Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Mynatt, founder of Fire Within Candle Company, LLC., located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Welcome to Fire Within, a space where you can be happily, imperfectly, and unapologetically you. We believe that you have it within yourself to find joy, embrace your passions, and discover your purpose. Our clean-burning coconut soy wax candles are designed to help you do just that.
Our signature ignite collection is filled with reminders to embrace the imperfect, bask in a mess, and believe that you can do whatever the #$@!% you are passionate about! We hope you’ll explore our collection, discover the message that speaks to you, and fill your home with notes of scent and sincerity from Fire Within Candle Co.
Tell us about yourself
Hi! I'm Kelly, the founder of Fire Within. After years of feeling exhausted and uninspired as a mom of 4, I decided to create a collection of candles that felt true to my experience and realized a lot of other women could relate to how I was feeling too!
What began as a hobby to clear my head and occupy my hands quickly turned into the spark that reignited the passion I felt for life. Even if I could only dedicate a few minutes to it some days, this new project felt like something that was finally mine and gave me purpose alongside motherhood. The most unexpected surprise was that finding my purpose didn't distract me from my parenting duties. In a lot of ways, it actually made me a better mom. I was excited to wake up in the morning. I enjoyed the time spent with my family more. I had a creative outlet that helped me see the humor and silver lining even in the tough moments.
This business has changed everything for me and made me realize that I had a fire inside me all along. I just needed something to ignite it. That's what my candles are all about. They're not the finishing touch to a perfectly-styled home or another forgotten accent piece that will get buried under a pile of lunchboxes and winter coats. They're a series of mantras and messages that remind us to find ourselves amidst the craziness of life. They remind us to make lemonade when life gives us lemons, take time for ourselves when we need it, and enjoy every moment despite the mess.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The connections that I have made with women/moms who are validating the normalcy we all feel. Although our journeys may not all be the same, we can empower, lift, and encourage one another. I am so grateful for the community I am building and the relationships I am developing. Customers purchase the products I make with my own hands to bring positivity and joy to their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be very lonely in terms of running the business and not having a partner to share it with. I have to make all the decisions, be on top of things, and continuously learn new things and improve. It can become very exhausting!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You are worth the investment. Never doubt that you can do anything you put your heart into and that you deserve the joy it brings.
- The first year is building your foundation. There are SO many hurdles you will go through that first year. You will feel like you are not progressing at times...but you really are!
- Don't forget to enjoy the ride. It's easy to get lost in all the things you have to do and how well others are doing. Your business should bring you joy. Don't lose sight of your mission.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://firewithinco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firewithin.candleco/
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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