Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teri Johnson, founder of Harlem Candle Company, located in Harlem, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Harlem Candle Co. is a luxury home fragrance brand specializing in scented candles inspired by the richness of Harlem. Founded in 2014, the Harlem Candle Company is the manifestation of my love affair with fragrance, jazz, and Harlem. Our customers are lovers of luxury fragrance, jazz, and Harlem!
Tell us about yourself
I grew obsessed with my favorite aunt's collection of exotic perfumes and travel stories, planting the seed for my own relationship with travel and fragrances. Through my travels to nearly 70 countries, I discovered the power of scent and its ability to transport you through time and place. I am a native Texan, decided to make the New York City neighborhood of Harlem my permanent home.
Through intense research, I discovered Harlem's vibrant and rich past. Music icons including Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, who performed at clubs such as the Savoy Ballroom, the colorful areas of Harlem's Sugar Hill, and Lenox Avenue, all inspired me to share these stories.
The Harlem Candle Co. began in my kitchen in 2014. I now design fragrances alongside award-winning perfumers to produce beautifully scented candles that celebrate the Harlem Renaissance.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The most rewarding part of being a business owner is sharing the history behind the beautiful products that enhance people’s lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Running a business means being immersed in every aspect of the company, not just those that are "fun." That being said, it can be hard having to learn all the ins and outs of the business from the inside out, but it's also extremely rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are to believe in yourself, trust your intuition, and not be afraid to try.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarlemCandleCompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemcandlecompany/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarlemCandles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harlem-candle-co/
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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