Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacy Mccowen, owner of Candle Queen Candles, located in Leavenworth, KS, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own Candle Queen Candles, a hip and fun boutique located in downtown Leavenworth, Kansas. I also just opened a smaller shoppe in historic Weston, MO. We hand poured our candles in mason jars and in carved wooden dough bowls and have ‘crystal candle making classes' on most Saturdays. We carry a large selection of clothing, fun t-shirts, handmade soaps, and lots of gifts. Our current hot items are our huge sage and crystal bar! We also own a super cool Airbnb above our Shoppe in Leavenworth!

Tell us about yourself

I have always loved being creative and making things with my hands. I started selling my handmade products when I was only 20 years old at craft fairs, and it finally progressed to a retail store by the time I was 40! (That was 13 years ago!) I just LOVE making things, and it brings me such joy and happiness that others want what I make! So having a store and seeing repeat customers coming for more candles is awesome! Or when I get Facebook messages from customers who love the candles I made!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My proudest moment was probably winning “Kansas Female Retailer of the Year” in 2019. But honestly, every day is a blessing seeing people CHOOSE to get in their car and drive to see us to SHOP!! There are a zillion stores to choose from, and I am always grateful they chose this one!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The single hardest thing is finding the motivation daily!! As a small biz owner, the buck ALWAYS stops with YOU no matter what. When an employee is sick, you gotta cover. When all your employees are out of town for a holiday, you can’t take off. If there is a problem, you gotta take care of it.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Hahaha. RUN!! Just kidding!

  1. Be prepared and be ready to be “on” 24/7 because that is what it will take to have a successful business. It is like a newborn baby that only Mommy can take care of... forever!
  2. I would suggest you start with fewer open days. You can always add days to your schedule.
  3. Don’t spend too much money upfront. Start small, save money, and grow naturally.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business is like a flower garden... the more you tend to your flowers, the better they will grow!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.candlequeencandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandleQueenCandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CandleQueenCandles/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.