Prior to venturing into the candle making business I had made jewelry a long time ago, but people weren’t interested in my creations. I gave that up and just continued to focus on my career as a teacher, and being a mom. Now that my kids are older, I knew I wanted to delve into the business world again, but was unsure exactly what kind. I wracked my brain trying to create a new product, but was unsuccessful. As a fan of Shark Tank, I watched many an episode, and took a lot of notes, and realized that I could start a business without inventing something, but create something with my personal touch to it. In 2023 I took that step into the world of candle making. I love candles, and was spending a lot of money on them, so I decided I would make my own with scents that I like, but may not be able to find. I told my students at the time about my idea, and they helped me to create the name “Auntie Tats’s Candle Shoppe,” and for that I am so appreciative. Because of their help in creating the name, I plan to donate a portion of sales to Green Grove School in Neptune, NJ. It’s my way of saying thank you.

Each year we do a Young Entrepreneur Project. I want my students to see that it is never too early to be a business owner. It’s an extensive project, but one they enjoy doing. It is my hope that as my business grows I can create a scholarship fund to award to a graduating senior that wishes to become an entrepreneur, or that is already in the process, but needs a little extra funds to grow their business.