Think Outside the Pill Box
Our next post features the creative and intelligent doctor who juggles being a pharmacist, wife, mother of 2, and business owner of Treasured Wax Candles, Dr. Maha Redwan Aburas.
Doctors By Day: Can you tell me how you started Treasured Wax Candles? What was your motivation to start your own business? Is there anything you would like to share about your business? Maha: I tried to go back to work after I had my son but then I got pregnant with my daughter right away so I decided to just stay home with both of them. Being the A-type personality I started volunteering for the community but I needed something more until I could go back to work. I have always loved and collected candles so my husband and I decided I would start an online candle business in my free time. It wasn't until my son threw my one of my earrings into one of the candles I was making that we decided to produce Treasured Wax Candles. All natural soy wax candles with a piece of jewelry inside. You get either earrings, a necklace or a bracelet. After about a year we introduced our Odor Eliminating candles which absorb odors such as pets, smoke...etc instead of just masking them like most candles do. All the candles are natural and eco-friendly. I have enjoyed seeing this business grow. You can check out the different scents at Treasured Wax Candles and we also offer free customization. DBD: Which pharmacy school did you graduate from? M: I graduated from TSU in 2010.
DBD: What is a fun fact about yourself? M: I love planning parties! Birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, even just a BBQ...if it's a party I love planning it. I'm very OCD about everything so I plan things down to the smallest detail and everything always has to be themed. My favorite part is seeing how much fun people are having!
DBD: Where have you traveled and absolutely loved? M: I've been to many places but I have to say my absolute favorite was Monaco. It was the end part of our Europe trip and it was just phenomenal all around. The people are nice, the scenery is gorgeous and the atmosphere just made you feel safe. DBD: What do you enjoy doing most with your spare time? M: I love to read! Between work, kids and a new business with whatever spare time I do have I love to crack open a James Patterson book. I've always been a bookworm but I just recently have been able to go back to reading. DBD: Who are some of your heroes? M: First and foremost...my mom. She is the definition of old school mom. She put her life on hold for her 6 kids and is always there for us till this day. I don't know how she did it all! Second I would have to say my husband. He gave me the courage and support to do what I want to do. He is the only reason I am where I am today with my candle business. He is a great father and a wonderful husband!
DBD: If you could do anything else, what would it be? M: I would love to be a photographer. I always had a passion for taking photos but now I just annoy my kids with taking a million photos of them!
DBD: If that dream job paid the same amount as medicine, which one would you have chosen? M: Interior designer...I wanted to be that ever since I was a little girl. I decided to be a Pharmacist instead because of my dad. He always wanted me to be a pharmacist and I wanted to make him proud. I think the designer part of me is the reason I started my candle business, Treasured Wax Candles.
DBD: What do you like least about your profession? M: Knowing that this profession will always be there. As much as we want to help people get better there are just some diseases that will never go away. The more I can help people feel better the better I feel about being a pharmacist. DBD: If you could go back in time, what would you tell 18 year old you? M: Enjoy every minute...don't dwell on the little things and to believe in myself.
DBD: Advice for someone who dreams of being a pharmacist? M: Your life will be put on hold during pharmacy school but once you're done its so worth it! Once you graduate, don't limit yourself. There is so much more out there in the pharmacy world. It's not just retail or hospital.
DBD: Knowing what you know now, would you pick pharmacy again? M: Yes, I love the flexibility! I am able to work from home, travel with my family and run a candle business all while helping people.
DBD: I see that you have two children, work part time, and also run your own candle business. What do you do to balance family and work? M: Schedule EVERYTHING! I would be lost without my calendar. My husband and I put everything on it so that we don't double book things. I have certain days that I spend with family and certain days I dedicate to work (pharmacy or candles). I always try my hardest to not let those days overlap. When I am around my kids I put my phone away so that I can dedicate my time to them.
DBD: What are your long term goals in personal and professional life? M: My goals in my personal life is to be able to enjoy time with my family without having to be strained financially or physically. I want to be the ultimate "supermom" without losing myself in the process. I want to be able to keep a balance. My goals for my professional life is to grow Treasured Wax Candles to a name brand recognized in every home. At the same time still helping people and retire working as a pharmacist.
Maha personally treasures special moments with her family and finds happiness in organizing themed parties such as birthdays, baby showers, and even picnics! Be sure to visit Treasured Wax Candles to see where she focuses her creativity.