Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cassie Jones, Founder of Annette’s Essence, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is soy candles and all-natural body care products for all skin types. My customers are those who love a great scent for their home or office. Those who have been looking for something long-term that won’t break their skin or cause irritation. Someone who enjoys some new and different to stick with for years to come.
Tell us about yourself
I am a mother of two boys, 13 and 1, and I have a little girl on the way in November. I got into this busy because years ago, I had a friend by the name of Alex who won’t mention her last name. But she brought me a big bag of different perfumes and sprays, and she literally went through them all to tell me which ones were good together and the smells. From there, I was literally in love with scents; this was back in middle school so long time ago. I kind of ventured off to other things, and now, at 33, I’m back, ready to dig in and see what all the smells are like. The thing or people I should say that motivates me is my kids and my mother. When I first pitched the idea to her, she was like, go for it, you know. And from day one, she had been the most supportive of me because she was so proud. She was my go-to for every new scent or candle I created because she gave honest advice and didn’t hold back. I lost her back in Oct of 2021, which has been the hardest thing, but I’ve pushed forward because I know she wants me to succeed any anything that I want to do in life, and that’s all she wanted.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is being a business owner with no regrets about starting where I did. It’s you go big or go home, and I choose to move forward and push hard for the end result.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing has been even when you are sick, down, and out, work still goes on, orders are still placed, and you still have to move. When it’s just you, it can have its ups and downs, but I enjoy the challenge and the hard work and the rewards of happy customers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Prepare to work.
- Don’t give up on your dream because you get one life to live.
- Regardless of what anyone tells you or tries to convince you that you can’t know that you can and will.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.annettesessence.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnettesEssence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annettes.essence/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnettesEssence
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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