Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mya Johnson, founder of Cyan Candle Co., located in Laveen, AZ, USA.

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

Cyan Candle Company is a company that specializes in natural candles. We also have a variety of other aroma products such as incense, wax melts, car reed diffusers, room & linen spray + sanitizer, and soon-to-come wax melt car fresheners. We absolutely plan to continue to grow our business and the products that we hand make and sell. Cyan Candle Co. is geared toward mental health awareness and seeing one's worth within life's journey. Cyan Candle Co. is in the process of setting up some of our candles with nonprofits so that we are able to donate a portion of our sales to help those in need and research.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Mya, of course. I am a single mother of 4 great kids, who are my biggest inspiration. I made candles with my mother as a kid, but we used melted crayons. When quarantine hit, the stress of COVID and the stress that already comes from being a single parent was beginning to weigh on me. I was still working, thank GOD but of course, from home, so I decided to start doing crafts, and then it led to candles after being disappointed in purchasing candles from the store. I eventually went back to work and just enjoyed the outlet so much; it was like my self-care and something just for me, so I just stuck with it. I started having my coworkers and friends test them, and of course, there were a lot of hiccups, but we got through it. I stay motivated because it's something that I love and am very passionate about; it's not a task for me to make my products or handle business stuff. Also, as stated before, my kids motivate me; they see me working and ask questions and seem interested and inspired, so I can't fail; I have to see this through.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say my biggest accomplishment is continuing to find the time and continuing to grow. Cyan Candle Co is on a couple of store shelves now, so we are super excited about that. So, I would say that the growth has just been steady and continuing to flow.

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

I would say one of the hardest things from my point of view is just navigating everything, such as website, design, social media, advertising, etc. Having a full-time job and being a single parent leaves very little time to consistently do everything that needs to get done. So, this has been hands down the hardest.

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

Honestly, I would say start. I feel like sometimes people just stall because of something, just start, research your form of business, find your target market, and have patience, lots and lots of patience because it's not always pretty. Always look for ways to improve your product or services or business aspects.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Cyan Candle Co. is here to continue to spread love, light, and positivity. We want everyone to enjoy our products and the positive vibes that our products give off.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cyancandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candelishesflames/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyancandleco/

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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