Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dejah Martin, Founder, and CEO of Bleu Wick, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bleu Wick is a vegan-cruelty-free candle company. Our candles are made of 100% coconut soy wax, hand-poured right in Queens, New York! We make our candles for candle connoisseurs who are looking for luxury candles without the luxury price tag.
Tell us about yourself
What first motivated me to start my business was my love for candle-making. I often would attend candle-making classes at a local small business in my community. It truly became a staple in my self-care ritual. I often would make candles just to gift them to friends and family. Once the pandemic was at its peak and I lost my job, candle-making was one of the few things that brought me happiness in such a dark place in life. My friends and family were my main support system who encouraged me to take the leap of faith and begin making candles. What motivates me most to do what I do is the values that I built my brand off of. The origin of the name Bleu Wick is to be a vessel in regard to color therapy. The color blue represents courage, trust, integrity, and loyalty. These are the values I keep top of mind while making each candle. I truly believe that candles are a vessel for transferable energy. The energy I put out while making candles is absorbed by who burns it. I make a conscious effort to always ensure I’m in the right state of mind while making my candles. Bleu Wick started out as a hobby but turned into part of my livelihood, and I couldn’t Be more thankful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner definitely has the opportunity to sell my candles in a local small business. It truly was a testament that I was in the right line of business and really helped validate my passion.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is consistency. I run everything by myself. Social media, orders, inquiries, pop-up shops, etc. I’d be lying if I said it was easy, and I have had times where I’ve fallen off while trying to balance life, relationships, and my 9-5 that supports my lifestyle. I think what keeps me grounded, though, is that people love the work I provide, and I constantly get the positive affirmation I need when the time is right.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top 3 tips I’d give to anyone looking to start a business would be to find your why, perfect your craft, and be willing to take criticism from others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bleuwick.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleuwick/
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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