Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Snyder, owner of Elizabeth’s Candle Creations, LLC., located in Madison, OH, USA.

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

My business is a particular brand — video game inspired. These character candles are based on Dragon Age and Mass Effect — two great multiple-sequels created by BioWare. That being said,  I've been playing these games since I was 12 years old, and they've quite shaped who I am as a person. There is a HUGE following behind these games, and there are many people like me who are just as obsessed with them. An entire community of talented, genuine people is behind me and this journey into candle-making.

This idea legitimately started because I created an account on Twitter in 2021, posting my own quirky thoughts or video game clips from the games I mentioned before. It took off faster than I thought it might. Within six months, I went from 34 followers to nearly 4K. That's 4,000 people who just are along for the ride! Of course, not everyone wants a candle. While I do advertise my products there, because it's about the games we collectively love, I am never pushy. I am rather kind to everyone I interact with. It goes a long way! Building a rapport is KEY to keeping the business going.

Tell us about yourself

I'm 27, married to the love of my life, with whom I raise two dogs and five cats. We got a full house here, and that's where I run my business. What first got me started was the need for a creative outlet. I am a pharmacy manager who was completely and utterly burnt out from the job. Actively looking for new and exciting ways to challenge myself. I always wanted to make candles but never sat down and DID it until 2022. I educated myself, took it slow, tested candles, and saw what worked vs. what didn't.

I have come up with a system that works for myself and my customers, and the business model makes it so my candles are in demand more than I have a supply of. People are always so EXCITED when I post new candle scent releases. I have anywhere from 15-25 orders on ONE DAY when I restock/release. It's grown to a point where I am able to comfortably leave the full-time career that I went to college for - to pursue taking my business to the next level. I'm here for the long haul, and with two new video games en route in 2023 or 2024, the business will be endless.

What motivates me each day is my customers! They wait with bated breath every Wednesday on my website to see what I might release next. They will also post the candles and talk about how much they love the scents. They really just build me up each day when my real job tears me down. (as of this article — I've got three more working days left until I'm a full-time candle maker.)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that the Game Director of Dragon Age (!!!!!) bought my candles and posted about them on her Twitter. If you had asked me this months ago, I wouldn't have put that on my bingo board. The wonderful woman in charge of overseeing the next game I've been waiting for, for seven years bought my candles based on that game! It's surreal. Still kinda giddy about it. And then, of course, the fact I was able to leave my job that made me so unhappy for this business.

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

The hardest thing is reach. I would say if I didn't have the major Twitter following, I'm not sure I would've taken off this fast. People see me as a respected member of their online fandom community, and because of that, they kinda just believe in me and my abilities. I haven't let them down yet!

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

SOCIAL MEDIA IS KEY. Without it, it is so hard. Don't let someone talk you down. I have wanted to do this since I was 18, and every single time, someone would remind me it's not a real job or I can't make money on it. (Spoiler: I create more profit selling candles than I do working my full-time job. I can make up to 5 days' wages in ONE candle release. #humblebrag) It is possible if you wake up and make the time for it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The video games that I create a character or location-based candles off of — they own the characters, of course. It's important you know that. I own the candles and the business. I created my own fragrance.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://elizabethscandlecreations.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3R0XUie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethscandlecreations/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/soywaxcandle

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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