Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Audrey Jahanian, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of 7th Street Candle Co., located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
7th Street Candle Co is the brainchild of myself and my partner Zaid and was established in 2018. We pour sustainable and natural coconut-soy candles in Austin, TX. We team up with local farms and businesses to bring the most aromatic Texas-grown ingredients into our products. The candles are also embellished with dried flowers and herbs that signify what exactly goes into them. We offer all sorts of Texas-inspired scents, as well as custom candles for clients and other small businesses. We definitely love seeing the faces our customers make when they open a jar and smell what's inside!
Tell us about yourself
I run another business that is primarily art-based, and at a gallery show I was participating in several years ago, I decided to sell handmade candles that ended up selling out! My partner has a tech background and wanted to learn a new tactile craft, so we started pouring candles together for my art business for events and shows I would do. Immediately, it was made apparent that the two business ideas needed to be their own individual ventures; thus, 7th Street Candle Co began! Since then, we have gained clientele all across the nation with our signature line of candles and aromatherapy products, as well as custom and wholesale orders for weddings, stores, showers, and the like. About a year into our business, we also started teaching workshops at local shops and team-building events. Every day is new; being a very small team of two and the occasional contracted help, we tend to take care of everything that a business requires to stay open! Whether I am pouring candles, ordering materials, fulfilling and shipping, website building, bills, and taxes, etc., each day is different and very rewarding.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The moment we stopped cold calling businesses to wholesale with, that felt HUGE! We had garnered enough attention through marketing to be the one contacted for some amazing opportunities and clients. The hustle never goes away, and we still love to reach out to potential businesses to partner with. In any case, it's always a pleasure creating something new and exciting for a client or brand we support.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Even with some prior knowledge about what goes into a business, I feel I'm still a novice with a lot of tasks. I've gone to seminars to learn about taxes; I have contacted business counselors and attorneys to get several questions answered, and yet I am still learning and adapting. It was tough in the beginning, trying to get income going and getting our bearings as a new fresh-faced brand on the market. And there will always be points where you feel growing pains or if your business will be accepted and successful. I think clocking in and doing my best to give the best product I can possibly produce is the key and that alone keeps me going!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Everyone starts somewhere! I remember interviewing local small businesses in college to see how they got their start, and it definitely varied, but the most basic beginnings began with a table, a sink, and motivation. I would also look into joining a class or seminar for calculating taxes correctly(until you are able to hire an accountant!). And lastly, figure out your online presence and how that will benefit you and your business. I highly suggest creating a website to share your product digitally and using that information to share with others to start following your journey.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.7thstreetcandle.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seventhst.candleco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7thstreetcandle.co/
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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