Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marina London, owner of Delicate Wicks, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

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

Delicate Wicks is a home fragrance company that specializes in candles, wax melts, and room sprays! We are proud to produce 100% natural burning products and are based out of Dallas, Texas. Each order is prepared in small batches to ensure the most quality level products. We find that the consumers we reach are earth-conscious with a love of fragrant things! We offer such a wide variety of clean ways to enhance your intimate spaces; you just can't go wrong!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Marina, and I am the owner of Delicate Wicks! I am completely in love with being creative, finding new methods of inventing, and learning more about my craft. I became a business owner in 2020 during the infamous pandemic. I, like many others, found too much time on my hands and began to realize - if I'm going to be spending this much time at home - it may as well feel cozy and more inviting. I love the concept of home fragrances, candles, and sprays to freshen up spaces, and I realized how unhealthy these items could be! What are we really surrounding ourselves and our families around? It was then that I started creating! I launched in November of 2020 and never looked back!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would have to say my biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be securing my first International Wholesale Order in Italy! It was SUCH an amazing feeling to be able to say that my brand is now in another country as a candle supplier. This accomplishment was achieved right around our one-year anniversary! Who would have thought that Delicate Wicks would make it overseas? It's still something that makes me smile when I think about it to this day.

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

I would say one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner would be training your mindset to not burnout. Being in love with what you do allows you to feel so free! What you don't want to happen is burnout - too much, too fast. So making sure you only take on as much as you can manage can be pretty hard because we all want to achieve our goals! However, sometimes allowing ourselves a break can be exactly what we need in order to maintain the roles we play in our business. I've tried to release too many candle scents at once and realized it wasn't realistic for me to showcase each in the manner I preferred. So I adjusted my execution, and it turned out to be one of the best releases to date! This was my fall collection. The reward was so great that one of my candles in this collection was listed as a top candle of 2020 by a major media outlet - and this wouldn't have been possible without that minor adjustment!

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

  1. Just Start.
    I cannot begin to tell you how many journals I've used as "scratch paper" or how many versions of excuses I created before executing my idea for my business. Just start. We have to start somewhere - and being worried that something isn't "perfect" won't help! Have you heard the saying: "If we wait until we are ready, we will never be ready" it's so accurate! Just start. We can always grow from our beginnings, but how can we grow from something we never start?
  2. Don't be discouraged.
    When you begin to grow your business, there will be slow periods! This does not mean you should feel discouraged; you should get creative! What is different about this product or service from what was successful previously? Are you still targeting the right market? Allow your smaller moments to be teachable! Trust me - it happens!
  3. Embrace your personality!
    This is your branding, your business, your personality! This is your creation - make it personable. Let your clients and customers feel connected by letting them receive a piece of you. This is what will make you stand apart, don't follow the norms. Find your niche, embrace your flow, and the rest will follow. Those that know me personally have told me that they see "me" in my aesthetic and style. This makes people feel connected! Try it out.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would love to add also never to stop learning. Education is key. Find a course, listen to other creators, and network! I love attending markets and small business brick & mortars to see what new things are coming out and to meet new like-minded people! Of course, this is my business, but I would still be at square one if I stayed in my shell. I love finding new products, checking out home fragrance companies, and attending pop-ups as well! Literally, the more you know!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://delicatewicks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelicateWicksLLC/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delicatewicks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/delicatewicks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-london-8bb80086/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.