Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Murphy, Owner of EmmaBelle, located in Mirabel, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
EmmaBelle is a Quebec-based company that started with exclusive designing handmade candles.
Now, my product offering has evolved and includes various fragrant home accessories allowing for a complete space enhancement experience, such as wax melts, diffusers, and bath salt soak.
All my products are crafted with the utmost care and respect - for myself, for my customers, for the environment, and for animals. As such, the ingredients I use are ethically sourced, come from renewable sources, and are toxic-free.
My client base is mostly located in Quebec, but I have clients across Canada as well as in the United States. Both men and women enjoy the aromatic experience I offer, and no matter where they live, they all have one thing in common: their love for quality fragrant products and the desire to cater to their self-care.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Melissa, and I am the owner and creator of EmmaBelle!
My candle-making journey started while I was struggling with depression. At the time, making candles and aromatherapy products for myself helped me cope with what I was living through. It allowed me to create a relaxed space spiritually, mentally, and physically and it was the key to finding my way back into the light.
This is how EmmaBelle came to be and the reason why my mission is your well-being.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that my biggest accomplishment so far is putting myself out there and going for it, taking that first step to becoming a business owner.
I started the journey not knowing what or whom it would bring into my life and decided to go with a "let's see what happens" approach.
Today, I am grateful for so much: the relations I've created with multiple business owners like myself, the trust and appreciation I receive from my customers, and the knowledge that products I've created are in people's homes shining their light.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner for me is managing every aspect of the business on my own. At the moment, I do not have a team I can rely on to accomplish certain tasks, so it can get overwhelming.
Luckily, my family and friends do their best to support me and offer guidance when I need it, as well as encourage me to push forward. They also serve as my guinea pigs for product testing, which I have yet to hear complaints about - then again, I don't have an HR department!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
This is a hard one because there's so much information to give! My top 3 tips, however, would be:
- Ask yourself WHY you are doing what you do and stop focusing on WHAT you are selling. Your customers will connect with you through your story, not your products.
- Establish your ideal client base - what type of customers do you want to bring in. This will also help with market research.
- Take the first step.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're thinking of becoming a business owner, go for it. No matter the outcome, your future self will thank you for the learning experience.
"Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.emmabellecandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emmabelle.candles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmabelle.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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.