Women's Month Campaign: Oh Soy Amazing

Jackie from @ohsoyamazing, tells us about how her and her daughters, Charne & Aimee, turned their hobby into a business!

 Please describe your business & its offerings
Oh Soy Amazing is a labour of love started by myself, Jackie, and my daughters, Charne and Aimee, in our Cape Town home. What began as a fun hobby has blossomed into a cherished family business. We pour our hearts into handcrafting each product, offering a range of delightful scented candles and unique homeware collections that truly reflect who we are. From our soothing soy candles to our luxurious body serum candles, and diffusers, every item is made with high-quality natural ingredients.

 

The idea for Oh Soy Amazing blossomed from a deep-rooted passion that my daughters and I share for creating beautiful, meaningful products that enhance everyday living. Our journey began in the heart of our home—our kitchen. It was there, where we started experimenting with candle-making as a hobby. We’ve always loved scented things, but we struggled to find candles that not only smelled amazing but were also made from natural ingredients. As the demand grew among our friends and local community, we saw an opportunity to turn our passion into a business. What started as a personal project soon became a family business. Oh Soy Amazing is more than just a business to us; it’s a testament to our family’s creativity, hard work, and our heartfelt mission to bring tranquility, and delightful fragrances to homes everywhere. 

 

One of the toughest challenges we've faced is managing the unpredictability of running a small business. From fluctuating demand to supply chain disruptions, adapting quickly to these changes has been essential. Another challenge has been building our brand in a crowded market. It takes a lot of creativity and persistence to stand out and communicate our unique story and values to potential customers. Additionally, as we’ve grown, maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship and personal touch in each product has required us to be meticulous and resourceful, ensuring that every candle and homeware item meets our standards. 

 

Our local community has been instrumental in our journey. They have not only supported us by purchasing our products but also by spreading the word and sharing their positive experiences with others. The encouragement and loyalty from our community have been the driving force behind our growth, enabling us to expand our customer base and continually improve our product range. Their unwavering support has turned our dream into a flourishing reality, and we are deeply grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way. 

 

My advice would be to believe in yourself and your vision. Starting a business can be daunting, but with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can overcome challenges and achieve success. Build a strong support network of mentors, peers, and customers who believe in your products. Stay true to your values and continuously innovate to stay relevant in a competitive market.

 

1. What is your go-to snack? 

Anything Chocolate 

Getting to do what I love 

3. What is your favourite product from In The Box? 

Shipper Boxes