Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tiffany Sy, owner of Lorray & Co., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lorray & Co is a Signature Scent Wellness House that creates clean, luxurious, handmade products such as Coconut Wax Candles, Room Fragrances, and Bath & Body Care. Our Products offer our Customers the ability to shop quality intention focused products that not only give back to their mental health and well-being but are also Sustainable and Multi-Purposeful.
Tell us about yourself
As an Artist and Designer, I have always been creative and knew I was going to give back to the world through my creativity. I’ve worked as a Fashion Designer for over eight years in sportswear and just knew I was going to one day start my own clothing company and or collaborate with a well know athletic brand. However, my life’s path spiraled in another direction in 2020 during the pandemic. After contracting COVID-19, I incorporated lighting candles into my bath time routine to aid in my recovery.
During this time, I was highly frustrated with the lack of therapeutic scent offerings with candles on the market. Therefore the idea of making my own candles came to mind in which the birth Lorray & Co Signature Scent Wellness House was born. Creating and building a brand that is visually stimulating and offers amazing scented good-for-you items is what keeps me motivated. I love hearing our customer’s positive feedback and stories of how Lorray & Co products satisfy and enhance their everyday lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is how we serve the market with top-quality customer care. We are a family-run business, and it is important that we treat each customer like they are members of our own family. I take pride in solving the needs of my customers. This is why we have a high percentage of repeat sales. Our customers feel welcomed and heard. Therefore they always come back to shop with us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Marketing and Raising Money to scale has been one of the most challenging parts of owning a business. We are a new company and predominantly sell via e-commerce, so marketing our brand online has been really tough. We are not social media savvy, and learning how to produce fresh content to capture views has been a learning experience. Also, competing with thousands of other small businesses for the same grants and capital has also been very challenging. Bootstrapping can only take your business so far if your goal is to scale.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Definitely save up some money first! Starting a product-based business requires a lot of upfront costs. Secondly, take your time and start off small. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with larger companies that have been around way longer than you have. Last but not least, use your superpowers to stand out amongst competitors. Your superpower is that unique thing that makes your business special and that your customer will always remember you for.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Always seek out education. Having a business mentor is something that I highly recommend, as they can help shape you into becoming a better leader and making the right decisions for your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lorrayco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorrayco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrayco/
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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