Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kala French, Owner of Wize Owl Candles, located in Queen Creek, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a concrete candle business! My goal was to create something unique and also dual-purpose - after my customers burn through their soy candles, they can reuse the container as a planter or holder! Each item is one of a kind; my customers choose their container (color and shape/size) and the scent of their choice. I offer solid colors and marble, which is always a customer favorite.
I also created a YouTube channel where I teach other candlemakers how to make their own containers. Shipping costs and shipping times can interfere with production and price. I wanted to give other candle makers a "Step by Step" and a resource to go to for this issue. I am nearing 10,000 subscribers on my YouTube and love the community we have all built together!
Tell us about yourself
I am a wife and mother of a seven-year-old boy. My son is why I got started; I was pregnant and doing all my "first-time mom" research about toxins in the house. I read an article about how most store-bought candles can be toxic. I loved burning candles in my home, so I decided to make my own out of soy wax! I made them for myself, friends, and family. I started loving the process, and my candles were turning out great so I decided to start my own business and be able to stay home with my son!
I love waking up each day and making these special candles for my customers. I feel that I am providing not only a health-conscious product but an experience! I take pride in each candle, and I love coming up with new items!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was getting monetized on YouTube within just four months! I set a goal when I started my YouTube channel - I wanted to get monetized within six months (on average, it takes about one year). I was able to reach my goal and also build an amazing community of fellow candle makers! I loved growing the channel, but my favorite thing about the exposure is that I get messages daily about how much my videos have helped other candlemakers start their businesses! It is very rewarding, and I can't wait to help more people!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things as a business owner is not giving up. I started making candles in glass and tins; they sold "okay" but I knew I needed something different and unique. Once I rebranded into my concrete candles and found my brand's "voice" everything took off! You have to keep trying new things and realize that at some point if you push hard enough and consistently, success will happen! Success to me is waking up, enjoying what you are doing, and being happy!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The three tips I would give anyone looking to start a business is first, have a plan! Take the time to come up with a business plan - it will streamline your success. Second, get on social and SHARE! I cannot say this enough: whenever you are working on your business, take photos or videos (everything is content)! People like to see who is behind the business, don't be afraid to be yourself! Lastly, don't compare yourself to others. Everyone starts from somewhere, and it can be hard not to look at your "competition" and be discouraged. Don't look at others as your competition - look at them as your INSPIRATION - that can be done! Find your unique voice and go from there!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I hope this has inspired some of you to take that leap into entrepreneurship! Start small, and you can always scale once you grow. Share your story and journey - people love a good story!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/wizeowlcandles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wizeowlcandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizeowlcandles/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalamfrench/
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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