Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heidi Beckles, co-owner of Lot 23 Chandler Co., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Hi, there, future Chandlers!

We are Lot 23 Chandler Co. A candle-making workshop company. We provide specialty candle-making workshops geared towards learning the fundamentals of craft candle-making.

In addition, we also provide educational feedback that is filled with a wealth of information. The feedback is geared to either help you build your own candle brand (we also provide private labels) or help you learn more about how scent plays a pivotal role in the process of recalling (a process that is more conversational and therapeutic).

Tell us about yourself

Hello fellow readers! My name is Heidi B. I’m a South American native-born in the country of Guyana. However, I’ve called the United States home since the early ’90s. Residing in Brooklyn, New York. I’m the co-owner of Lot 23 Chandler Co. Our company at this moment consist of three members where our creative director plays a huge role in executing what our customers would best enjoy while getting their olfaction on. During our lockdown, I think we all had plenty of time to think. And just like that, I decided that two, three, four streams of income are necessary, especially in an unpredictable economy.

My motivation surrounds many things. However, I’d say that the top two would be 1. having a piece of the American Pie. 2. Setting forth actually to have the ability to have an empire (I mean, how amazing would that be, to be able to supply jobs for my immediate community). 3. While teaching a class, the wow factor from our students is always reassuring that we are on the right track.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’d say the biggest accomplishment would be that we actually planned and jumped off the cliff. This would follow with our brick-and-mortar efforts in attracting customers. I personally had to learn very fast how to apply SEO to our web operating system. We went from having just five customers to outreach to an ongoing list.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I’d say 1. staying the course, 2. taking feedback, 3. work-life balance, and 4. staying a breast with ways to appeal to a wide audience. This is not limited to.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Planning! It will save you a good amount of money!
  2. As you respect your customer, respect your employees
    and of course yourself!
  3. Listen and apply/comply with customer feedback at your earliest convenience. It’s data you don’t have to pay for. This includes internal customers as well.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Marketing has so many factors and sides! After each service with each customer, send an authentic Thank You email/letter. In today’s re-established shopping experience- keep these two things in mind:

  1. Traditional customer service is vital for brick-and-mortar businesses. It’s a new reimagined currency!
  2. You will be dealing with luxury customers! Attention to detail is everything!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lot23chandlerco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lot23chandlerco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lot23chandlerco/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.