Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caitie Peterson, Founder of Wet Nose Candle Company, located in Janesville, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make hand-poured soy candles and wax melts. Because of the paw print in our logo, we usually draw in the dog/cat parents but also sell to people of all ages.
Tell us about yourself
Wet Nose Candle Company started from a candle-making kit from my sister and endless tutorials from Pinterest on how to make a candle out of a liquor bottle. After years of testing, a lot of trials, and even more error, tons of research, and an incredible support system.
What initially kept me motivated was my fiancé. The thought of selling something I made, let alone the idea of someone actually wanting to buy something I made, would have never crossed my mind had it not been for him and his support. But now, it’s a mix of his support and the incredible customers I’ve met who continue to support our business by either placing an order through our website, visiting our booth at events, or posting a photo on our page. It truly means the world to me, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you.
But my biggest motivation has to be our pets. The saying “I work hard so my pets can live a better life” couldn’t be more true in our home.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has to be being able to give back to the animal welfare community with our Give Back Program. We donate a percentage of proceeds to registered non-profit organizations as well as products to be used as raffle items so they can continue their mission of helping animals in need.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing my time. On top of my candle business, I also work 12-hour rotating shifts at a factory as my main source of income and am the co-founder/Vice President of Winston’s Wishes, a dog rescue organization in Southeastern Wisconsin, along with my fiancé, who’s the Founder/President. I’ve always felt that I work great under pressure, but I’m also someone who gets distracted very easily, so if I don’t have a set schedule of things I need to get done, it’s very easy for my day to get ways from me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay true to yourself and your brand. Don’t worry about what other people are doing with their business. Your customers will appreciate someone who is genuine and doesn’t try to be something they’re not. Plus, it will help to find your target audience.
- Don’t get discouraged. There may be 100 businesses that make the same type of product as you; each one is unique and amazing in its own way; show your potential customers what makes yours different from the others.
- You will fail. You might have an idea of a product that ends up not selling as well as you thought it would. That’s ok.
- It’s easy to want to do/make 25 different products at once. Instead, stick to one thing and perfect it before you add something new.
- Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Expect to not pay yourself for the first 1-2 years of starting your business. Of course, this may not be true for all businesses, but the first couple of years are about getting your name out there and building your customer base. Don’t let that discourage you. You’ll get there.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wetnosecandlecompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WetNoseCandleCompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetnosecandlecompany/
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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