From Flame To Fame | Alia Osman | TEDxYouth@BedayiaSchool

Summary

In a reflective talk, the speaker shares their journey of starting a unique candle business during quarantine, driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to stand out in a saturated market. Highlighting the dangers of paraffin wax, they chose eco-friendly soy wax and developed a product that doubles as lotion. Emphasizing social responsibility, they collaborated with a charity supporting burn victims, showcasing the importance of community in business. The speaker offers three key tips for aspiring entrepreneurs: pursue genuine interests, draw inspiration from everyday life, and make mindful choices that benefit both the individual and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting a business requires a unique edge to stand out in a saturated market.
• 🕯️ The choice of materials, such as using eco-friendly soy wax instead of harmful paraffin, is crucial for both health and environmental considerations.
• 🔍 Research and development are fundamental steps for creating a successful product.
• 🤝 Collaborating with charities can enhance your brand's mission and provide social impact, as seen with the partnership supporting burn victims.
• 💡 Innovation is key; aim to offer something new that isn't currently available in the market.
• 🌍 Mindfulness in business decisions can lead to sustainability, benefiting both the company and the community.
• 📊 Genuine passion for your product is essential to ensure commitment and drive towards success.
• 🔎 Inspiration can be found in everyday life—observe your surroundings and think creatively.
• ♻️ Making conscious choices in materials and processes contributes to a more sustainable future.
• 👏 Ultimately, aim to create products that not only serve a purpose but also improve the lives of others.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speaker's talk?

The speaker discusses how to create a unique business edge, specifically in the candle-making industry.

What inspired the speaker to start a candle business?

The speaker was inspired by the lack of unique candle scents in Egypt and a desire to offer something fresh and different.

What harmful substance did the speaker choose to avoid in candle making?

The speaker avoided using paraffin wax, which is harmful and releases toxic fumes, opting instead for eco-friendly soy wax.

What unique feature do the speaker's candles have?

The candles can also be used as lotion, providing a dual-purpose product that differentiates them from competitors.

How does the speaker incorporate a humanitarian aspect into their business?

The speaker collaborates with a charity supporting burn victims and employs some of them, creating a positive impact on the community.

What are the three key tips the speaker offers for starting a business?

1) Be genuinely interested in your product. 2) Observe everyday items for inspiration. 3) Make mindful choices that consider the community and environment.

Why is research and development (R&D) important in starting a business?

R&D is crucial for understanding the market and finding innovative ways to stand out in a saturated industry.

What role does sustainability play in the speaker's business philosophy?

Sustainability is seen as essential, and the speaker emphasizes that businesses should have a positive impact on society rather than just focus on profit.

What does the speaker mean by having an 'edge' in business?

An 'edge' refers to a unique selling proposition or feature that sets a business apart from competitors, making it more appealing to customers.

How does the speaker suggest entrepreneurs can find inspiration?

The speaker encourages observing the world around you, talking to people, and reflecting on how everyday items can be improved.