Today we’d like to introduce you to Tunisia Simon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you for featuring me as one of your Inspiring gems. It means a lot to be recognized for hard work and dedication.
Although I can start my story years ago, I will begin my story post-pandemic. Like most people, my world was rocked during the beginning of the pandemic. At that time, I had a very small business as a childcare provider. I nurtured up to 6 children during the weekdays, one of which was my own child. This business came to fruition by having a special needs child with multiple heart conditions, speech delays, and few other conditions that required my attention 24 hrs a day. I had to find a way to take care of my child while earning an income for my family. This was very successful for nearly 5 years until March 2020 when everything was shut down including my daycare. This was a shock financially, and every other possible way as I’m sure many can attest to.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Around month 5, I was bored out of my mind! I had to find a hobby or something to help with being so still. We stayed home 90% of the time trying to avoid the illness (which we still caught) but that came at a price because we all began to become fatigued with boredom and even each other. At that time, I watched Good Morning America one morning and came across a family who started their own business with two young teens. It was a scented candle company and they seem to be doing very well. I thought to myself I would love to try making candles and started to do research. I eventually ordered a candle-making kit and tried it. I was intrigued but not because I did well but because the candle I made was nothing like the ones at Bath and Body Works. I failed at it. I didn’t like the smell and when I tried to burn it, it tunneled (not burn throughout the candle). I didn’t quit though, I eventually after months of research and a lot of money, got everything to work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Now I had to convince myself to sell my product. A friend of mine convinced me to believe in me and my product and began to push me to become a salesperson/ marketer/ customer service rep. I had to learn to do something that doesn’t come to me naturally, talk to strangers. Being an extremely introverted person I can be very comfortable around people I know but communicating with strangers brings severe anxiety. She invited me to a sales event where I could host my products for the first time. I failed miserably. I could barely breathe! I was triggered by loud music, a very small space, and hundreds of people where I was supposed to convince them that my product was worth their money. That day was at best a learning experience. This experience continued for weeks. It took months to conquer my social anxiety.
After lots of practice and patience, my business began to grow. I had regular clients who knew me by name. They love supporting my small black business and preferred me over the big candle chains. The business is still flourishing as of today. I’m so glad I took that leap of faith and stepped out of my comfort zone. I will attach some photos.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There is nothing that makes me and my family happier than going on vacation. Day-to-day routines are a blessing but we love to travel. We do multiple small vacations throughout the year and try our best to book at least one where we travel far. Last year, we did about 4 Disney vacations, Big bear in the winter, Indio twice in the summer, Dallas, Tx, and Nickelodeon Resort in the Dominican Republic. The kids love spending time with one another and I love being able to provide these amazing experiences.
All in all, I’m just a mom trying to figure things out. Sometimes I’ve gotten uncomfortable with the process of growth and new experiences but that’s how we grow. I’m so thankful my friend pushed me to turn a hobby into a business.
Pricing:
- $25-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: sweetandsereneco.com
- Instagram: Sweetnsereneco
- Other: 323-4975563
