Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacey McClure, Founder of CICADA, located in Tucson, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CICADA is a Tucson-based candle company that was born out of a love for trying to recreate some of my fondest memories here in the Sonoran desert. All scents are based on memories of the desert. Orange blossoms and the sound of bees while playing under the grapefruit trees at my grandmother's home, cactus blossom horizons with my dad, trying to stay warm around a campfire with my brother while the coyotes sing in the distance. I believe that all of these memories are rooted in scent. And these familiar scents, the ones that conjure joy and happiness, can comfort us even if we are not fully aware of it. We hand pour all of our candles here in the Sonoran Desert. Our candles are made with our own signature blend of virgin coconut soy wax with high-quality fragrances and cotton wicks. Our candles are gluten-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and vegan.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a 3rd generation Arizona native who grew up playing in the desert with my brother, sister, and cousins. All my fondest memories are rooted in this landscape. And while I was trained as an architect originally, the idea of creating a home became about scent and memory, not just the space. During the pandemic, I had the time to explore this idea more, and for about a year, I experimented with scents and wax. It was important to me to hit the right scent combination and that the candles were made of quality ingredients that burned beautifully and looked beautiful in your home. And after a lot of trial and error, my first four memory scents were developed, and CICADA was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a product that people seem to enjoy! It brings me so much joy to see people's faces when they smell our candles. Or when they tell me what the scent means to them, what memory it triggers. Absolute joy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning to put myself out there. Making the scary the phone calls or meeting with potential new clients. But I have learned just to do it. It's the only way to keep growing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! There is never going to be more time or the right time. Just start.
- Make sure you have tested your product. And test it over and over again. Your business will thrive if you have a great product that works well.
- You are going to make mistakes! Just learn how to adapt as needed, and don't beat yourself up over it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cicadagoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cicadagoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cicadagoods/
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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