As a full time student and the owner of my small business, Everlasting Light Candle Co., I’ve learned a lot about balance, discipline, and faith. Running a small business while juggling different homework assignments and tests can be challenging but manageable. In this blog I will share some lessons I’ve learned through my journey, along with various stories.

Prioritizing With a Purpose

One of the greatest lessons I have learned so far, is how important it is to prioritize things that need done. My education is important, but so is my candle company. I have had to be very intentional with how I spend my evenings, after work and school. I use a daily planner to write down different misc things that need done, and I keep my school to-do list and my work to-do list separate. One tip I would give to help with prioritization is to set realistic goals for each day. Whether you do it the night before, or the morning of, while sipping on a warm cup of coffee – this is a key step in keeping your priorities organized! One thing I do on the daily is I take a short 15-20 minute break, do some various business tasks.

Developing a Routine

I thrive on routine. When I have a set schedule to follow for my school work and business activities helps me stay organized and productive; because the second I get a break to sit, I’m bound to fall asleep for four hours, and then be overstimulated when I wake up.

My routine is very tight knit. I get up every morning at four to go to CrossFit at five. I get home at six-thirty, shower, breakfast, homework. Early morning, before class is when I get most of my homework done, along with 30 minutes-an hour in the evening. I go to my class everyday from 8:30-9:40, and when I get home is when I do all things for my candle company. These various everyday tasks include, social media posts, candle making, new scent/post ideas etc. One tip I would share is to try to stick to your routine, and it will help your productivity tremendously.

Learning to Embrace Flexibility

Something very important I have learned in the last few months is not to get overly frustrated when something comes up, and my “to-do” list gets delayed. Even with the best plans, things never seem to go perfectly accordingly, and we have to learn to understand that everything is in God’s timing and not our own. There have been times when I go an entire three weeks without even thinking about my candles because of life. It just happens that way sometimes, and that is okay. I just have to remind myself to get back on track and ask God for the strength to stay disciplined in my routine, which is ultimately for Him.

The biggest tip and takeaway I have from learning to embrace flexibility is to give yourself grace when things do not go exactly as planned. When balancing two major things, like school and a small business, one is bound to require more attention than the other, and that is okay.

Staying Grounded in My Faith

Everlasting Light Candle Co. was founded on my faith, with Isaiah 60:19 as my guiding scripture: “The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light…” My faith is what keeps me grounded when I am feeling overwhelmed. The Lord reminds me that this business and my life should be a reflection of Him, His love, and His light – and that He is with me in both my studies and my candle company.

One tip that I want to share most is to spend time in prayer and reflection when you feel stressed or stretched thin. This is something I learned to do before making candles and before my senior year, but I’ve felt so stretched thin starting school while having a small business that I’ve learned to draw nearer. When things are going easy for us, our minds start to trick us into thinking we can do it on our own, but that is far from the truth, friend! We have to stay constant and be purposeful in our prayer life and our walk with God.

Sometimes, I feel like I get so busy with the candle company and school and work that I feel like I ran out of time for God.  That’s the devil! We do have time for God – and you think you don’t, your priorities are out of order, girl! And now I’m preaching, back to where we were: Spending time in prayer before I start working helps calm my mind and reminds me of my purpose – sharing God’s light and love.

Balancing being a student and running a small business isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding knowing the purpose behind it is for the Lord and His glory. I’m learning to trust in God’s timing, stay organized, and appreciate the journey. If you’re in a similar position, remember to stay flexible, lean on your faith & the Lord, and enjoy and what you do.

Joy comes in the morning friend, keep the faith.

-Cora