Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amber Tisdale, Founder of Birch Candle Studio, located in Hanwell, NB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Birch Candle Studio is located in the small community of Hanwell, New Brunswick. We hand-pour our candles in our studio and have a small retail space where we showcase our products and those of other local crafters and artisans. We sell not only through our brick-and-mortar location but also on our website, Etsy, and Faire to reach customers and retailers worldwide.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mom and wife and first started making candles as a hobby to make custom candles as gifts for friends and family, selling some at craft markets to recoup my costs. My husband, who has always been my biggest supporter, started talking to fellow entrepreneurs and local small businesses about my candles, and soon enough, I was receiving orders from retailers and event organizers for custom candles. I quickly outgrew my small kitchen operation and decided it was time to make a go at turning Birch Candle Studio into a "real business." We opened our Brick-and-mortar location in February 2022 and our e-commerce website soon afterward. I love the creativity making candles allow me, and meeting so many wonderful customers and fellow entrepreneurs has been truly wonderful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was believing in myself and my product to take the leap into opening the business. I have an amazing support system that has been with me every step of the way. Without that, I am not sure if this dream would have been possible. I am now supplying candles to retailers throughout North America, and to have others appreciate what I create, is truly a blessing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges is that owning your own business takes a lot of sacrifices. It takes a while to create momentum and start earning a wage, so you will find yourself working long hours, on very little sleep, for little to no pay. It must be a labour of love and takes a lot of persistence and determination if a business is going to succeed. Marketing and collaboration are also aspects that need to be worked on in order to help your business grow. There are so many things required to build your business, and it can sometimes feel like you are being pulled in many different directions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first tip to anyone looking to start a business is to network. Talk to other business owners in your area that may want to collaborate on some level. The more people know about your product or service, the better!
Secondly, expect to give away some products as testers or samples to create a buzz and awareness about your new business. If your business focuses on service, create a few giveaways for free service to build your clientele and receive positive reviews and referrals.
Lastly, don't give up! There are going to be slow days and some that bring in no money at all. That is ok! Look at it as an opportunity to brainstorm and plan for the next phase of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.birchcandlestudio.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birchcandlestudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birchcandlestudio/
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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