Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chelsea Warren, candle creator at Little White Bird Candle Co., located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Poured locally in Winnipeg, Manitoba - Little White Bird Candle Co. first went from dream to reality in East Braintree, a small community close to the Whiteshell. In the country, away from the urban bustle, life’s a little slower, sweeter, and quieter. Life’s problems seem to melt away, somewhere between the wheat fields and the bright blue skies.
With roots deep in the country, Little White Bird Candle Co. strives to keep that connection and small-town feeling alive. Offering our highly popular Succulent Decor candle, seasonal candles, pillar decor candles, essential oil candle, crystal candles, tea lights, and wax melts - there truly is something for everyone. If you’re someone who is looking for natural, quality candles that look great too, then Little White Bird Candle Co. is for you!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Chelsea, and I have been making candles for a few years now. Previously my mom had started making candles herself, and she passed everything on to me as she thought it would be something I would enjoy doing. I was looking for something to be able to work on at home for myself and get out of the 9-5 job routine. I had always wanted to be able to find work to do that didn’t seem like a job and was something I was passionate about. Making candles became the perfect thing for me; it allowed me to have a creative outlet and make money doing something I was passionate about. When I had my daughter, it became even more important to me to make this work so I would be able to work from home and be there for her.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Every sale to me is an accomplishment, but I suppose some of the notes were applying to larger markets and being accepted to those. It’s a great feeling knowing that a large market like that sees you as a good fit and sees value in your products or sees them as something unique to offer shoppers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Probably adapting to new social media trends is really a struggle for me. Creating content for things like reels and TikToks that are super popular right now is definitely a struggle for me. I am definitely an introvert so putting myself out there and showing my face on my stories and content is really hard for me. I will say it is a challenge to try and carve out your niche in your field when it comes to offering different or unique products than your competitors. Since the pandemic started, a lot of people have taken to starting their own business from home doing many different things so it can happen where there are a lot of candle makers in your area; for example, you have to find out what makes your products different and special.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It takes time. It’s definitely not an overnight success story. It can take years to build a solid customer base, figure out your brand, build a following, etc. So stay persistent.
- Expect to wear many hats. Oftentimes start-up businesses require you, the maker, to essentially handle every aspect of a business. Social media content creator, product maker, product tester, marketing, finances, salesperson, the list goes on. On, you are a one-person show unless you’re lucky enough to have someone helping you out!
- Know your customer. Figure out as specifically as you can. This will help in marketing; knowing when your best sales are and what your customer values and is looking for in a product is extremely important.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Having your own business is a ton of work, but it is extremely rewarding and satisfying to know that it is something you created and worked hard for. It’s extremely satisfying to know that people are enjoying something you created with your own hands. Businesses will have highs and lows; there may be times you question if you should keep going; just know that great things take time. As cliche as that sounds, it is true. Find your passion and make it work for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://littlewhitebirdcandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleWhiteBirdCandleCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlewhitebirdcc/
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.
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