Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kassandra Alvelo, owner of 1012 Candle Company, located in Brockton, MA, USA.

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

The Sister duo, who creates luxury products that don't compromise your health. We are scent lovers who have been on the front end of the damage that chemical/artificial infused products can cause. Our customers are people who enjoy luxury scents, clean body products and want to transform their space into their own personal oasis! Our products are for everyone, children, mothers, fathers, even pets!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Kass & I am the owner of 10•12 Candle Company. I started 10•12 Candle Co. back in July 2020 ♥️

💕I embarked on this journey for a couple of reasons, but my most important reason was for my preemie Leila Journey 💗 My daughter was born at 34 Weeks weighing just 3lbs & we knew from early on in the pregnancy that we had a long "journey" ahead of us. One of the things I found most therapeutic while she was in the Nicu was meditating and lighting candles. It was really a ritual I had created in order to cope with the feelings I felt during a time of uncertainty and fear. When she arrived home, I quickly realized her little lungs couldn't handle the toxic chemicals in the candles I was buying. So I switched to 100% Soy Wax Candles. After about 1.5 years of switching from job to job to accommodate my little one's reoccurring hospital stays, after putting my baby in daycare which constantly left her sick, and after dedicating all of my time to jobs that didn't show me any compassion, I decided enough was enough. 10.12 Candle Co. was born! With many trials and lessons in between, I embarked on this candle-making journey while caring for my little one. While providing her care, I was able to provide my own self-care with every product I made. I want each of my candle products to provide that same self-care, and I want to inspire parents to always put their families first.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the relationships I have made along the way. Being a small business owner has connected me with so many others who have gone through the same struggles as myself. I have been able to build great friendships and become a part of a community I never knew I needed.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is sticking through the highs and lows. One thing that people tend to ask a lot is, "What is your plan B if this doesn't work out?" My response always was, "There is no Plan B." I can not fail; I will not fail. If something isn't working within my small business, then T will search the ends of the Earth to find something that does.

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

  1. Always stay true to what is in your heart. There will always be different ways to make money and a billion crafts you can start. Find something that truly adds value to the world and allows feeds your soul.
  2. Try your absolute best not to compare your small business to others. Everyone has different struggles that you may not see. Keep your mind focused on why you started and create a clear vision of where you want to be.
  3. Never be afraid to switch things up! If your business doesn't reflect your current values anymore or isn't exactly how you envisioned it, don't be afraid to rebrand and start over.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We hope to create a candle-making community! Much like a paint and sip, but a sip and pour! We want others to be able to experience the therapeutic effect candle-making has while creating memories with people they love that lasts a lifetime!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.1012candleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1012CandleCo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1012candleco/

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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