Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LC Griffin, Founder of The Serenity Candle Co., located in Kennesaw, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Serenity Candle Co. is a candle company located in Kennesaw, GA. Our hand-poured coconut soy candles are designed to take you on a journey outside of what is going on around you, helping to bring you a feeling of peace, love, and tranquility through every experience.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been an entrepreneur at heart, I knew at a very young age that I wanted to have my own business, but I never knew what that would be. Initially, I began this journey just looking for a company that would do a private label candle for me, and the more research I did, the more intrigued I became. I wanted to try to make them myself, so I went to Hobby Lobby, bought a candle kit, and literally fell in love with the challenge. It wasn't what I thought it would be at all, but I loved it. I wanted to create candles that made people feel at peace wherever they were, and I believe that I continue to do that. I think that's what motivates me the most, finding a way to cultivate help my customer cultivate peace — WE ALL DESERVE THAT!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say my biggest accomplishment would be seeing all of my hard work pay off. I had no idea what being a business owner would entail. I was new to it all. All the hours of research, building my own website, hours and hours of testing, branding, crying, wanting to give up, and not feeling adequate to do it. I DID IT!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think it is different for everyone. I believe starting out, we all have struggles that may not apply to the next, but I would say that one of the hardest things for me was staying true to who I am and what I wanted the Serenity Experience to be. There are so many candle companies, and it was very easy to get distracted, start changing my brand, or do what everyone else was doing. I wanted to appeal to everyone, but that is unrealistic! You will NOT please everyone, and that is perfectly fine. BE YOURSELF! STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE! Your customers are out there, and they will come.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't overthink it, or you will never do it.
- Be open to expanding your knowledge. You can always learn more about your craft.
- Make sure your financials are in order. When I started, I was pricing things based on emotions or what I saw someone else doing and lost a lot of money. You must take that time to go over your finances each month.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
In the beginning, it is going to be less than perfect, but you have to start. Do not allow yourself to start comparing your 1-month-old business to one that's five years old. You will get there, and it'll be worth it. Stay focused and remember your why.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theserenitycandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theserenitycandleco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theserenitycandleco/
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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