From Receptionist to Entrepreneur: How I Started My Own Candle Business in Germany
- Blanca Garzón Bautista
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Hello and welcome to my blog!
Before we get started, I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who is reading this post. If you stick around until the end, I’d love for you to check out my social media, where I share more about my experiences and journey in the world of entrepreneurship. And even if you’re not planning on buying any candles, your support in this journey is what truly motivates me. Thank you for being here!
Now, let’s dive into what truly brings me here: my story. My life has been anything but linear, and honestly, I’ve always been full of ideas and a desire to grow. If you asked me what I wanted to be when I was little, I’d tell you my dream was to live in London. Why London? I’m not exactly sure. As a Spaniard, it felt like the closest place to the English language, which has always fascinated me. However, what I couldn’t have imagined back then is that my life would take a completely different turn.
What Am I Doing With My Life? From Uncertainty to Finding My Purpose
Throughout my teenage years, I wasn’t sure what career or profession I wanted to pursue. My mind was always buzzing with ideas, but none of them seemed to convince me. “Medicine?” No, I didn’t like the sight of blood. “Veterinary?” Same thing. “Computer Science?” I enjoyed playing Sims, but beyond that, not much. Then… why not be an “Artist?” Well, at least I was interested in the creative world, so I decided to take an Arts track in high school.
Honestly, studying never came easy to me, and among all the tracks, this one felt the most natural for me. And I’ll be honest… that was one of the best decisions I could’ve made! The Arts program was a complete game changer: the freedom it offered, the chance to go out during breaks, and the opportunity to explore my creativity gave me a sense of independence I’d never experienced before. Not only that, but I was getting fantastic grades that I’d never imagined!
In that environment, I learned much more than just drawing and sculpture techniques; I also formed friendships that I still treasure today. At 28, I’m still in touch with these friends, and although we’re scattered across the world, I carry them with me always. Thank you for being there.
The Decision to Study Business Administration: A Step Towards the Practical
After finishing high school, my parents gave me some wise advice: “If you don’t want to go to university, that’s okay, but you have to do something else. Whether it’s pursuing a higher degree, learning languages… but you can’t just stay at home.” That’s when I realized I needed something more practical, something that would give me a more stable life. I thought, “Why not study business administration?”
Business administration always seemed like a practical field, something I could apply in my daily life. Plus, the great thing about studying business is that not only do you learn to manage accounts, but you also prepare yourself to handle the finances of any business. Who knows, it might come in handy someday.
Germany: A Fresh Start in a Foreign Land
After finishing my studies, a friend of mine told me he was moving to Germany with the Chamber of Commerce in Córdoba to work as an IT specialist. My heart raced. I had always dreamed of living outside of Spain, and I thought this was the perfect moment. Plus, I was about to turn 18, it felt like my chance! But the application deadline had already passed. I was a little disappointed, but my parents encouraged me to try again the following year. Fortunately, I succeeded, and I was selected as one of the 30 people to go to Nuremberg for three years to study a higher degree in hotel management. It was a mix of excitement and nerves.
But… Hotel Management, Blanca? Yes! It was that or IT, and as I mentioned, I only knew how to play Sims and not much more.
Arriving in Germany at 19 in 2016 was a massive cultural shock. The language, the customs, the weather… everything was so different from what I was used to. But it was in this completely new environment that I met my partner and my lifelong friends, who I’ll carry with me wherever we go—whether it’s gossiping or sharing our woes. It’s a shame we’re not as close anymore, but thanks to our WhatsApp group, it feels like we’re always together. They became my second family. Together, we shared both good and bad moments, but above all, we enjoyed the experience of living abroad.
From Receptionist to Manager: A Surprising Promotion
Despite my German being very basic (A1), I gave it my all to adapt. After much sweat and tears, I graduated in hotel management, and I was promoted to manager of the hotel where I worked. Who would’ve thought? The girl who arrived in Germany with almost no German skills was now managing a team of people. Even though the job was demanding, I learned so much, and I was grateful for the opportunity.
But not everything that glitters is gold. I always say that in any job, you have to spend at least 8 hours a day, and I’m not willing to spend that time stressed, frustrated, or dealing with “bitter people” (let’s just say it in a nicer way). So, right after the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic calmed down, I decided to make a change and look for a job that would bring me some happiness and more stability.
If you’re interested in this topic, I can write another post about my experience at that hotel. Just let me know in the comments. 😊
A Change of Direction: From Manager to Deputy Manager
Over time, my partner and I decided to move to Karlsruhe, as I was offered an opportunity as a deputy manager in another hotel. The job paid better, the environment was much lighter and more flexible, which made my life much calmer. Although I had been a manager before, taking this position as a deputy was more about the change of scenery and the need to find balance in my life.
However, after a while, I realized that administration was what would truly give me long-term stability. I asked myself, “If I ever want to return to Spain, what would I do with my tourism experience if I don’t have a Tourism degree?” That’s when I decided to look for a job in administration. And, surprise! I found an administrative position at a university in Karlsruhe. I was so happy with my decision! The job is much more stable and peaceful. To this day, I’m still here, and I hope to stay for a long time. The best part? This position has given me more time to focus on myself, my mental health, and my new projects.
The Magic of Candles: A Hobby Turned Business
And now we reach the part that made me start this blog. How did I end up creating my own candle business? Well, it all started thanks to my friends “from Spain.” You know that feeling of wanting to be part of all your friends’ plans, but you can’t because you’re in a different country? It’s pretty sad because you’d love to be there, but you have an entirely different life. Well, that’s what happened to me: my friends would gather to make candles without me. So, I thought, “What if I buy a kit and make candles at home, just like them?” Sounds silly, but that’s exactly how it happened.
The funny thing is, I never expected it to be so relaxing. Candles not only helped me disconnect from stress, but they allowed me to focus on something hands-on, completely forgetting about screens and the daily hustle. Over time, I started making candles for friends and to decorate my house. And at some point, I thought: “Why not sell them?”
That’s how Glowlicht was born. I learned how to use Wix to create my website, registered as a freelancer in Germany (which was much easier than I thought), and today, after several months of hard work and dedication, I can proudly say that I’m a candle entrepreneur. And here I am, sharing my story with you.
But… do you know the funniest part? My friends never actually got together to make candles. They’re still trying to find a date that works for all of them. 😊
Conclusion: What I’ve Learned Along the Way
If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d end up as a hotel manager and then an entrepreneur, I wouldn’t have believed it. Life has taught me that paths aren’t always straight, but the most important thing is to never give up and keep moving forward, no matter what comes up. Today, I’m still learning, growing, and enjoying every step of this adventure, even though sometimes the road surprises me in unexpected ways.
Every experience, whether positive or negative, has led me to this point. And one thing I know for sure is that constant effort and passion for what you do always pay off.
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
What’s your experience living away from home? (Whether it’s because you left your parents’ house, moved to another city, or even to another country). Did you have fears or insecurities when making important decisions? If you have any questions, or if you’d like me to talk about a particular topic, I’d be thrilled to hear from you in the comments!
Don’t forget to follow me on my social media and visit my website. Your support is what keeps me motivated! Thank you for being a part of this journey. 😊
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