Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paula Simmons, Owner of Creola Scents Company, located in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business sells three (3) wick candles that have a highly fragrant smell that lasts throughout the candle's life. Each candle is 14.5 ounces and is made with a pure white soy blend wax. All of my scents have a clean burn for up to forty-five (45) hours. My customers are any and everyone who loves a great-smelling candle. I pride myself on having highly fragrant candles that smell throughout my customer's homes. I have always believed customer service is the most important part of any successful business; therefore, I strive to know my customers and give them what they want. I will go above and beyond to ensure my customers get what they want. I love a good-smelling home, and fragrances have also been a huge part of my home, which is why these candles are highly fragrant, and my customers love them just as much as I do. Each candle is handcrafted in the USA and is made with our pure white soy blend wax. Each candle has an amazing fragrance, and it lasts a long time. That is something I am most proud of, and now I'm sharing it with everyone. Also, know that each order is put together with much care and love to ensure each item makes it to its destination safely. So when you receive your order, you already know it was packaged by me, and I took the extra special time and care when packaging your product(s). I want all my customers to feel appreciated and to ensure they will stick around for a long time.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Paula Simmons, and I also love a great-smelling candle. While I've been an entrepreneur for quite some time now, I wanted something different. During the pandemic, I kept asking myself what else I would like to do. As a woman of faith, I prayed. After a few weeks of starting, a candle business kept coming to the forefront of my head, and I began doing my research. That is how I decided this was the new venture I would start. Now onto the name; I wanted something that represented me and my name in some form. As a woman of faith, I prayed, and once again, it kept coming to me to use my middle name. Growing up, I didn't particularly care for my middle name; however, as I got older, I began to appreciate it more as my middle name represents my mother's name. This is how Creola Scents Company was formed. What motivates me each day is first being Thankful for another day and truly being grateful for providing a passion for candles being purchased by others. My motto is that each customer will absolutely love their product(s), and I hope each customer enjoys our products as much as I enjoy offering them to you.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments was starting my own candle business on faith. In addition, would be learning how to market my products. I'm still learning; however, when I get likes and comments on my various social media outlets, I know I'm doing something right, and it can only get better from here.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner, there is always that fear of the unknown and not knowing whether you will be successful. One must continually market their products, and social media can be very frustrating at times; however, once you see the number of views, you know you are doing something right. I have to admit there are days I don't get orders which can be very discouraging; however, the days I do get orders truly make up for those days, and I know I'm on the right path.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research to find out your niche. When you think you have done enough research, do some more. You can never know too much about what you want to start. Also, make sure you have enough funds to get started. The start-up process can be quite costly, so make sure you consider that.
- Be passionate about what you what to do. If you don't love what you're doing, then that is not the thing for you to do. Starting a business requires a lot of time, so make sure you're ready.
- Learn as much as you can when it comes to marketing your products. There are so many various apps that will help you to be successful.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://creolascentscompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Creolascentsco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creolascentsco/
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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