Small Business Spotlight: Caramel and Sun

During this time (and always!) it is so important to support local and small businesses in our communities, and it’s great for the economy too!

We are constantly inspired by the ambition and resilience of small business founders and feel that the risks that they take lead to innovation and help in moving the world forward.

Inspired by these entrepreneurs and their stories, we recently chatted with Olivia Corsi – owner of Caramel and Sun about being an entrepreneur, running a a business while also running a family, and how she has adapted to the changes that Covid-19 had brought to her business.

What is your business about and why did you start it?

My business is centered around children and design, and making their growing up environment as creative as possible.

I started my business after the birth of my second daughter.

I was looking for ways to create this type of environment in their rooms and was not finding the products and furniture that I had in mind.

I therefore decided to develop the plan and open my business since I saw a lack of creative kids products in the market.

I did this after 10 years in the corporate environment working for a world renowned cosmetics company in Dubai.

What do you love about your business?

I like taking what I have learned in the corporate world and making it tangible in the way I like to run a business.

I like to make my decisions, interact and lead my team.

I believe in what we do and that we are helping develop the creativity and environment for children to welcome design and to fuel creativity.

I love to hear stories from my customers about how happy they are with the products they purchased and how they see a positive effect from the products on their kids.

How do you manage your time between running a business and a family?

To be honest it’s never possible to manage.

It’s a never-ending day because I have 3 children – 2 daughters and my business! And I try to manage the best way possible.

I work more, sleep less and try and do my best.

I am very organized and ensure that I do everything I have to do for the day before going to bed, so the days are never long enough.

I do hope secretly my daughter will learn from me being a strong and entrepreneur mum. We will see.

I hope they don’t miss the time I am not spending with them baking cakes.

But when I spend time with them, I try to shut down everything and have fun with the family.

How has Covid-19 affected your business and how have you adapted?

Our retail store was closed for over 6 weeks due to the situation and we just recently reopened at Mercato Mall.

During the lock down we focused on online platforms and social network channels, and we worked closely with various mega influencers who helped me very much.

I spend lots of time posting and interacting directly with customers, and ensure that our online store and delivery was fast, safe and efficient.

I must say that I have been helped a lot by other entrepreneurs, mummies, influencers, friends… this was one of the best and most positive things I ever felt.

Any piece of advice to other small businesses owners or anyone wanting to start their own business?

Not to do it!!! Am kidding, but you really really need to be sure you love what you do – the products, the environment, the hours you put in, the sweat and tears…

Although that sounds cliché, it’s key to ensure continuing to do it for the long run.

For me waking up in the morning knowing I have a full day to run my business the way I believe it should be done is the driving force for me.

“Everything happens for a reason” has been my motto since the beginning and “believing in what you do … no matter what happens”!

I have also learned a lot when it comes to accepting or ignoring judgment or critics, and protecting myself from any bad vibes.

It’s a long journey but it’s so rewarding!

Find out more about Caramel and Sun here.

You might also like: Q&A With QiDZ CCO

See more fantastic deals, ideas and parent support on QiDZ here.