Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kayla Kaluna, Owner of Kaluna Candles, located in Kirkland, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make natural and small batches of candles to sell on Etsy. Everyone from a busy mom looking for some self-care to a student finding relaxation enjoys my products.
Tell us about yourself
I’ve always been very creative, and during quarantine, I desperately needed an outlet. I did weeks of research before any wax was poured, but once I started, I didn’t want to stop. I figured out the best way to photograph my products and added a list of new skills to my resume in the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I created a custom candle for an architectural company, creating a monster of a 4-wick candle to send to 80 different businesses across the country. This included 1,200 ounces of wax and gallons of fragrances. Coordinating with the company to make a custom label and packaging was part of the process, but cranking out that many candles in a small space will always be one of my favorite accomplishments.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying on top of paperwork for me is one of my biggest challenges. Creating social media posts and networking is fun and glamorous, but filing taxes is not.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get specific with your product and ideas, then niche down again!
- Learn how to market to your target audience. Don’t be afraid to post; you can always evolve into a different style, and your skills in creating those marketing materials will evolve with you.
- If you are shipping a product, it is exponentially cheaper if your package is under one pound. If possible, consider this while initially creating your product.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KalunaCandleCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalunacandleco/
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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