Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa-Monet Young, Co-Founder of The Inner Scents, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Inner Scents is a luxury vegan candle company that promotes mental health and wellness through aromatics. We inspire others to prioritize self-care and hope to drive our custom scents to do so.
Tell us about yourself
When I began The Inner Scents, I was working in a place that did not prioritize mental health and caused me much anguish. I had come to the point where I needed mental health days where I would clean and do much-needed self-care. I would always light a candle during this routine to set the mood. However, after doing my research, I realized the toxins in the beloved candles I had been purchasing for years. I then took what I loved and put that drive into creating my business. The ability to create customized scents motivated me even more as most companies I researched had many of the same fragrances. I wanted to create vegan and all-natural candles that were safe for the home and enhanced the mood of those who purchased them. Thankfully I have not had a candle yet that has not gotten the reaction of "this smells good too." Every fragrance is unique, ligers in the home, and will leave you wanting more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is to be able to do the things that I love on a daily basis. Before I became a business owner, it was very hard for me to report to a profession that did not value my talents. As a business owner, you work more and longer hours for yourself, but many times you do not see it as work when it is something that you are fully passionate about.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is continuing to motivate yourself and stay focused. Although you may be passionate about it, you can hit a creativity roadblock and feel stuck. Often it is the hardest thing to get past as you look to others in the same business for motivation, and you fear that you are just another number.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a business plan, and know your mission, vision, and goal. Without that, it is hard to stay focused on why you started.
- Do not be afraid to attend local events. You have to start somewhere, and most times word of mouth sales are your biggest drive compared to the internet. Everyone can't be a viral sensation.
- Stay motivated. Your time will come, do not compare your success to others. One step at a time will get you to where you want to be if you continue to put in the work to get there.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Before my company reached my one-year mark, I had already started another business into which I could incorporate candles. I decided to become a doula to help decrease the statistic in Black maternal health of women dying 3x's more than their counterparts. I knew my 'why' and have been motivated ever since. About 2-3 years ago, when the pandemic began, I told myself I wanted to have multiple income streams. Soon it no longer became about the money. It was about the impact I wanted to make in my community and eventually globally.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://theinnerscents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinnerscents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinnerscents/
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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