Star-Brite candles is a locally owned business owned by Sheila Mabe and her husband Mitchell. The company makes and sells scented candles.

1. Can you please give me a quick mini-bio of yourself?

I have been in business for myself for about fifteen years. Five of those years, I was still employed as a secretary for East Middle school. I am fifty-two years old, married and have two grown children. I currently own two businesses: Star-Brite candles and Sun-up tanning. Both businesses are seasonal so each business supports the other in their off-seasons. I started Star-Brite candles approximately fifteen years ago and my husband and I purchased Sun-up tanning in March, 2009.

2. Did you own any businesses before Star-Brite candles or have any experience making candles when you decided to start the business?

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Background Information: Mr. McIntyre, who is now retired, has owned and operated a multitude of businesses in the past including: a pawn shop, a pool room, a newspaper, a skating rink, a flea market, a real estate development company and a radio station. In all of the businesses that Mr. McIntyre owned, he was primary technician but made a point to delegate as often as possible.

1. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who wanted to start their own business if they do not have any money?

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