Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Quintana.
Hi Karla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018 after my daughter underwent emergency surgery, I had no choice but to quit my job after 8 weeks of home taking care of her, knowing her recovery would take even longer. Between tears and prayers, Kariola was born. Named after us, Karla and Fabiola, we started making scented waxes from our kitchen and selling them to friends and family. Being able to share our progress and selling our homemade scents became a way to provide for my family during this time. As more people asked about it, I started by opening a FB group with about 200 friends. Little did I know that that little group would grow as people began referring their friends and family, and so on, to the point where today it is a full-grown family business with over 2,800 loyal customers. Nowadays, I host monthly live sales on my business page in addition to having an “always open” online store with regular inventory on top of seasonal aromas.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
As I transitioned from a “side hustle” to a full-on business venture, it was not always smooth sailing; but it never is when you decide to start your own business. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my family and friends’ support from day one. At different points, there have been struggles, from times when we’ve been unable to hit the target sales to points when communication within our online community has presented challenges to points when “LIFE HAPPENS.” I’ve needed to step aside and trust my clients will be there when I can take back the rails. Just this past summer, I confronted a family situation that stopped me in my tracks. I thought it would all come crashing down because I couldn’t be present and promote my business as I usually do, that my sales would stop and that I would be left with inventory nobody would buy. But because I’ve set up some automatic systems, I was not only able to keep it all running, but I was able to come to the other side even stronger.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
My love for aromas prompted me to create a line of products for the same purpose, to fall in love and evoke memories every time you use them. We are constantly testing our aromas and adding new ones to our seasonal and regular inventory. We use a parasol wax mixture that allows maximum infusion with the fragrance. Our wax is mixed by hand, poured, and cured in small batches to ensure that you always receive a fresh product; our inventory changes with the seasons to recreate good memories and give a general feeling of comfort and relaxation. There is also a TOP Seller inventory always available online. With these, we have created a list of highly scented and long-lasting fragrances you will love as much as we do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Our business is a labor of love based on our faith. One of our goals is to keep expanding our product offering and even include more of our faith-based merchandise line to keep inspiring other women. I’m always talking about it and feel empowering other women with what I’ve learned and supporting them in their journey is a huge part of my strategy and what I’m being asked the most. But, if I had to name my ultimate goal, now that my daughter has graduated High School, I would love to be able to teach her more about the business side of Kariola and eventually even pass it down to her.
Pricing:
- Wax Clamshells $5
- Kandles $16
- Car Diffuser $10
- Es por Fé Collection vaies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handmadebykariola.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmade_by_kariola/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handmadebykariola
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@handmade_by_kariola
