Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zaid Gallo, Co-Owner of 7th Street Candle Co., located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are 7th Street Candle Co. Our products are meant to inspire curiosity about nature. To make our candles and oils, we use aromatics that are grown here in Texas. Each season, we take inspiration from new sources and share what we learn with our customers. Our customers come from many different backgrounds, but they all enjoy good smells.
Tell us about yourself
I love to garden. Fresh mint, brightly colored tomatoes, jasmine flowers... so many plants in the garden have wonderful aromas! I really enjoy discovering these and combining them together in new ways. Making candles and teaching workshops has become a way to connect with my local community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We recently opened our own brick & mortar shop! Making the jump from online to having your own storefront is a huge commitment and should be taken very seriously. At the same time, I will always fondly remember painting the walls and building each piece of furniture with help from my partner and friends. It's really wonderful to create a space that is truly your own!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Working on the weekends. There's no PTO when you're in business on your own. I once had an employee quit the day before a big event. I had to step in and work. Sometimes stuff like that happens, but it's worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn some basic bookkeeping or hire someone to help you. You will see a lot of benefits if you manage your finances actively from the beginning. It can cost money and time upfront but trust me, it will pay off.
- Put trust in your employees. Try to hire people who are hard workers and who you get along with. Give them direction but don't micromanage. Sometimes, they will fail, but it's part of the process.
- Don't get too caught up in social media. Your business might need social to grow, but it's hard to stay grounded when you are comparing your progress to everyone else's.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.7thstreetcandle.co/
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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