“Jobs of the Future” is a series focusing on career paths, local job opportunities, programs, and tales of success that highlight North Bay's diverse job market.
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Stephanie Rainey has taken an artistic approach to lighting décor.
“The lamp industry is quite frankly, boring. Plain lamps and plain shades, with nothing that really glows from within or showcases the delicate beauty of flowers.”
That’s where her Riverside Hollow business comes in.
“I provide beautiful flower resin lamps to the consumer. I saw a similar product for sale and really liked the concept so I used that product as inspiration when creating my own, different resin lamps.”
Rainey got her business started thanks to the Summer Company program offered through The Business Centre Nipissing Pary Sound. It is a program that provides students aged 15 to 29 the opportunity to start their own small business venture over the course of the summer. Students received $3,000 to assist them with start-up costs associated with their new business venture
“I found out about the program because my brother-in-law did the program a number of years ago to start his yard maintenance business,” says Rainey.
“It assisted me in getting my business started by providing startup funds, seminars with business experts on topics like how to keep your cash flow statement and they provided business advice.”
Rainey says her Riverside Hollow business started in July and she received great feedback on her products.
“My friends and family all really like my product, and as I started to make sales, they were all proud of me and happy for me,” she says.
“My customers like the fact that my product is unique, and not seen anywhere else. A resin lamp makes a perfect gift or houseware item, and it’s unique and beautiful, showcasing the beauty of flowers. They also like how my product lights up and glows from within when the light is on.”
Rainey says this started as a personal creation before evolving into a business idea.
“I first created a resin lamp as a gift to my friend for their birthday, and I liked the final product so much that I decided to create a business out of it,” she says.
“The thing I enjoy most about what I’m doing is seeing people’s reactions to what I’m making. That moment when people first lay eyes on my product and compliment it or give it some oohs and ahhs. It’s the best feeling to have people like your work and be interested in it.”
And that feedback is appreciated as the lamps take time to make.
“Prep takes about 20 minutes, then I pour the resin into the moulds, and then the resin has to set for seven days to be able to harden into a solid form,” says Rainey.
This might not be the last time Rainey decides to pursue a business startup.
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve been interested in becoming an entrepreneur. It’s just always been attractive to me, running my own business and not having to be under anyone, but getting to just do my own thing,” she says, adding she would recommend other young people reach out to Summer Company to see if it could be a fit for them.
“Be dedicated and put in the work. Running a business can be a lot of work, but don’t let that scare you away. Working for yourself is the most rewarding thing in the world, and it’s satisfying when you put in the work and get to see the end product,” says Rainey.
“Running your own business can even be fun if you choose something you love. So just keep your head up high, and don’t be afraid to savour the end product.”
If you have a story idea for the “Jobs of the Future” Series, send Matt an email at [email protected]
