I started a business with my parents. We had to learn how to work together and not take things personally.
Business Insider
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cornilia Issa, a 41-year-old entrepreneur in Houston, began her business journey with her parents five years ago after discovering a unique concept of oil candles made from broken granite. This serendipitous moment led to the creation of The Burning Stones, where she and her parents craft crystal candles using materials like crystals and granite. Starting as a fun project with her mom, the idea quickly gained traction when friends began requesting their candles, prompting Cornilia to set up an LLC and launch the business on Etsy.
The family business has been a learning experience in collaboration. While Cornilia manages marketing and sales, her parents contribute their expertise by creating the products. However, differences in approach—Cornilia tends to invest more in branding and events, while her parents prefer conservative spending—have posed challenges. Despite these disagreements, they’ve learned to resolve conflicts professionally rather than taking them personally.
The venture has strengthened family bonds and provided a shared sense of purpose. Cornilia now sees her parents as colleagues, gaining appreciation for their years of business experience. Her parents, too, have found renewed purpose, enjoying the focus and pride that comes from contributing to the business’s success. For Cornilia, having her parents as partners has been invaluable, offering support and encouragement.
This story highlights the unique challenges and rewards of running a family business. It underscores the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and mutual respect in maintaining both personal and professional relationships. For readers interested in entrepreneurship, it offers insights into how collaboration with family members can lead to innovation and shared success, emphasizing that business ventures built on trust and teamwork often thrive.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/4/2026