Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jacob Johnson, CEO, and founder of Calyan Wax Co., located in Arlington, TX, USA.

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

We are a give-back natural soy candle brand focused on giving you a simple way to take a stand against human trafficking in America. 5% of Calyan revenue is donated on a monthly basis to our trusted and vetted nonprofit partner working to give freedom, hope, and dignity back to victims of trafficking.

Our customers are socially and eco-conscious people who care about products that are safe, well-crafted, and give back to help the local community. We sell our products in Whole Foods (SW region at the moment), hundreds of independent stores across the country, and through our website.

Tell us about yourself

I started Calyan to do something about the issue of human trafficking. I'm passionate about this issue because I have an innate longing for justice—for the pursuit of the vulnerable that are being bought and sold as if they have no dignity. If you take even an hour of your time to study the dark world of trafficking, your heart will begin to wrench. It goes against the sanctity of life. I know I am not alone in my longing for justice and restoration. We all desire it—we just have busy lives, and there are a lot of social missions to engage with. That's why I wanted to create a simple, palatable, tangible action step for you to take towards a life of advocacy against human trafficking. That is the core reason Calyan exists.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We've been able to donate over $210,000 to our partner, Traffick911. I am so proud of every single Calyan employee and customer that has made this possible. These dollars have to lead to significant healing and restoration.

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

The constant worry and struggle over not having enough money while pursuing fast growth and profitability. You have to balance the pursuit of growth, profitability, and timing of fundraising to align with your ultimate goals. Five years into the business and I am still struggling with this balance.

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

  1. Expect it to be the hardest thing you've ever done.
  2. First things first, see if the market likes your product. THEN, go build the operations behind it.
  3. Error on the side of extreme transparency. People are looking for brands they can trust-- don't fall into the marketing trap that says you have to outwit your consumer.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Calyan is first and foremost successful because of the powerful hand of God over this business. He is doing BIG things through this business. We are simply choosing to honor Him by operating this business with integrity and treating people with dignity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.calyanwaxco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calyanwaxco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calyanwaxco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calyan-wax-co/

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.