Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I began my business I was a stay at home mother to two little girls and wanted to find a way to get back into the working world without leaving home. It was very important to me to work for myself so I could set my own hours and work in the evenings when my husband was home or my girls were asleep.
I have always been a creative person and a few years prior I had started making candles for myself and my friends. It came from a desire to make a non-toxic candle that I could feel good about burning. Most of the candles I purchased would give me headaches and leave black soot marks on my walls which is not something I wanted to be breathing in. A beautifully scented candle can really flood you with feelings of joy. I was determined to make a candle that had a beautiful scent but was also clean and safe to burn.
After several months of mixing and pouring I came up with a base recipe I was happy with. I decided to post a few online to sell and about two months later I was approached to be in a craft fair during the upcoming holiday season. It was my first craft fair and I was very unprepared but I still managed to have a great day. That show was the first moment I realized this could be something. It could be the job I had been looking for. Several years and hundreds of craft shows later I can finally say with confidence that I am a small business owner.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been very fun and educational but no, it has not been a smooth road by any means. Starting a business from scratch when you have absolutely no business experience involves a steep learning curve. From planning orders to tracking your finances there is a lot that goes into it. I am still learning 5 years later. I feel like I have perfected the design and create part of business but I will probably never be as business minded as I need to be. I tend to rely on my husband for help in those areas. I am also very lucky to be a member of a few groups of local artists and small business owners where I can go with questions and advice requests. They have been priceless when it comes to navigating a new (or not so new) small business.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Aud & El story. Tell us more about the business.
My number one focus is on clean, healthy products for your body and home. Since opening in 2013 I have expanded to now include bath salts, body scrubs, room spray, yoga mat spray and reed diffusers. I am also working on an exciting new product that I plan to launch in late summer! When people think of Aud & El they think of clean simple products that enhance a healthy lifestyle and promote self-love and self-care. I am a big advocate for nurturing yourself in order to feel your best! Each item is handmade with love and care that I hope the customer can feel. I have great pride in what my small company has become and I am looking forward to see where it goes from here.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I really believe that luck happens to all of us every day and it is our job to see when it is sneaking around and go grab it. I feel lucky in many ways big and small. I feel lucky every time I am hiking in the woods and I get to breathe the fresh air. I feel lucky to have children that care more about others than material items. I feel lucky to have been able to grow a business that can help support my family while I also get to be home to support my family. I also feel so lucky that I know just how lucky I am. So many people struggle to see the blessings in their lives and I feel so grateful that I can see mine. It sometimes takes work to see them but I can always see them.
Pricing:
- 8 Ounce Mason Jar $15
- Reed Diffuser $22
- Organic Coconut Oil Salt Scrub $20
Contact Info:
- Address: E. Central St
Natick, MA 01760 - Website: audandel.etsy.com
- Email: audandel@gmail.com
- Instagram: @audandel
Image Credit:
Viktoria Sugar
Audrey Williams
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