Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donna Scheerer, owner of Dlscreations2020 LLC., located in Saint Petersburg, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Dlscreations2020 LLC, and I cater to all the candle lovers that love a strong scented, long-burning Soy Candle! My Soy Candles and Wax Melts are hand poured by me, and many hours of testing have been done to produce only the best candles to light in your home. My candles and wax melts are made with 100% soy wax and paraben Free (no chemicals) fragrance oils, creating great smelling and eco-friendly candles! I have many 5-star ratings!
Tell us about yourself
Many years ago, I applied for a job with a Chandler, who owned a small business and sold her soy candles worldwide. Her business was Jetaime Fragrances, and her name was Denise Cassaley. Since I have worked in the manufacturing industry my whole life, I caught on very easily, and Denise taught me the entire process of candle making! Actually, it was something I had never thought about before, but when you arrive to work in the morning, and the candle scents hit you way before you get to the building, it was a place I loved to go to every day!
As I was her only employee (besides her husband Joe, who had a full-time job), I made, cleaned, and packed all the orders that came through as Denise developed health issues, so she did all the office work. She received an order for 8,000 candles to go overseas! The 3 of us worked continuously for two months straight and accomplished this amazing feat.
It's an awesome feeling when the liquid wax you pour turns into beautiful smelling candles! I worked for Denise for many years, and even when things got slow, and I worked elsewhere, I would still help her out as we became a family! Denise passed away while on vacation, two days after I worked with her, and she was so excited about her trip!
I started my business during the pandemic of 2020 after not being able to work. I figured why not, as I fell in love with making candles! I know Denise is watching me and proud! I feel like I'm carrying on her legacy even though I'm doing my own thing and creating new products. Her husband, Joe, contacted me on the first of this year and gave me all the candle supplies that Denise had. I know this was meant to be! I have been in business for a little over a year, and slowly growing. I have many happy customers and many 5-star ratings!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, my biggest accomplishment is selling wholesale on Faire, and my candles are in a gift shop in St. Augustine, Florida. I also had an order for 160 soy candles for wedding guests in Ellenwood, Georgia. I'm waiting on the go-ahead for a Harley Davidson convention coming up in Canada for 500 Pillar Candles. I have sold in every state in the USA.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner to me is owning a business and managing a household. As I work from home, there is always something to do. At night when I lay down, I will get messages from customers, which I respond to so I know what is on the agenda for the following day. My business is only closed when I sleep, even though I have set hours.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's not easy, but don't give up! It will get easier as you progress! If you get to the point where it's too much, take a break, a deep breath, and regroup, then try again. It will fall into place. Believe in yourself! You can do it! You will always continue to learn as you grow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Never give up on your dreams!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dlscreations2020candles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnascheerer.2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donna.scheerer.1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dlscreations201
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.
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