Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jayne Onstot, Owner of American Nightmare Candle Co., located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make scented candles and wax melts inspired by the horror genre. My candle line is specifically iconic places in horror and what I imagine they would smell like. For example, one candle in The Overlook Hotel from Stephen King’s The Shining smells like gin and cypress. It smells like winter. I wanted to make something for horror fans like me.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business in 2020 when everything was on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I had a ton of free time because I couldn’t work. I spent that time watching horror movies and shows and exploring crafting hobbies. One day it just clicked horror candles. Two things I love, and I knew I needed to make it a thing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment thus far is having an almost perfect Etsy rating. I only have one review that is less than 5 stars, and that review is 4 stars.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are a lot of things that you have to remember to do and keep track of when you own a business. Insurance, local taxes, federal taxes, business license renewal, etc., it takes a lot of effort to keep on top of it all.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your market research. Know your target demographic and your competition. Research everything.
- Be prepared for it to consume your life. It’s a ton of work and will take up a lot of space in your brain.
- Do it for you. Produce something you would want to buy. It’s difficult to know what your customers want if you wouldn’t buy the product/pay for the service/go to the business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.americannightmarecandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanNightmareCandleCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americannightmarecandleco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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