Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brian Palmer, owner of Canada Candle, located in Lakefield, ON, Canada.

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

Canada Candle was created in a small barn in North Eastern Ontario, Canada, in 2002. After learning all the facts about all the chemicals that go into paraffin candles and the pollution they create and seeing all the adulterated "beeswax candles" being sold on the market as pure beeswax, we decided to start making and selling 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles. Our candles are all handcrafted and are only made with 100% pure Canadian beeswax and 100% pure cotton wicks. Our customers are people that love the long-burning properties of beeswax, love the wonderful glow from beeswax, or have allergies. Beeswax is hypo-allergenic, which is great for people with allergies or sensitivities and those of us who want clean-burning candles in our homes.

Tell us about yourself

I have been making candles for over 20 years. My father had an Apiary where we had been producing honey for generations. After learning all the facts about all the chemicals that go into paraffin candles and the pollution they create and seeing all the adulterated "beeswax candles" being sold on the market as pure beeswax, we decided to start making and selling 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Running a successful business for 20 years, creating beautiful, healthy products, and hearing the stories from people have made me feel like a success.

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

Starting the business was difficult without having a business background. There are plenty of resources now to help a business owner that wasn't around 20 years ago. Social media and the ever, quickly changing advertising market are challenging to keep up with.

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

  1. Start with something you have a passion for, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
  2. Manage your time, and don't overload yourself.
  3. Have the right 'team' around you, network, and create mutually beneficial relationships.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://canadacandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadacandle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadacandle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/canadacandle

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.