Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Callicott, co-founder of GoodLight Natural Candles, located in Telluride, CO, USA.

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

In 2010, two friends and I started GoodLight Candles because we saw an opportunity to create and spread clean light while contributing to positive change in the world. Now in our 12th year, GoodLight continues on this dual mission. With the help of my wife, Sarah, and our small but mighty team, we make affordable plant-based candles that are free of petroleum-based paraffin and partner with the Orangutan Land Trust, WildAsia.org, and smallholder farmers as we try to make sustainable palm the industry norm, while helping protect rainforests and the endangered wildlife and communities that call these forests home.

Tell us about yourself

The idea of replacing a toxic petroleum-based product (paraffin candles) with a non-toxic, healthier product is what initially inspired me to start GoodLight. Providing clean, affordable candles to people while promoting and advancing sustainable palm farming is what motivates us every day to do what we do. We feel like our company is having a positive impact on the planet, and being able to contribute to the work of amazing environmental non-profits such as the Orangutan Land Trust and Wild Asia, and Carbonfund is truly rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Well, starting a business during the big recession and keeping it going for 12 years feels like a big accomplishment. But the relationships we've built over that time, both with individuals and organizations, are something I feel very grateful for.

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

Taking time off from work?

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

  1. Do as much research as possible before you start. Talk to others in your industry, write a detailed business plan, and get enough capital before you launch.
  2. Find great people to work with you, and learn how to delegate.
  3. Have a "give back" component to your business so that you are actively involved and contributing to a social or environmental cause. Your business should not only be about profits; it should be a positive force for change.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://goodlightcandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodLightNaturalCandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodlightcandles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodlightcandle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodlight-natural-candles/

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.