Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Pena Marin.
Busy Bees Shop is a Latina-owned candle and gift shop in North Atlanta. Teresa Pena Marin started Busy Bees Shop in 2019 as a form of therapy and as an outlet after going through a difficult and painful divorce. Teresa wanted to show her daughters that no matter how difficult things can get if you work hard, live an honest life, positive things will come your way.
Teresa bought her first craft machine and started making personalized wine glasses, coffee mugs and wall decor. Her friends and daughters encouraged and supported her to start selling some of the items and Busy Bees Shop was created. Little by little Busy Bees started to get local customers and eventually was asked to participate in local vendor events. Due to that success, the next step was to move into a booth space at a local marketplace. However, due to the global pandemic of 2020, Teresa decided to close the booth space in 2021 and focus more on online sales via their website, FaceBook and Instagram,
In 2022 Busy Bees Shop added organic soy candles and natural sugar scrubs to their products with much success. Their signature collection of cocktail-inspired candles such as Bourbon Butterscotch, Pina Colada, Mint Mojito, Margarita, Jamaican Me Crazy, Sangria, and Mimosa takes you back to your favorite vacation island or their Palo Santo, Coconut Lime, Cotton Candy, Dulce de Leche, Toasted Pumpkin Spice and Sweet Vanilla creates a warm and relaxing ambiance to your home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When asked Teresa stated that the biggest struggle is balancing time between working full-time as a Human Resources Director, being a single mom to two girls, and dedicating time to keep building Busy Bees Shop.
The global pandemic did cause some challenges with their physical space in the local marketplace in 2020. However, after closing the space and focusing more on vendor and online sales in 2021, it turned out to be a financial blessing. Everything happens for a reason and you always have to look for the positivity in everything. That is the best way to approach obstacles and challenges in business and life.
Teresa believes when it comes to candle-making temperature and using the best organic soy wax is everything. Spending a bit more on the right supplies helps make the best products and sets you apart from others. 2021 was Busy Bees Shop most successful year and they are looking forward to keep growing their continued success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Teresa attended Saint John’s University for pre-law and went to work for New York City law firms working on medical malpractice defense cases as a Paralegal. She was offered a job in San Francisco for about two years until she finally settled down in the south. Once moving to the South Teresa transitioned to Human Resources and has been working in the corporate world for over 20 years now. The goal is to grow Busy Bees Shop with her daughters where she can finally leave the corporate world, focus on Busy Bees Shop full-time and eventually leave the business to her daughters.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Practice, practice, practice. When you first start a small business, you need to practice your craft until you get it right. Even if it takes a bit longer, it is better to have a quality product rather than quantity. Presentation is extremely important and totally worth shopping around until you find what you believe your customers would like to see.
Patience is also needed. Nothing happens overnight, no matter how it looks like. Busy Bees started in 2019 but it wasn’t until mid-2021 where Busy Bees saw the difference in the quality of their handmade products that has helped them grow. If you believe in your service or products, don’t let anyone steer you away. Always listen to that inner voice.
Pricing:
- $15.00
- $20.00
- $25.00
- $30.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.busybees-shop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/busy.bees.shop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BusyBeesShops/
