Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Diana Gutierrez, Founder of Wicks Only LLC, located in Coral Springs, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Wicks Only LLC is a candle supplier established in the South Florida area in 2021 to serve our local community by offering over 100 different types of wicks, wick sustainers, and other products. We also provide additional services to the candle industry, such as candle formulation and wick optimization, utilizing my fragrance and candle combustion expertise. Of course, my customers are candle makers and companies in different industries that want to have their own candle line. I have worked with clients ranging from high-end boutiques, exclusive shoe designer stores, yoga studios, social media influencers, and many others.
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from the State University of New York as a molecular Biologist. After college, I worked many different technical jobs, in which I picked up skills that led me to the candle industry. One important skill that got me into the candle world was the specialized training in sensory evaluation of fragrance components while working at two different companies. I worked in the fragrance industry and then changed careers to work as a Research and Development Manager in a candle wick company, leading me to establish Wicks Only LLC and distribute candle wicks eventually. What motivates me each day is knowing that I have the opportunity to help candle makers/companies to make the best version of their candles by creating a safe and enjoyable product.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was being able to start a successful e-commerce business in today’s challenging and competitive market. As an immigrant Latina woman, I feel proud of my achievements. Hopefully, I can motivate other women to achieve their dreams as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest things that come with being a business owner are trying to have control of everything when you really can’t and being able to stay afloat when difficult times come. Owning a business involves a lot of hard work, dedication, and time. Having an E-commerce business is more challenging because, as I said before, with a competitive market, you need to learn the backend of platforms used and marketing strategies to get more traffic on your web store. Another factor has availability at all times to help potential customers with questions and/or concerns.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips I give to anyone looking to start their own business today are: belief in yourself, persevere when times get tough, and enjoy every aspect of the journey.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner is hard, but it is also very rewarding; in the end, you are your own boss. Just keep pushing and believe in yourself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.wicksonly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wicks_only/
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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