From Lawyer to Candle Maker with Annabelle DeGrazio of Taja Collection

September 6, 2022
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What started out as a search for the perfect gift for her secretary led Annabelle DeGrazio to quit her dream job. Annabelle had always been creative, so she decided to blend the creativity that flowed in her with her analytical skills and that led to the start of Taja Collection.

In this week’s episode, Annabelle DeGrazio, founder of Taja Collection, a Florida candle company, shares why she doesn’t have a business plan, her must-have resources for businesses, why she loves Instagram, and so much more. 

“So I said, ‘You know what, let me try it out. I have my law degree, I passed the bar, I have everything I need. I can always come back to this.’ And I haven’t had to come back. And it’s been five years.” – Annabelle DeGrazio

This week on Startups in Stilettos:

  • Annabelle shares how Taja started (1:22)
  • Annabelle shares if Taja has a business plan (3:15)
  • What marketing looked like in the beginning of Taja (7:38)
  • Annabelle talks about her hiring process (10:00)
  • Annabelle shares the benefits she offers her employees (12:43)
  • How to find interns and new hires through Instagram (16:07)
  • Annabelle, Stephanie, and Jessica talk about marketing strategies (17:35)

Resources Mentioned:

Our Favorite Quotes:

  • “I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit. But once the idea came about, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. And it was something I needed. So I said, ‘You know what, let me try it out.'” – Annabelle DeGrazio
  • “I’m able to offer a 401k and be able to offer health benefits, which was really important to me, because I don’t want to have a revolving door. I really treat everyone at the company like they’re in my family because this is. So I really want to make it advantageous to them.” – Annabelle DeGrazio
  • “Google is the best resource out there and it’s free.” – Annabelle DeGrazio

Connect with Annabelle DeGrazio:

Connect with your Startups in Stilettos hosts:

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