Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trinity Bopp, Founder of Azure Dreams Candles, located in Aurora, CO, USA.

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

We sell environment-friendly soy candles and wax melts; we use soy as it is better for the environment due to no toxic chemicals being released into the air, there’s no soot that gets onto your walls or furniture after the candle is burned, not to mention our candles last longer due to soy wax burns slower. We have scents ranging from softer to stronger to be inclusive to everyone’s candle needs. We sell to people who love luxury candles that are better for the environment!

Tell us about yourself

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved candles and used to collect them. During the pandemic, I saw everybody start to pick up new hobbies, so I started to get into candle-making. My father and grandparents own their own businesses, so owning a small business runs through my veins. Once I realized candle-making was my calling, I created Azure Dreams Candles. Watching my family succeed in owning businesses keeps me motivated to succeed as well.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would have to be my launch. I focused solely on my launch for two straight weeks regardless of the fact that I had a full-time job to prepare for my launch. I focused hard on making products, advertising my business, and my launch; my hard work paid off! I had lots of sales on launch and proved that my dedication to my business is what I needed to succeed.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is time management. I have a full-time job running a store for another company on top of running Azure Dreams Candles. I have found that owning a small business requires 24/7 attention and dedication, and that can be quite difficult with how much I work. I often find myself working on Azure Dreams Candles while on my days off from my full-time job.

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

  1. Advertise. Advertise in any way you can, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, flyers, anything, and everything to get your business out there. You won’t have a clientele if nobody knows your business exists. Learn your market and who buys the product you sell and learn to advertise to them.
  2. Patience. Being patient is KEY when running a business. There will always be days/weeks/even months where a business will be slow. Being patient and keeping yourself dedicated to your line of work will ensure your success.
  3. Learn the numbers. Sure, you can hire an accountant or advisor, but nobody should know your business as well as you do. Learn profit vs. loss. Learn how much you need to sell before you start to break even and eventually turn a profit. That’ll help you price your products or services, help you save money on supplies, and it’ll help you learn how to sell your product, what sells well, and what doesn’t. These numbers will help you adapt to your market. I learned from personal experience working in retail.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I love owning a small business for two big reasons.

  1. I take pride in knowing we sell affordable, quality candles that are not harmful to the environment, and I know my customers are receiving products they will love.
  2. I get to meet other small business owners, and we get to make friends and support one another. Creating a community of small business owners who build each other up is the best feeling on the planet.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://azuredreamscandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azuredreamscandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azuredreamscandles/

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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