Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Camp, Owner of Camp Candle Co., located in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

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

West Coast Inspired. Nature Derived.
Camp Candle Co. is a proud maker of hand-poured artisan candles, gifts, and home products. Our candles and melts are made with organic soy and coconut wax that is sustainably grown and harvested. Our products contain no paraffin, phthalates, or any other harsh chemicals. We strive to use the cleanest burning ingredients sourced from environmentally sustainable methods in order to protect your home, family, and environment.

All of our products are ethical, sustainable, and vegan, and a portion of your purchase is donated to various local non-profit agencies that focus on sustainability, environmentalism, and youth leadership. I think it is important to put a lot of research into the industry you are in, both the good and the bad, and do your best to create a product that you can stand behind. My customers know and appreciate that I have done my due diligence to create a product that is both clean for our homes and for our environment. Of course, having a love for candles, the environment, and the beautiful West Coast doesn't hurt!

Tell us about yourself

I have always loved having a creative outlet and found it to be a very necessary part of my well-being. When I started making candles, I loved the combination of art and science. There is a lot of chemistry involved in the craft! When I started doing a deep dive into candle-making and the candle industry (especially the range of different types of candles, all with their own pros and cons) is when I became goal-oriented to create a line of products that were both healthy to use in our homes and sustainable for the environment.

It was also important to me to create a holistic business model. What that meant to me was finding a way to give back to the earth in a very tangible way by supplying me with the materials necessary to sustain my business. This is why I support and donate towards causes with a focus on environmental stewardship. I love what I do, and I have amazing customers and the support of other amazing small business owners. This motivates me every day to do what I do and loves it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner was making it through the first two years. The first year is especially hard as there is just so much learning and adjusting and budgeting and everything that comes along with starting and running a business. It can be really tough on so many levels, and sometimes it can feel really lonely and uncertain. As a business owner, I think it is so important to recognize all of the little accomplishments that we do every day throughout the day, as well as the big accomplishments.

It's the little accomplishments that are going to keep your business going (providing excellent customer service, knowing your brand and industry, being a nice person, etc.) and the big accomplishments that push your business into further growth. If you never focus and reward yourself for all of the little steps you take every day in your business, it's going to be harder to reach those big accomplishments.

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

I think one of the hardest things about being a business owner is keeping balanced and not letting doubtful or negative thoughts stay in my head. I am a mom, a wife, a whole person with my own needs and goals outside of my business, as well as a business owner. It's so easy, especially as you are trying to grow, to lose yourself in your business and have that take over other aspects of your life. But it's so important to remember to take time for yourself, for your family, and for the things you enjoy outside of your business.

It's also important not to let negativity or doubtful thinking dominate your headspace. Of course, we are all going to go through periods where we may be doubting whether we are cut out for the entrepreneur life. Just don't let it take root and live there. Remind yourself to focus on the things you can control and do your best at it.

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

  1. Don't just choose something solely because you think that it will make you easy money. I guarantee you will be bored of it in a year (and chances are the money won't be as easy as you thought).
  2. Research, research, research! If you think you know an industry you might be interested in pursuing, become an expert on it. Do as much research as you can (not just the positive, get into the real nitty gritty). It is so important to know both sides of your industry (every industry has a dark side) and where you are going to position yourself.
  3. Remain loyal to your brand. If you show confidence in your brand, your customers will see that and be confident in it too.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner is not easy....at all. There are a lot of challenges on a daily basis that can take their toll on you personally, financially, mentally, etc. Be prepared to tackle these challenges head-on. But if you move wisely through your business and find something that you love doing, it can be incredibly rewarding. Despite all of the challenges, I absolutely love what I do. If you are ready to start your entrepreneur journey, go for it! You yourself will be your biggest cheerleader so remember to invest in yourself, remain positive and pat yourself on the back for all the little things... and then just keep going. And best of luck to all the current and future entrepreneurs out there! I am rooting for you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.campcandleco.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campcandleco.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campcandleco.ca/

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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