Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Ahmad.
Hi Amina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Handmade Habitat is an all-natural soy wax candle and beauty goods company for slow, mindful living.
We believe that when we slow down, take care of ourselves and the environment, everyone wins.
Handmade Habitat was born from the desire to live more mindfully, walk more lightly, and be more active in our everyday choices. Founder Amina Ahmad started making candles in her college apartment while getting her degree in Environmental Science and Policy. After learning about the toxic effects our everyday products can have on our home, environment, and health, she started making her own eco-friendly all-natural soy wax candles and beauty goods in between writing papers on how handmade is better for the environment.
A business born from slow, steady growth and lots of long days at summer craft fairs, Handmade Habitat is now based out of a small sunny studio in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC, and is carried in 50+ stores throughout the United States.
Each of our candles is crafted by hand with love and intention, and designed (and scented) to enhance your own intentions, whether that is to clear your mind, to find your inner warrior, or to just breathe a little freer.
Healthy for the body, home, and Mother Earth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a small business is always challenging. The first years when I dove in full-time to figure things out were so great and so hard. I remember our first huge order and having to ask my mom and brother to come in and help package candles for shipment. There are so many things you have to google that you never thought of, like how to pack a pallet, and it truly takes a village to grow a small business. I’m so grateful for our community of like-minded creative small businesses and the resources we all share together. Without them, I don’t know how we would have made it! Everyone needs that person they can text in the middle of a crisis, and small businesses are no exception. The past few years with the pandemic have been up and down and up and down all over again. We’ve learned to roll with the punches and be adaptable with whatever the world throws at us, and to be grateful that we are still here. So many small businesses aren’t.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We make all-natural soy wax candles and beauty goods. Our work is minimal and earthy with an ethos of sustainable living. We are known for our clean scents and calm shop that is located in on the Brookland Arts Walk in Washington, DC!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve never had an official mentor but I’ve made such good connections with more seasoned business owners that have helped guide me through more difficult aspects of running a business. I’m very good at making candles but not so great at business management and administration which is not my favorite part of this operation. I think it’s about finding the people you like and admire- their work, their savvy, them as people. And then to turn those relationships into friendships, that’s the best.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://handmadehabitat.co
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/handmadehabitat
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/handmadehabitat
Image Credits
Maya Oren
