Sylvia “Ivy” Pacquing Blends Passion and Purpose With Her Soap and Candle Products

Hi, Ivy! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hi! I’m Ivy, and along with my sister Vanessa, we founded Ives and Bees. We’re a small business dedicated to creating handmade products that are both sustainable and accessible. We started with handmade soaps and candles, and have since expanded our range to include lotion bars, scrubs, jewelry, and accessories. We’re passionate about using ingredients and materials that we can feel good about sharing with our families and our customers. Our recent addition of the Filipino Heritage Collection reflects our desire to celebrate and share our cultural roots.

How incredible! We love a cultural connection. Who are your customers?

Our customers are individuals who appreciate quality, handmade products made with natural ingredients and materials. They value sustainability and ethical sourcing, and they love supporting small businesses. Many of our customers have sensitive skin or specific skincare needs, and they find our products gentle and effective. They love that we use natural wax and phthalate-free, paraben-free fragrances in our candles. Our customers recycle our containers and they also appreciate that our packaging and packing materials are made of biodegradable and eco-friendly materials. Additionally, our Filipino Heritage Collection appeals to those who have a connection to the Philippines or are interested in exploring unique cultural products.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before starting Ives and Bees, I had a diverse professional background that provided a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. Most recently, I worked as a Client Services Business Analyst at The Hartford, where I performed detailed analysis and documentation of account provisions, audited plan details, and resolved plan setup issues. Prior to that, I spent 12 years at Aetna, in various roles including Senior Group Life Insurance Premium Waiver Claim Manager, Department Supervisor for Beneficiary Management and Plan Administration, and Medical Underwriter/Functional Lead. My responsibilities ranged from processing claims and adjudicating decisions to leading teams and improving productivity and customer service processes. Earlier in my career, I held positions in the hospitality industry as a Corporate/Social Sales Manager at Marriott International and a Business Transient Sales Manager at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago. These roles honed my skills in client relationship management, sales, negotiation, and event planning. This diverse professional experience, combined with my passion for handmade, sustainable products, continue to help me navigate the enterpernuer world as we work towards growing grow Ives and Bees.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

The leap to start Ives and Bees was fueled by personal experiences and a desire to share the benefits of natural, handmade products with a wider audience. My sister, Vanessa’s successful experiments with soap making and the positive feedback from family and friends were major catalysts. My own journey into candle making, inspired by Vanessa and supported by my husband, further solidified our decision. We realized that our products could make a difference in people’s lives, and that motivated us to take the plunge.

A strong support system is so important! Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

From a young age, I always envisioned myself owning a business. With our parents who were entrepreneurs in the Philippines, it seemed natural. People often noticed my entrepreneurial spirit (or what some called bossiness 😊) and predicted I would follow in their footsteps. However, moving to the U.S. as a teenager shifted my focus to education and securing a stable corporate job. Starting Ives and Bees rekindled that dream. Creating something meaningful, sharing it, and being my own boss has always been appealing. I guess the entrepreneurial spirit was always there; it just needed the right circumstances for it to fully awaken.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When we first launched Ives and Bees, our marketing strategy was quite grassroots. We started by sharing our products with family and friends and relied heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations. We also utilized social media platforms to reach a wider audience; showcasing our products at markets and pop-ups were a great way to share our story. Initially, it was challenging to get noticed, but as more people tried our products and shared their positive experiences, our customer base began to grow. It wasn’t always a smooth ride, but persistence and genuine customer connections helped us build momentum.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced and continuosly face is balancing quality and scalability. As demand for our products grew, maintaining the same level of quality while increasing production was tough. This struggle was compounded by the need to balance family life with our business responsibilities. Careful planning, efficient processes, and staying true to our core values were essential. We remained committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, even as we expanded. This challenge taught us to be patient and prioritize quality over rapid growth, all while juggling the demands of family life and entrepreneurship.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

We’re incredibly proud of the positive feedback from customers, especially those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, who have found our products life-changing.We’re also thrilled about our natural candles, made from biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients, which further our commitment to sustainability and offer safe, eco-friendly options to our customers. Additionally, launching our Filipino Heritage Collection and collaborating with the Mangyan artisans of Mindoro to create unique accessories has been a significant milestone, allowing us to celebrate our heritage and support indigenous craftsmanship.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Over the past year, we’ve successfully expanded our product line to include more diverse offerings and formed collaborations with other talented artisans. One of our proudest achievements is the introduction of our Nito Crossbody Bags and Nito Earrings, which highlight the beautiful craftsmanship of the Mangyan people. We’ve also seen a significant increase in our online presence and customer base, thanks to our enhanced marketing efforts and word-of-mouth referrals.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, we envision Ives and Bees continuing to grow and evolve. We plan to expand our product line further, incorporating more handmade goods and collaborating with additional artisans. One of our dreams is to open a brick-and-mortar store that not only showcases our products but also serves as a community space for workshops and events. We’re committed to maintaining our dedication to quality, sustainability, and cultural celebration as we embark on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for more unique products and initiatives that bring a piece of our heart to your home.

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to prioritize tasks by their importance and urgency. I use a daily planner to break down larger projects into manageable tasks, ensuring I stay on track and focused.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I have to admit, I need to practice this myself. To avoid burnout, I make it a point to schedule regular breaks and personal time. Balancing work with activities that recharge me, such as spending time with family or engaging in hobbies, helps maintain my well-being.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

Work-life balance is all about setting boundaries. I try to ensure that my work hours are clearly defined, and I prioritize quality family time. Flexibility is key, so I integrate personal and professional responsibilities in a way that allows me to excel in both areas.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known the importance of building a strong network early on. Connecting with other entrepreneurs and mentors can provide invaluable advice, support, and opportunities that can significantly ease the journey.

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

Yes, I co-founded Ives and Bees with my sister, Vanessa. Our partnership works well because we complement each other’s strengths and have a shared vision. My best tip for a successful partnership is clear communication and mutual respect—ensure you’re both on the same page and support each other’s growth.

What’s the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

I’m not as tech savvy, so my favorite and can’t live without is my Outlook Calendar. It helps me stay organized by tracking tasks, deadlines, and project progress, making it easier to manage both my business and personal responsibilities effectively.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool is Canva. It’s incredibly user-friendly and allows us to create professional-quality graphics and marketing materials without needing extensive design skills.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice which I need to keep reminding myself as well is to stay passionate and persistent. Building a business is challenging, but if you remember to not dwell but learn from mistakes, stay committed to your vision and adapt to new challenges, success will follow. Surround yourself with a supportive network and never stop learning.

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