Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Barnes, Owner of Glassell Candle Co., located in Pico Rivera, CA, USA.

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

Glassell Candle Co is a luxury home fragrance brand based in Los Angeles. We hand pour soy candles and wax melts that are non-toxic and clean burning. We offer ten dreamy scents that bring both light and a pleasant aroma to any home. Our customers include anyone looking for quality home fragrance products.

Tell us about yourself

We launched Glassell Candle Co with the goal of creating quality, non-toxic, and pleasant-smelling candles. After years of purchasing and burning candles that gave us a headache or finished way too quickly, we decided to create our own candles to be loved by ourselves and others. We're motivated by the countless compliments we've received on the quality and look of our candles and the customers who continue burning our candles in their homes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's not one big accomplishment I am most proud of; it's the little ones. People are stopping by our booth and loving our scents. Customers place large online orders after meeting us at a pop-up market. Creating lifelong friendships with people who love our candles. Seeing our candles burning in their new homes. All of these little moments keep us going.

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

Running your own company means not clocking out after an eight-hour shift and juggling multiple roles. The company is constantly on my mind, from wondering if we have enough candles stocked to planning marketing strategies for the month. I wear plenty of hats, including candle maker, customer relations, sales, bookkeeping, purchasing, and marketing. Even with all of this, I would not have it any other way. The payoff is completely worth it.

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

  1. Do something that brings you joy.
  2. Be patient with growth; good things take time.
  3. Partner with the right people; not everyone will be a fit for you, and that's okay.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We are grateful to anyone who took the time to read this interview. I'm happy to chat and connect with anyone looking to learn more about us or start their own company!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.glassellcandleco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassellcandleco/

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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