Candle in Keffiyeh Bowl — Handmade in Nablus, Palestine

Sondos Shureim - Candle Maker and Entrepreneur

Name: Sondos Shureim
Location: Nablus-Tulkarem, Palestine
Profession: Candle Maker and Entrepreneur
Social Media:  Facebook | Instagram

From Education to Entrepreneurship: My Journey with Candle Making

My name is Sundus Shureim, and I studied English language and literature before working in various fields such as translation, education, administration, and project coordination. Two years ago, driven by my deep love for candles, I decided to embark on a new journey by founding my own business, Passion Candles. This step was motivated by the challenging job market in Palestine, where job security is scarce and work contracts are limited. In the face of economic instability, I felt it was the perfect time to pursue my passion and turn it into a business.

From Learning to Teaching: Empowering Women Through Candle Making

I initially learned the art of scented candle making through a workshop and later pursued self-study to deepen my expertise. After completing my preparations, I officially launched my project through social media, and within three months, the business expanded from selling gifts and event favors to offering training sessions. I had the privilege of teaching groups of women how to make scented candles, empowering them to start their own businesses. This effort was supported by the Mohsen Qattan Foundation.

My project gained recognition, and I was invited to participate in several media interviews. However, the outbreak of war halted our in-person training sessions. Nonetheless, I adapted by conducting online psychological relief workshops for women in conflict-affected areas. Recently, I was selected to lead a business entrepreneurship course for university students and aspiring entrepreneurs, which marked a significant turning point in my career.

A Vision for Growth and Community Empowerment

One of my main goals is to continue offering educational courses and training workshops, with a focus on therapeutic workshops through craft-making. I also aspire to expand my business by establishing a dedicated candle-making workshop to meet the growing demand for hands-on skills among young women in Palestine.

In addition to contributing to my community by helping women launch their own ventures, I dream of participating in more local exhibitions, increasing visibility for handmade Palestinian products. I believe that through passion, dedication, and resilience, we can overcome the many challenges we face and build sustainable futures for ourselves and our communities.

A Message of Hope and Perseverance
To anyone reading my story, I want to emphasize the importance of pursuing what you love. Turning a passion into a business is a rewarding experience, but it requires persistence and dedication. As Simon Sinek beautifully said:
"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion."