Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Conroy, Founder of KC Creations, located in Port St Lucie, FL, USA.

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

Our business is a small company where we make homemade candles and wax melts. Our customer base is targeted toward anyone and everyone who enjoys filling their house or rooms with decadent aromas that inspire emotions and feelings.

Tell us about yourself

We first got started because I was a big candle lover. My biggest pet peeve with candles would be when I'd light them; I couldn't smell them. I would buy candles that smelled amazing in the store, but when I would light them, there was little to no scent throw. We wanted to make a product that was different. After doing A LOT of research, and A LOT of trial and error, we found the perfect recipe and the perfect ratio of wax to the fragrance that eliminated my biggest complaint with other candles. Our candles and wax melts are strong and are guaranteed to fill the room with the fragrance of the candle. And the scent doesn't weaken the more you burn it. It will continue to fill the room for the entire lifespan of the candle!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think my biggest accomplishment would just be that our business is only six months old, and we already have so many repeat customers! We receive so much love for our products and have people even reaching out for custom orders for their own businesses! Getting orders on our website from people across the country is always exciting. It's reaffirming that our product is as satisfying as we hoped and planned!

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

It's a lot of management! I was not aware quite how much work goes into owning your own business, from the legalities to the taxes and budgeting, to the actual products, marketing, social media, etc. It's a lot of work and time management, but it's also very rewarding knowing we did all the work ourselves.

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

  1. Do your research before you start! Look into everything you need in order to start your business and what process it takes to get started and make a list. Each state is different, and each company is different, so make sure you cover all bases first.
  2. Set a timeline for yourself that works! If you have products you want to release or goals you were to hit, make sure you write it out, but make it realistic. If your business is going to start as a side gig that you don't have all your time to devote to, don't try to do too much too fast. I got overwhelmed very quickly with all the work and products I wanted to make, and I felt I didn't have the time to get it all done. The great thing with having your own business, though, is that all the time constraints set on yourself are completely self-imposed, and you can take a step back if needed. Be kind to yourself, and don't make this a project you're going to want to give up on.
  3. Lastly, but very important, GET REVIEWS! Whenever you can, encourage your customers to leave reviews. If you can offer discounts for reviews, customers love discounts. Whatever you do, try to get them to leave reviews because that will help future customers decide if they want to use your company.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kccreations.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCCreationsShop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kccreations__llc/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kccreations.co

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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