Raquel DeFino is no stranger to the small business world. Twice before, the Egg Harbor Township woman has owned successful shops, the last of which she gave up so she could start a family.

Her newest endeavor – Raquel’s Home and Garden – located in Historic Smithville, Galloway Township, offers a collection of her favorite home items, drawing on her experience as an interior decorator.

The store, which opened in November, is special to DeFino because this time around she’s featuring items that can help give back to the community. Among her favorite items in the store are a line of soy candles from the Bridgewater Candle Co. of South Carolina. For each jar sold, the company donates money to feed an orphaned child.

“I knew I wanted to make a difference this time. I didn’t want to sell things just to sell things,” DeFino said. “This store is about giving back. You can pick out a gift here that has a real meaning behind it.”

DeFino first entered the business world in the 1990s with a Linwood craft shop, Artistry in Motion, in which she rented space to an array of local crafters. She later started Two Tin Crows, a Somers Point gift shop and coffee house, which is still in operation although she is no longer involved.

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