Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gregory Swann, Founder of Swann Family Candle Company, located in Whitehall, WI, USA.

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

We make and sell all-natural Candles, wax melts, personal care products for men, and 100% pure essential oils for people who desire the truly clean and pour experience of using products that are handmade to order from high-quality all-natural ingredients. The main goal of our company has always been to use only non-toxic, all-natural resources that are friendly to our environment as well as our body. And to provide our customers with a truly remarkable experience.

Tell us about yourself

My wife and I actually started this business as a way to remove toxins from our home and personal space. It was not long after we started making our own candles and wax melts that we figured out that we could sell them. People coming over to our home were continuously commenting on the unique smells and how they loved our hand soup in the bathroom. Within the first year, our youngest son and daughter started to get involved at first by helping us make the products and then later by helping more with the business aspect and selling of the product, which gave us an opportunity to teach them about business. The thing that motivates me the most at this point is the reactions and feedback I get about our products. We have never had a negative review; knock on wood, I know, but for the last six years, not one person has said I don't like your product, or your service was terrible, which is something I'm really proud of.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to create something that I'm passionate about and then be able to share it with my family and my customers. We have built an organic business in multiple senses of the word, and we intend to keep it that way for as long as we are around.

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

Building the Brand. This is basically a sales function in my mind, and it takes time and patience to go from hey, we make candles to having people that love your products and become loyal customers. So outside of Building the Brand, I would also say the patience to stick with it and see it through the tough times.

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

  1. Do not try to spend your way to success. It is important for the success of your business that you keep your business and your finances healthy. Going into debt is very much like catching a disease that can become fatal if you do not manage it responsibly.
  2. Make sure that what your doing serves a purpose for others. If it is all about making money, then it will potentially be a soul-sucking experience, and you will hate it.
  3. Have fun and make sure that you enjoy what you do.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a product-based business is tough, and you're probably not going to see any financial rewards for the first few years. In fact, you will probably not even be able to pay yourself for the first 6 - 12 months, so make sure that you are mentally and financially ready for that. Outside of that, Don't take yourself too seriously; the customers know you are a small business, and most would be honored to help you if you let them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://swannfam.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWANN4U
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swann4u/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandleSwann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swann-family-candle-company

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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