Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with LaTavia Bundage, owner of B Scentsational Candles, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

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

My business is B Scentsational Candles, an online retail candle, and wax melt store. We also sell candles wholesale.

Tell us about yourself

My name is LaTavia Bundage, owner of B Scentsational Candles. I first got the idea in 2019 while celebrating Easter with my family. The idea popped in my head, and I thought it would be easy, and not a lot of people are really selling candles that I know of. That Monday, I hit the ground running. I started creating a logo and coming up with a business name. At first, the name I came up with was Makes Scents. I began ordering candles supplies; I was very excited. All the supplies came in, and I went at it and started making candles. Boy, was I in for a surprise, lol. I didn’t have enough fragrance oil, and my research wasn’t working for me, so I just gave up. Fast forward a year later, during COVID and I decided to take that opportunity to start all over. I did so much research, hours of watching YouTube and taking notes.

I got all the formulas together and ordered the correct amount of supplies. I made my first batch of candles, and they worked out so well, and they smell so good. I was happy and was ready to hit the ground running for real this time. Once I saw how my candles were a hit, got so many great compliments, and started selling, I got my LLC. I came up with the name B Scentsational Candles with my fiancé. He really is my backbone and motivator when I feel like giving up, especially in 2021 when my great-grandma passed. I wanted to give up, but I kept hearing her voice telling me how proud she was of me. She was so happy for me when I started my business, so yeah, my great-grandma is my motivation to keep moving forward.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is going wholesale. I have people actually buying candles that I made in bulk. Like people really like my product that much. That really makes me excited.

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

To me, the hardest part is the late nights and having to do everything yourself. I’m a perfectionist so having someone help me is kind of hard because I like things a certain way.

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

  1. Stay true to yourself and do it because it’s something you enjoy doing.
  2. Don’t do it for the money.
  3. Make sure you do all your research and have a business plan.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Always remain focused, and if it’s something you love, never give up on it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bscentsationalcandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044143877107
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b_scentsational_candles/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.