, and growing.
Every small business owner I know has faced obstacles—financial struggles, self-doubt, competition, or even burnout. But the ones who keep going despite these challenges are the ones who turn their dreams into reality.
Passion Is What Keeps You Going
If you’re an artist, a creator, or someone who’s passionate about your craft, don’t lose sight of why you started. Passion is what makes the long hours worth it. It’s what gives your work meaning. It’s what keeps you going when things feel uncertain.
For me, passion is seeing the excitement in my customers when they find a candle that reminds them of their childhood, their culture, or a special moment in their life. It’s knowing that Candlebites is more than just a business—it’s a way to share stories, memories, and joy through scent.
Believing That It Will All Work Out
It’s easy to get caught up in the worries—Will my business grow? Will people love my products? Am I doing the right thing? But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process and believe that everything will work out in its own time.
Growth takes time. Some things don’t happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen.
Failures are lessons. Every challenge teaches you something valuable. Use them to grow.
Keep showing up. The more consistent you are, the more opportunities will come your way.
A Message For You In 2025
Whether you’re running a small business, working on a passion project, or just trying to stay motivated in your own journey—keep going. Stay passionate. Believe in what you’re doing, and trust that your hard work will pay off.
This year, I want to continue growing Candlebites, bringing you more unique, meaningful candles, and sharing more about the creative journey. I also want to explore new crafts, allowing my creativity to take new forms and bring even more handmade creations to life. And I hope that whatever path you’re on, you’ll find the courage to keep moving forward too.
Let’s make 2025 a year of resilience, creativity, and believing in ourselves.
Scentfully Yours,
Rekha
Founder of Candlebites
