We were lucky to catch up with Shina Miner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shina, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on are custom candles. I love all of my designs. However, it’s a huge honor when someone trusts me to make a special gift for a loved one. Whether it’s an anniversary gift with a special message or memorial candle with a loved ones picture, favorite saying, song, scent, or anything in remembrance. I put a lot of time and detail into each order. Hearing how my candles have touched someone or put a smile on their face means the world to me. The joy of someone else over something I’ve created is every reason to keep going.

Shina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Shina Miner, I’m a 26 year old wife and fur mom. During the day I’m a Payroll Specialist, and by night I’m a candle making queen! I’m the owner and creator of Decor’d by Shina Candle Shop located in Decatur, IL. I started my business in August of 2020. A text to my husband asking, “What do you think about me making candles and decor? Do you think that’s stupid?” The response I received is what brought my idea to life, and now I’m working on year 3 of success. Many people belittle home businesses, but that’s where I began. I made my first candle on my stovetop, and now I have my own storefront. You wouldn’t believe it, but during the set up of my first event most of my decor pieces broke. At that moment I told myself I could either, “quit, cry, and go home, or keep going with what I had.” Had I given up I would not be where I am today. I’ve done countless events over the years. I enjoy seeing the reaction or hearing, “You made this?! It smells good!” It’s the best feeling when you’ve put your all into a product and it’s appreciated. All of my products are handmade and have been in several stores in Central Illinois. Each year I’ve added new products such as wax melts, room sprays, warmers, car clips and inserts. As much as I love my products, safety is my number one priority. I’ve handmade over 1,000 products, and I’m proud to say I haven’t had any negative feedback. Before releasing a new product I test, test, and TEST even more! My goal is to provide safe and amazing home products. I’m thankful for all of my supporters that have helped me get to this point.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn at the beginning was expecting all of my friends and family to support my business. When I started I assumed I’d have all of the support from relatives or friends. I learned quick and fast that your biggest supporter may be a stranger. You’ll have supporters that want to see you win more than your loved ones. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it taught me to go harder in my business and appreciate those that have supported me this far.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives will struggle to understand how much that’s put into handmade products. Before I started my candle business I’d make comments like, “Why is this cup $20, I can go to Walmart and buy it for half the price!” Being a crafter I would never say that now. As much time and effort it takes to bring an idea to life, creators don’t get the recognition that’s deserved.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.decordbyshina.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/decordbyshina
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/decordbyshina
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/decordbyshina
• Other: Storefront: 3767 East US Route 36 Decatur, Illinois Makeup: Faced By Jo, Jolesha McGee

Image Credits
JMH Photography & Creations, Jillian Henderson