Young Tawa entrepreneur Danellia (16) runs her very own business, The Gift Snuggery, where she expertly handcrafts beautiful artisan soaps and candles. She joined us during the April school holidays to be a stall holder at Otaki Market's Kid Market.
We spent 10 minutes with Daniella to find out what inspired this young entrepreneur to start their very own business.
What made you want to start your business?
I wanted to start this business in order to raise money for a dance trip to New York and Orlando at the end of this year. I’ve been dancing for around 12 years, and I think that it would be such an amazing opportunity to learn new skills in the U.S. I wanted my business to sell soaps and candles because I enjoy purchasing these products myself and I know that my pairs do too. This allows me to design candles and soaps in a style that I believe would be attractive to potential customers.
How did you decide on the name?
I wanted a unique name that would be and to describe any product that my business would sell. I liked the idea that my products could be gifts, so then I needed to find an interesting word to describe my stall. I found the word ‘Snuggery’ online meaning a cosy or comfortable place. This word seemed creative and inviting to me, therefore I came up with ‘The Gift Snuggery’.
What products and services does your business offer?
The Gift Snuggery sells a soaps and candles with a variety shapes, sizes, scents and colours. Often people come over to my stall to hold and smell my products, which is great because it’s important to choose what they would like best in each aspect. Often, I will also sell cake pops at my stall to match the colourful display.
How long have you been running your business and where are you based?
I’m based in Tawa and have been running my business since December 2022. Once I went to the Otaki Market for the first time, it kick started my business.
What have you enjoyed the most about starting your own business?
I have enjoyed being in charge of how I produce, price, promote and sell my products. I believe that it is a really valuable learning experience to put yourself out there and take responsibility for your earnings. I have also enjoyed seeing the growth of my business so far, as I have learnt more about running a small business. I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
What have you learnt so far about being a young entrepreneur?
As a young entrepreneur, I have learnt about how to target various demographic and the style of product each of these demographics is expected to be interested in. For example, younger kids love the small rose and heart candles, while adults are more likely to buy one of my larger candles.
What do you like about going to markets?
I like the friendly atmosphere that you are surrounded by as a stall holder. Otaki Market has such a lovely and supportive community, and I am always able to feel welcome there. It’s also awesome seeing the other stalls and knowing all of the hard work that has been put into their products.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a business?
For anyone that is wanting to start a business, my piece of advice would be to get stuck into products or services that you have a real interest in. You’ll learn more about the product on the way, but enjoying what you are selling to customers is important to creating an interesting and exciting business.
How old are you? And how old were you when you started your business?
I turned 16 this year and started my business when I was 15 at the end of last year.
You can find The Gift Snuggery on Facebook