Meet Teresa Igler | Owner/Creator & Project Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa Igler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my own business, I was looking for an outlet to share my creativity. I love burning candles and I feel that scents are such a big part of our memories. When a fragrance hits your nose it has the power to transport you to another place and time. My career started with science, so I wanted to find something that I could physically create and bring my passions together. Making candles seemed like a lab experiment I could make my own. Tee Lights was born from a desire to spread my light – I was taking some time for myself at a friend’s wellness retreat and the idea came to me. There is so much darkness in life, and sometimes all we need is one cozy light to help us see through. As I looked back on the last few years, I wanted to be able to give a comforting light, with a scent to transport you to wherever it is you need to be. I wanted to infuse crystal energy into my products and give the power to the owner of the item – the energy goes from the crystals directly into you so you can spread your light. I am inspired by the sun, the moon, the stars, the ocean, the night sky, the greenery, the animals, and the love that surrounds all of us every single day. The world is my inspiration and it’s truly incredible to witness the magic that happens when you open up and are present. All of my products are inspired by a person I love, a place I’ve been to, a crystal that gave me a new outlook, or an experience that has changed my life. I draw inspiration from the world around me because it is full of beauty if we are able to shine our light through the darkness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, martial arts was a big part of my life. One of our values was having an indomitable spirit, and that’s been something that has been with me since then. There have been many tough times throughout my career and starting up my business, but I knew that I would never give up. I realize that sometimes things do not go to plan, and the best plan is being flexible to keep making it happen. Throughout my career and while building my small business, I’ve learned there is never a ‘right’ time – it is always the perfect time. It is a disservice to yourself and your light to hold back what you are creating or doing. My career has taught me that everything is connected. As I work both as a project manager and as a small business owner, I find that my habits and talents go hand in hand. As I learn more about small business, I am able to use my project management skills to increase my success. Risk is important – if we never step outside of our comfort zone, we will never see what the world has to offer. My corporate career has grown from manufacturing, technical training, scheduling, and now project management. Each time I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone it’s greatly rewarded me. Taking that first step is hard and requires bravery, but it is so worth it. I’ve taken that mindset and funneled it into my business. One of my work colleagues told me that my bravery was something they admired and I appreciate that even more now after starting my own business. We have to be brave enough to suck at something new and take that risk. Whether that be a new job, new sport, activity, or way of thinking – it changes our world. I decided to pursue an artistic/creative career because I tapped into my inner child energy – I spent so much time in my childhood in art classes, creating homemade projects and enjoying life. I wanted to get back into that space again and see what I could create. The ability to create something from nothing is truly astonishing and I’m in awe of all the art that surrounds us in the world. Being able to take my learnings from management and pursue a creative career as well is something really special. The way that I show up and create is the most important factor behind my brand. I show up as my authentic self and know that my products carry that same energy when I create them. I take this mindset and bring it into my project management as well – my team knows that when I show up I am always bringing my best self.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tee Lights was created and founded in New Jersey, but we’ve recently relocated to the Bay Area in California. Growing up in NJ I would suggest hitting all of the food spots – get some good pizza, maybe a bagel, Taylor Ham egg n cheese, or anything that you can imagine. Some of my favorite memories are going to the beach or even the park with a packed bag of snacks and staying for the whole day. Heading into NYC is always an adventure too, there’s so much to do and it’s always been a quick trip from me. A favorite place of mine to visit is McSorleys Old Ale House (especially with my family). Now that I’m in NorCal, I can still hit the beach but there are so many awesome hiking trails around that are around me. I’d suggest checking out the waterfront in San Francisco as well – great views and great food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends – they are the reason I decided to take a chance on myself and start my own business. When I released my first batch of candles in 2021, I sold out within 24 hours. I couldn’t believe it and I am still so grateful and thankful for every single person who purchased from my first release. Since then, I’ve done events with other amazing brands, launched a website, launched more products and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and the people the universe put into my path. I’m so appreciative for them all – shout out to them, they are the true MVPs. From the phone calls, texts, proofreading, picture choosing, and much more they stood by me and never wavered in their support. Thank you to the ones who saw the magic inside of me before I truly saw it in myself, Tee Lights is forever grateful.

Website: Helloteelights.com

Instagram: /helloteelights

Linkedin: Teresa Igler

Image Credits
Jennifer Estevez and Teresa Igler