Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily Campbell, owner of Yorabode, located in St. John's, NL, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Home products made by hand with essential oils and foraged botanicals—candles, soaps, scent sprays, and oil blends. The scents are inspired by place, subtle and unique. All of the goods are made in St. John's, NL, by our small team. To illustrate an example of scent, take Brackish with notes of kelp, river mint, and wild rose. We create objects for your home with the belief that home is more than looks. It's a feeling.
Tell us about yourself
When I started making, I was working long hours as an Intern Architect and rented my spare room on Airbnb. I was looking to add an olfactory element for guests but couldn't find anything that resonated with me or felt of this place, and a lot of what I could find gave me a headache/allergic reaction. Inspired by experiences outdoors, along with the desire to keep my hands busy, I started making candles to adorn my spare room and for friends. One thing led to another; I left my job and jumped in full-time. Fast forward a few years, now we have a dedicated studio space, a small team, and we make thousands of candles a year.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm really proud that about a year ago, we started a fund to develop affordable housing; it currently sits at $4,129.54. (March 2022) There's more information about the project, called Same House—Better Homes, at yorabode.ca/post/affordable housing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I find owning and operating a business to be lonely. While I have great relationships with the members of my team, it's very different than working as a peer on a team when you're not the boss. I have worked hard to become part of the business community by making friends with fellow business owners and being an active participant in organizations like NLOWE. (Newfoundland And Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs)
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just get started. It's easy to dip your foot in with a side hustle. By doing the work, you'll learn so many things that a business plan wouldn't be able to tell you. I'm not knocking planning, but if you're anything like me, it's easy to get caught up in and intimidated by the details.
- Set up systems to stay organized and on top of things you may otherwise procrastinate (like taxes).
- Connect with other business owners and use all of the supports that are available—grants, advisors, workshops.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yorabode.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yorabode
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorabode/
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.
