Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christiana Trapani, owner of Door County Candle Co., located in Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA.

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

Door County Candle Company's candles are all hand poured and handcrafted at our store in beautiful Door County, WI. All of the scented candle products are made in small batches and poured with care and love. Our goal is always to provide a high-quality product that brings memories of Door County to people's homes! Door County Candle Company's candles are truly so unique, special, and unlike any others out there. We have worked for over 20 years to master the classic scents we all love and work to develop one-of-a-kind products. We extensively test all of our products which we bring to market, from jars, fragrance, wicks, and more… we work to develop the perfect scented wax products.

Additionally, all of our fragrances are IFRA certified, meaning they are made with non-harmful chemicals and are safe to burn. We use the sights, sounds, and beauty of Door County to inspire our scented wax products. Our goal is always to provide a unique, high-quality product that is quintessentially Door County.

Tell us about yourself

Hi there! My name is Christiana, and I'm the owner of Door County Candle Company! I'm a Door County native and love all things candles and Door County. Door County Candle Company is 100% woman-owned and operated. Each day, what motivates me is to bring joy to people through our high-quality, handcrafted treasures. If I can bring a smile to someone's day with our hand-poured candles, then my job is done.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner was creating a brand new soy candle line a few weeks after I bought the business. I worked to find new mason jars, new lids, new wax, and new candle formulas. Putting my mind to something and seeing it come to fruition was a major accomplishment I am so proud of. Another major accomplishment I am really proud of is building our marketing strategy and getting our name out there to more people. We made a new website, revamped our social media, and created a Door County Candle Club. This was and continues to be a major accomplishment that grows every single day.

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

I saw a chart the other day that described the life of an entrepreneur, and it was spot on. It talks about how some days you are excited about what you are doing, and then other days you doubt yourself. Then some days, you're really proud of what you have done, but then other days, you're angry at yourself for not doing more. Then, some days, you think everything is working great, and then you think you've messed up. I believe that the hardest part of being a business owner is all the ups and downs. It's crucial to remember to stay positive, but there will be hard days and many tears. But, what's life without the road bumps?

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

  1. You don't have to do everything at once. Have your goals written out, and prioritize them. The worst thing you can do is to start 100 projects but never fully complete them.
  2. Make sure you're passionate about what you're doing. Your passion shows and radiates from within you. Being a business owner is incredibly difficult, so you need to make sure you have that passion for fueling you along the way.
  3. Make sure people can feel your brand and not just see it. You create your brand, and you represent your brand. It's critical to remember that people do not buy WHAT you do. They buy why you do it. Stand out and make your brand feel across everyone who learns about you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're a woman, be ready for some people not to treat you seriously. And then, be ready to prove them wrong!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://doorcountycandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoorCountyCandleCompany/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doorcountycandle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DoorCoCandle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/door-county-candle-company/

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.