Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Cunningham, Owner of 10 Acre Farm LLC, located in Gowen, MI, USA.

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

10 Acre Farm sells Michigan-inspired soy wax candles that are good for you and good for the planet, too! Our candles are made with phthalate and carcinogen-free fragrances, 100% soy wax from US soybeans, and produced without any additives or dyes. We're especially proud of our environmental efforts. We're members of 1% for the Planet, which means we are committed to donating at least 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits. On top of that, all our products are vegan and produced and shipped in fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging that is free of plastic. Most of our customers so far have been candle-loving Michiganders, but we are quickly expanding our presence across the US.

Tell us about yourself

Ever since I was a kid, I really liked the idea of owning my own business just like my parents do. I went to Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business and graduated with a degree in Supply Chain Management. I really enjoyed operations and making processes more efficient, so it was a lot of fun to study! Loyola also focuses a lot on sustainability, which was already important to me and became even more important and actionable after my time there.

Upon graduating, I began working in sales for education technology startups. I really enjoyed the overall mentality of working in a startup and appreciated the opportunity to wear multiple hats. It made me even more eager to start my own business, but I still wasn't sure what that business would be. Then I came upon candle-making.

I have always loved candles, but nearly every candle I'd buy in the store would give my partner and me a headache. So I set off to learn how to make candles that smell just as good without causing any discomfort. Along the way, I fell in love with the art of candle making, the unique characteristics (and tempermentalness) of each wax, the complexities of the fragrances, and the smiles on people's faces when they'd hold and smell one of my creations. Then I realized, this is it! This is going to be my business.

Originally from Illinois, I am now very proud to be a Michigander, so everything I make has a back story related to life in Michigan. All products are sold in plastic-free packaging and are made from high-quality, simple ingredients that look and smell good in any room. 10 Acre Farm is a member of 1% for the Planet, which means we're committed to donating at least 1% of our revenue to environmental nonprofits. This environmental focus really excites me and pushes me to keep growing our business and increasing our impact.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am especially proud of how well I handled bumps in the road, especially the ones that delayed our launch. Despite several setbacks, the business is on track or ahead of pace to hit nearly all of our goals for our first year in business.

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

The biggest challenge has been handling things out of our control. For example, supply chain issues or quality issues from suppliers. It can be frustrating to know that I did everything right, but another business's issues negatively impact mine. It's definitely taught me lessons in patience and risk management.

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

  1. Plan for the unexpected: things often take more time and money than we think they will, so make sure to add cushions into your plans so delays or added expenses aren't too big of a blow to your business.
  2. Take care of YOU: As a solopreneur, all aspects of the business count on you. It is so important to make sure you're getting enough rest, eating healthy, and prioritizing your mental health so that you can give your best self to the business and prevent burnout.
  3. Have fun!: While not every aspect of running a business is fun, it's important to find enjoyment in what you're doing and continue to find energy in the why behind your business. This is especially important if you interact directly with your customers. People can tell when you enjoy what you're doing, and your enthusiasm about your product/service will encourage others to be enthusiastic, too!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://10acrefarm.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/10acrefarm.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/10acrefarm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanygrosserbasile/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.