Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Val Barnett, Founder of Emmerse LLC, located in Douglasville, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Emmerse is an artisan curated scent-based company that helps people reach their desired level of relaxation, one jar at a time. We like to say we offer relaxation in a jar. Our products are designed to use aroma to help busy adults relax in a time-efficient easy manner. Our customers encompass single adults, parents, high-level executives, and those who are young at heart. Our inclusive brand focuses on offering a wide range of scent blends that will help everyone, Get Emmersed.
Tell us about yourself
At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After this, I used candles to help myself relax as I matriculated through my education and workplace. After working as a healthcare executive for over ten years, I found myself looking for more ways to relax and in need of a change of environment. Emmerse was born out of my need for a mental health outlet in combination with my love for using scents to fuel relaxation. After making large candle purchases, my husband recommended I start making candles myself. After this motivation, I spent months creating custom scent blends and researching the best performing and environmentally friendly waxes. I created Emmerse to share my love for different scents and my deep passion for advocating for everyone to place their mental health at the top of their priority list. As someone who has coped with a mental health disorder for the majority of my life, I understand the importance of creating a safe environment for others to explore their mental health and the need for safe products that can help you relax and the need for products that can be easily incorporated into daily activities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Emmerse provides relaxation in a jar to help our customers reach their desired level of peace. As the owner and Chief Maker, I am super proud of our eco-friendly and responsibly sourced products. I am deeply passionate about relaxation while also being very respectful of our environment.
In addition, I am super proud that Emmerse started as a candle company and has expanded our product lines to include hand-made bar soaps, Mango Body Butters, 100% soy wax melts, diffusers, and children's products. We have been able to offer the entire family high-quality products while also being very respectful of the environment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the most difficult aspects of business owners is understanding when to take a calculated risk. Companies don't grow by always staying in the safe zone, but risks must be evaluated and measured. Understanding when to take a risk and when to play it safe will probably always be the most difficult aspect of owning a business for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't be afraid to take calculated risks, remain true to yourself, and honor your brand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.getemmersed.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getemmersed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getemmersed/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getemmersed/
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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