Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sahra Cooper, Co-Owner of Hope in the Light Candles, located in St Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Hope in the Light Candles, we proudly make eco-friendly candles with no harmful chemicals inspired by God to give Hope. We make men, women, kid scented candles, gender reveal, wedding reception, and employee appreciation candles. We have customers of almost every age as we ensure we have unique products for everyone, including those living in flameless housing. We make sure to have plenty of wax melts on hand.
Tell us about yourself
When we started, we knew nothing about candles except that we loved to use them. When I came home after being hospitalized from COVID, I had a vision that we were supposed to make soy candles with cross necklaces. My husband had a dream three days later, and God told him that we would name our business Hope in the Light. Every day we are motivated to make a great product while giving others hope through our candles and by sharing our story of how God got us through one of the hardest times in our family's life and by giving us business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment was coming up with eco-friendly soy products. Meanwhile, keeping high standards of it smelling good and placing it in a beautiful vessel. After overcoming COVID, my health is very important, and our customer's health is also important. We love our customers and the planet, which shows in our product. We purposely choose natural or reusable elements to make our candles because we care.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When your business partner is your spouse, it's easy to talk about business all the time. It can be challenging to shut your business brain down when you are always around your best friend and business partner. Finding a balance between business and family is important. Not just you but your spouse and kids if you have them. Relaxing and recharging are important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Invest early in your business.
- Study your local and national competitors to keep in the know of trends and ensure you can have a unique product.
- Surround yourself with the right people who are insightful in the industry to help you along the way.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Every time you buy one of our soy candles, it supports the U.S. soy farmers.
Our 9-year-old Kiara Rose makes our kid-scented candle line. They are all scents to remind you of your childhood. Inside our kid's scented candles are beautiful charms to collect for charm bracelets.
Link to our testimony video talking about me getting through COVID and starting our business - https://youtu.be/05Gq83PLKLQ
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hopeinthelightcandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeinthelightcandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeinthelightcandles/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.