Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jerica Scott, founder of Fini Candles, located in Amherstburg, ON, Canada.

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

Fini is a fragrance and lifestyle brand that focuses on being eco-luxe. Our goal is to create and offer luxury soy candles without any toxins or waste. Our customers would be anyone who is looking to enjoy luxury fragrances without the harsh impact on the environment while dipping into the nostalgia of their ol' factory.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve always had a love for fragrance, from perfume, body products, and of course, home fragrances like candles. Fragrance has always just been a big part of my life. While I was feeling stuck at my 9-5 and decided it was time for a change, I revisited an old idea and passion; I had been researching candle making for two years prior and fell in love with the idea of making my own; I came up with several business models of candle companies before I landed and decided on Fini, an eco-luxe soy wax candle brand.

My favourite part of Fini and something that constantly motivates me is when people tell me they have started to only burn soy wax or veggie wax candles because of our brand. The environmental impact and the health impact that paraffin wax candles have been shocking and are something everyone should definitely look into.

I also love when we are able to dip into someone’s nostalgia when they smell a candle and tell me it reminds them of visiting a certain place or seeing a certain someone; nothing tops that.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Owning our very first storefront. It was something I was blessed to have the opportunity to do, and it still feels surreal. It definitely changed the dynamic of our company, and we felt like we were moving full speed ahead. I will forever be grateful for it.

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

Growing pains it’s something that is bitter-sweet. You can’t control just how fast you grow when you’re putting in your all, things can happen really quickly. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to keep up, and there have even been times when you feel like you’re failing because you can’t quite keep up. One step at a time is the best way to get through it.

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

  1. Don’t overthink it; only you know the small mistakes. You are your hardest critic always.
  2. Inventory, keep doubles of your main ingredients or tools for your trick & trade. Just in case ;)
  3. Social media is important; we live in a time where it’s almost the only way you will be noticed. Don’t feel guilty about spending a lot of time on it, and make sure to have a strategy. Careful with the slippery slope of ads.
  4. Bonus as cliché as it sounds, HAVE FUN! too many times I spent stressing instead of just enjoying the moment. Love what you do and just enjoy all the little moments.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Our spring collection just launched 👀 be sure to check out all the sweet new scents ready to go home 🌼🌱

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://finicandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fini.candles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finicandles/

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.