Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Devigne, co-founder of Pinky Swear Candle Co., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Pinky Swear & Co., we produce amongst the cleanest, long-lasting candles on the market. Our hand-poured small-batch candles contain a natural, sustainably sourced coconut soy wax with phthalate & paraben-free fragrance and pure essential oil blends. We are a local artisanal company based in Toronto, Ontario, collaborating with Canadian markets and charities with the goal of giving back to local communities. Clean, sustainable, and made with care - We Pinky Swear.
Tell us about yourself
I'm Marc, one of the co-founders and candle makers at Pinky Swear & Co. Three of us friends came together over a shared passion for artisanal home decor and sustainable products during the pandemic, where our usual professions in the arts and travel were halted. We all decided to pivot and focus on our other passions and start a small business we could all be creative and proud of, thus the start of Pinky Swear & Co.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment has been the integration of our products in local Canadian stores and markets with consistent flow and resupplying. It makes me proud to have developed a clean, sustainable product that is in demand and loved by our customers. I am also very proud of our company's giving back policy. Right from the beginning, one of our pillar values was to give back to local charities and foundations that could use the help.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing has been the growing pains of the business and how to properly deal with the company's expansion as demand grows. It's both exciting and daunting at the same time because as your company grows, along with that comes more responsibility and management to maintain efficiency, integrity, and financial growth.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure it's a labour of love. If it's not something you love and you're only in it to make a quick dollar, this may not be for you.
- Surround yourself with those that inspire you. A good team is essential in making your business grow and run smoothly. Clear and specific task assignments and roles are crucial.
- Always keep dreaming. Often when times get really busy, we forget to set new goals or new bigger and bolder dreams. This creates stagnant energy and doesn't allow growth and ideas to flourish. Creativity should always be at the centre. Let it always inspire and set sights on the next step.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pinkyswearandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkyswearandco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkyswearandco/
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.