It is not very often that I am able to meet two such grounded and driven people, but I have been blessed to have that opportunity. I was befriended by sisters Shima and Tsahai, makers of natural luxury products for your body and your home, under the umbrella of their company, Shima + Sahai. Their products are fabulous, all natural, and smell like heaven! These sisters are doing their thing juggling owning a business and being mothers. Read their story:
How did you start getting into making candles and such?
Shima: I had recently moved to MD back in 2003 and a friend of a friend of my mom was looking for an assistant to help her with her booth at craft shows. I wasn’t working at the time and I love making things with my hand so I said sure. That was all she wrote. She gave me my foundation. To this day I can call her up and ask her anything!
When did you decide to start your business?
Shima: It has always been in the works.
Tsahai: When I saw what we had here based on the feedback we would get from people we’d make candles and butters for, my spirit told me…”This is it. Do it!”. I could see us in a store as clear as day. So after a few years of doing it as a hobby, coupled with a traumatic life-changing event, I said to Shima, no more waiting, let’s do it now!
What is a typical day for you like?
Tsahai: Well we both are moms. Shima has two teenagers and I have a teen, preteen, and DRAMA QUEEN…lol (my 6 year old). After we get the kids off to school, we then call each other and see what that days agenda is. We are currently working on expanding our product base so normally calls are about packaging and ingredients and classes and business stuff. Once we’re done with our call, Shima will get to mixing and I’ll get to typing…lol. We pretty much fill our day with organizing and growing our business. By the time we turn around, it’s time to pick the kids up from school.
You two are indeed a Cubicle Chicks juggling Mommyprenuership, parenting, and many other things. How do you do it!?
Tsahai: By the grace of God. Lots of prayer and positive energy keeps us going. We also have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for negative folk! We understand that we are here for a purpose and we intend on living in that purpose, and “Negative Nancy’s/Nelson’s” occupy none of our space. Time management also is a major key in running our lives. This way no one, or no one thing, is neglected. God 1st-Always, and then He guides the rest of our steps.
Shima: Agreed!
What is your favorite thing about owning a business?
Shima: Not having to report to anyone, technically, because our customers really are our bosses. Without them there would be no Shima + Sahai! I also love interacting with people. Explaining what our products can do for your body and your soul, gives me great joy.
Tsahai: I second that. Being our own boss is fabulous, but don’t be fooled, running things requires loads and loads of hard work and perseverance. But, if you love what you do, which we LOVE what we do, it never feels like it’s hard. We do what we do because we love when YOU love and feel good about you! Cultivating our products for our customers brings us tremendous joy and we are excited to share that joy. Every product is made by hand, exclusively by Shima + Sahai.
Your least favorite?
Shima: Having a ‘Bossy Becky’ as my sister. LOL!
Tsahai: LOL! Ok, I am a glutton for detail and I can be a tad bit pushy with it, however, it keeps us on our toes. I am extremely organized and that is an excellent characteristic to have when running a business, no?
Shima: Yes, ma’am…LOL!
Tsahai: Really though, our least favorite thing would be a dissatisfied customer. Every customer knows their own body, or at least they should. We make our products for the majority of consumers out there, but not everyone is going to be pleased every time. I think that would be our least favorite thing, if someone wasn’t totally satisfied with something we made because we put aLOT of LOVE in what we do.
Describe your product line?
Our Couture Candles are handmade using the finest 100% Soy Wax. Our Luxury BodyButters, BodyScrubs and Body SmoothOn’s are made with premium oils and moisture-rich butters. Shima + Sahai products are sure to pamper your skin and rejuvenate your senses. Light our Candles, pamper your Body, and Love Life!
What is in the future for Shima Sahai?
Shima: Opening our flagship store! Also, offering our line of products through high-end boutiques and spas worldwide.
Tsahai: Yes, that is our goal. To open our store where our customers can come in and experience ‘Candles.Body.Love.Life’. We are also expanding our product base and will be offering a line of Hair Care products by mid-April of 2010 and then a line of Baby Care products by December 2010. Expect nothing but greatness from Shima + Sahai! Don’t settle for anything less, we don’t!
How can my readers purchase products?
Shima: Readers can visit our website: www.ShimaSahai.com and purchase online.
Tsahai: They can also check out our ‘Events’ tab to see if we’ll be at a location nearby. They can also communicate with us and stay up-to-date with developing products, sales and giveaways by following us: www.Twitter.com/ShimaSahai and www.Facebook.com/ShimaSahai. Also check out our blog, www.ShimaSahai.Wordpress.com and our Youtube channel, just search Shima + Sahai. Thank you to ‘The Cubicle Chick’ for the interview. It was a pleasure!
Thanks to the two of you! Your candles are wonderful! I wish the two of you much success!
Love the Hot candle. I could smell i through the packaging. Keep up the great work ladies.