Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shanice McNeal, owner of Cheyenne's Candles, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

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

My name is Shanice, and I am the owner of Cheyenne's Candles. I handmake candles and wax melts from my home kitchen in Indiana! I get the pleasure of meeting my core customers in person via popup shops around Indianapolis. I enjoy watching everyone's reactions as they smell certain scents. My candles are for the hardworking people who want to make sure their money goes a long way. My candles have a slow burn to them, so they last a lot longer than a lot of major brands. Not to mention, they smell AMAZING!

Tell us about yourself

I started my business in July 2020. I, like everyone else, was trying to figure out ways to help supplement my income during the uncertain times of the pandemic. I have always been a candle fanatic, and one day I decided to go online and buy a candle-making kit. Here I am, two years later, and still making candles.

I am a single mom, and I named my company after my 2yr old daughter Cheyenne. I wanted her to have something that she could not only be a part of one day but something that would make her proud!. She is definitely my biggest motivation to keep my business going. She is at that age where she can help with making candles, and it is such a beautiful bonding experience. I am truly grateful for my customers because, without them, I would not be able to create those moments with her.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am still a fairly new business; my biggest accomplishment would be staying in business for two years. I think that is major for a new business, and I am super grateful for my supporters.

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

I think as a new business owners; we become so fixated on the beauty of our vision that we don't always take into consideration the things we have to give up in order to make it work. Whether that is putting more money and/or time into your business than what you originally planned or you are not hitting your projected sales goal on the first try. Those moments really bring you down a few pegs and help you focus on the overall picture, not just the end goal.

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

  1. Research is very important. You need to know your target market and how to tailor your business to meet the need. You also need to look into things like shipping, labeling, price points, etc... It is so important to look at these things before you start so your business can start out on a solid foundation.
  2. Build your business credit. You are able to get a lot of funding if your business is set up properly.
  3. Have fun! Your business is your baby. Don't forget to step back every once in a while and live in the moment. The business will be there, but life's most precious moments will pass you by.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cheyennescandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheyennesCandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheyennes_candles/

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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