Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Sagos, co-founder of Dazzling Candles, located in Milton, ON, Canada.

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

We are a family-owned business based in Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2021 by Leo (my husband) and me, Dazzling Candles has come a long way from its beginnings in Milton, Ontario, Canada.

When we started out, our passion was to create handcrafted scented candles with 100% natural soy wax and environmentally friendly resources. The crackle of our different types of wooden wick and their cozy ambiance feel provides a safer, cleaner burning. Our candles are poured, labeled, and packed by hand. We now serve customers all over Canada & USA.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Guatemala, married, and settled in Milton, Ontario, Canada. Started as a hobby a few years ago, we decided to start the scented candle business but not with the traditional cotton wicks. Looking for a way to stand out in the handmade candle market, we opted for wooden wicks and soy wax because they produce a natural smell and do not introduce additional smoke into your living space if used properly.

Creating handmade candles for those who enjoy a mini campfire, that's exactly what we did! What motivates us every day? Our children, and being able to teach them that they can achieve their dreams and goals if they work hard.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think it is hearing all of the positive feedback! The satisfaction of filling every home with memories.

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

One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is work-life balance. The current COVID-19 pandemic has made it very difficult, however, we keep going because we believe that difficult times shape most successful stories. Staying positive when things don't go as planned and not allowing yourself to get overwhelmed. Owning a business requires commitment, consistency, and a great deal of patience.

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

  1. Be Passionate: You're going to spend a lot of time and energy starting a business and building it into a successful enterprise, so it's really important that you truly enjoy what you do.
  2. Do Your Research: Writing a business plan, but that's just a start. When you're starting a business, you need to become an expert on your industry, products, and services.
  3. Social Media: Your customers may reach out to your business on social media with a question or to share feedback. Taking the time to respond and engage with them shows you value their thoughts and take their concerns seriously.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

"A successful business requires one simple thing: PASSION." - Teresa Collins.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://candlesdazzling.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dazzlingcandles.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dazzling.candles/

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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