Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danny Ishac, founder of ISAAC NO. 1289, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

In 2017, ISAAC 1289 was created in Toronto. Our focus is handcrafted fragrance and grooming collections which currently include candles and beard oils. Our collections are curated through inspiration from travel, lifestyle, and memorable moments a connection between nostalgia and curiosity. We believe in a diverse community and a range of products. We hope to enhance the ambiance of your spaces!

Tell us about yourself

I have been a professional barber for the last ten years and have been cutting hair since I was 13 years old. I have always enjoyed being creative, so I was looking for another way to pursue that. I think barbering built my entrepreneurial spirit, so I joined my love for art to start a new business.

Whenever I wanted to get into my element, I would burn a candle. I fell in love with perfumery once I had started reading more about it. This led to starting a brand that could utilize my platform as a barber. The idea of building unique accords — one note at a time. Each note having the power to connect me to a place I traveled to, specific memories, or excitement for places I’d never been to. There’s something very intimate about fragrances.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think the biggest accomplishment for the brand has been a supportive community. During the pandemic, there was so much uncertainty. There were some tough conversations about the future of ISAAC. It really wouldn’t have been possible without an outpouring of support from clients, friends, and family — whether it’s releases, brand collaborations, or just sharing our story.

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

One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is how to be more comfortable with being vulnerable. It takes courage to take your ideas from paper to creation and then put them out into the world for criticism.

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

  1. Trust the process: stay focused and don’t pay attention to the noise.
  2. Cut yourself some slack; it takes courage to go against the grain.
  3. Believe in yourself and take risks.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don’t spend so much thought on the destination; enjoy the journey traveled.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://isaac1289.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaacno1289
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacno1289/

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.