Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jen Nudd, owner of Beacon Hill Candle Company, located in Okotoks, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our candles are made from pure soy wax and natural fragrance oils. We also create room sprays from the same oils. Our candles are unique in that they are in small amber jars that provide a warm cozy glow, different from the clear, more spa-like look of other candles. We also have a luxury line for those looking for a more sophisticated look.
The price point of the amber jars is such that they are affordable for our customers to purchase multiple scents instead of just one large candle. We find our customers buy multiple candles so they can burn a candle according to their mood on any given day :-)
Also, the size of the amber candle works extremely well for gift giving. They are perfect for gift baskets and boxes, stocking stuffers, or just on their own with a card.
Tell us about yourself
The name “Beacon Hill” represents the two areas in Canada where I have lived my life - two very different parts of the country! “Beacon” is representative of the first half of my life that was spent growing up in New Brunswick. My grandfathers were all fishermen, and I always loved lighthouses and have great memories of them from my childhood.
“Hill” represents where I live now. I have spent the last 18 years in Okotoks, Alberta - the “Foothills” of the Rocky Mountains. I have been a Pastor’s wife to my husband Glen for 28 years, and I have two adult kids - Jared and Jamie.
I am employed part-time as a Business Manager for a Design Company, and I do some bookkeeping for a few other businesses, as well.
I have always loved candles. Like probably most of you - certain scents always are connected to cozy memories!
After being locked down during Covid for seven months and the uncertainty of when we would be opening up again - I decided to dive into candle-making and loved it!
I am motivated to continue growing this business because I love watching the joy a beautifully scented candle brings to my customers! They instantly smile when they smell them, and it's worth all the hours of work that go into making candles just for them!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say my biggest accomplishment is successfully breaking into a very competitive candle industry. In the short time since starting Beacon Hill in 2020, I have my candles in many retail stores and have built a very loyal customer base.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things would be reading the market and staying on top of marketing trends. Because my customer base is mostly online and through social media, keeping up with the trends, knowing what individuals want to see in their feeds, and keeping my products showing up in their feeds is very challenging!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know who your customer base is.
- Stay in your lane (niche).
- Sell a quality product that you believe in and are passionate about.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't distract yourself with what everyone else is doing. When you stay focused on your own product and making it the best it can possibly be and give amazing customer service - you will see successes - big and small. A small win is still a win!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://beaconhillcandlecompany.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaconhillcandlecompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaconhillcandleco/
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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