Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Breann Webb, owner of Candle Tea, located in Bawlf, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Create New Life in your Family’s Heirlooms! Give your grandmother’s teacup collection a new purpose by making a candle in it!
We choose to use beeswax as our candle wax because it helps to purify the air by pulling out dust and allergens as it burns. It also burns longer, giving your candle a longer burn life. Beeswax also has a melting point similar to water, so it will not cause any damage to your beautiful teacup.
We also choose to use fragrance oil instead of essential oil because it is safer to use around animals. We learned this the hard way when we unknowingly lit a candle with essential oils, and the entire left side of our dog’s face swelled up. It took her an entire week for the swelling to subside with the use of Benadryl.
Tell us about yourself
I started out trying to figure out what kind of wax I preferred. I have really bad allergies and severe Asthma, so I researched what would be best to use myself. That’s when I found the amazing properties of beeswax. The fact that it will purify the air of the room it is in has been a godsend. My landlord took over 12 years to clean the vents in our place, and having our wax melts constantly going in my room has helped a lot!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is being known as the candle lady in a few towns we frequent. I never realized how good it would feel to have someone recognize me just by what my business is. I love it!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is finding the time to create new products. On top of working full-time as a banking advisor and being a mom, finding the time to make new scents and scheduling social media had been difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Organization, organization, organization! I am a big fan of spreadsheets. Use them to keep track of your product costs, calculate prices, and track revenues and expenses.
- Keep a log book of any vehicle mileage, gas, and maintenance that is done on business time.
- Invest in an accountant. You may not need them regularly, but using an accountant at tax time will save you from a world of headaches!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don’t worry if your sales are slow! Getting yourself and your business out there is the best thing you can do when you're just starting out. Don’t compare yourself with other businesses either. Everyone knows different people, so instead, try networking with other businesses. Share market information and tips as much as you can, and you will start seeing others do this for you in return.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://candle-tea.square.site/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candleteacandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candleteacandles/
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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