After a 32-year career as a nurse anesthetist, Anita Lesko is embracing entrepreneurship with her handcrafted soap and candle small business, discovering it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
Anita’s path to business ownership began unexpectedly in Downtown Pensacola’s Palafox Market, where a chance conversation with fellow vendor and longtime friend Tina Likeness of Kneady’s Bakery introduced her to the Florida SBDC at the University of West Florida (Florida SBDC at UWF).
“I had mentioned to Tina that I felt like I’m simply floundering at trying to get things going with the soap business,” Anita shares. “She then told me she is getting help from the Small Business Development Center.”
Community Camaraderie
That advice proved transformative for Anita, who faces personal challenges that made entrepreneurship particularly daunting. Anita is on the autism spectrum as well as has PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Generalized Anxiety. She found working with the SBDC provided much-needed structure and support for her business journey.
“Since coming on board with the SBDC, it has greatly helped with lessening my anxiety and not feeling totally alone,” she emphasizes.
The SBDC paired Anita with Business Consultant Colton Currier, creating a partnership that addresses both her business needs and communication style.
Stellar Support
“I got assigned to Colton Currier, who is absolutely outstanding with how he listens to me, and comes up with great ideas and resources,” Anita describes. “He has so many ideas, I can barely keep up — but fortunately, he takes notes during our in-person meetings then sends me the summary a few days later.”
For Anita, running a small business represents a stark contrast to her decades in healthcare, where routine and teamwork were constants.
The transition from operating room to soap-and-candle studio hasn’t been without barriers. Anita describes entrepreneurship as “a very scary thing to me on one hand, but exciting on another.”
Career Transitions
After years of structured healthcare work, the freedom and responsibility of operating her own business required significant adjustment.
“As an entrepreneur, you are it. You are the boss. You are the team. Everything will only happen if you make it happen.”
Now sixty-five, Anita encourages others to embrace new opportunities regardless of age or circumstances.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new. No matter how old you are,” she advises. “I know you just can’t sit around fretting over your age for example. Like Nike says, just do it!”
Building Confidence and Skills
The no-cost business consulting SBDC provides has been crucial to Anita’s growing confidence and success as a founder. Her experience demonstrates how accessible business resources can help entrepreneurs overcome personal and professional struggles to find agency and generate a growing bottom line.
Anita lives by another philosophy that keeps her moving forward despite obstacles: “My favorite quote is by Jon Bon Jovi: ‘Success is falling nine times and getting up 10.’ Just keep it going. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else.”
Peruse Anita’s all-natural, vegan soap and body care products plus candles for every occasion, including special deals, locally-themed offerings, aromatherapy, and wholesale opportunities, at hammockbaysoap.com. You can find her in-demand products featured in area spas, hotels, and other small businesses throughout the region.
And if you’re in town, be sure to visit them at the North Palafox Market on Saturdays come rain or shine.