Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Curby Alexander, Owner of Curby Candle Creations, located in Searcy, AK, USA.

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

Curby Candle Creations is a home, bath, and body business that specializes in making natural products. I found that the right scent/ fragrance can transport you. Being in the military, I experienced so much stuff, from the harmful German dislike to falling off the side of a cliff in a Bradley fighting vehicle. The scents in my products would bring me peace.

As for my customers, I would like to say to everyone. That's not realistic, though. My customers are people that like to support others. They are caring and kind. They like quality they can see and feel but at a reasonable price. But above all, they like to know who is making their products. They like the sense of community.

Tell us about yourself

Curby Candle creations were started as a hobby. I needed something to help calm my racing thoughts from being in the army. My wife suggested aromatherapy after reading that it helps with PTSD. I started making so many candles that our home was filled with them on every surface. I gave them away at first. I didn't need so many. Curby Candle Creations was born when I realized what the aromas were doing for me. They could do for so many others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is making a quality product at a reasonable price. People of all income levels love candles, but not all can afford the luxury of the luxury brand businesses.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is finding your target audience. You want to create a product that everyone will love. It took some time for me to realize that not everyone is going to love you. You cannot please everyone no matter how hard you try.

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

My number one tip is to start. So many people spend a ton of time researching and planning. They never tend to make it out of that stage. Everything else falls into place when you stop planning, stop researching, and finally begin.

Tip two would be to stop caring what everyone thinks. So many people told me I couldn't start Curby Candle Creations or that a candle company was meant for women. At one point, I gave up. Other people's thoughts were crowding my own, and I couldn't think. It wasn't until I stopped listening to all the naysayers and finally followed what I wanted that Curby Candle Creations began to grow.

Tip three would have to be to do what you love. If you are doing it strictly for the money, it's going to grow old really fast. You have to love what you do in order to run a business. Otherwise, you will burn out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://curbycandlecreations.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curbycandlecreations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curbycandlecreations/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.