Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Oddette Staple-Brown, Owner of Oh D'Luxe Candle Company, located in Bridgeport, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a candle and home fragrance company located in Bridgeport, CT. Our products are made with the eco-conscious shopper in mind. All our candles are made from 100% soy wax, phthalate-free and carcinogen-free fragrance oils, and cotton core wicks for a cleaning burn. Our room sprays and pillow mist are made from all-natural ingredients while purposeful in remaining affordable.
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved candles and wanted to embark on making my own; however, I never had the time. Fast forward to the pandemic, the world stood still, and I had the time to not only hear my thoughts but also act upon them. While thinking of something to pass the time at home, I remembered that I was interested in making candles.
I watched youtube videos, joined a few Facebook candlemaking groups, purchased supplies, and started practicing making candles. I caught on pretty quickly and confidently burned them around my home. I was so proud of them as they were exactly what I wanted in a candle, clean burning, long-lasting, and could fill a room with an amazing aroma.
My husband smelt the candles I had burning around our home and suggested I sell them. He thought they were that good! We marketed them to our church family, family members, and friends. We sold out three times upon our first soft launch, and the rest is history.
Running a small business is a very daunting process, but the acceptance of our products by our customers and their feedback continue to push us to exceed yesterday's best.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is running this business mainly solo. My husband works full-time and helps out with the heavy lifting, etc. But I wear all the hats in this business; I am the CEO, the accountant, the social media strategist, the marketing manager, the sales and packaging manager, etc.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe this is not a one size fits all response to this question. For me personally, it is increasing brand awareness, especially in an oversaturated market.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just Start the Business - If you have an idea for a business, do not allow the fact that there are other people out there doing the exact same thing to dissuade you from starting your business.
- Conduct Market Research - Prior to starting your business, conduct extensive market research. This will help you get a better understanding of whether or not your product is needed and, if it's a need/want, how it will perform in the market.
- Create and write your business plan - Business plans help to create clarity in your decision-making, help to determine financial needs from the onset, and create an effective strategy for your growth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ohdluxecandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohdluxecandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohdluxecandles/
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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