Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deloyce Dhoruba, owner of Mahogany Brown Candle Co., located in Grayson, GA, USA.

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

Mahogany Brown Candle Co. offers Hand-Poured Organic Beeswax Infused Aromatherapy Candles & Body Butters. Our customers are the self-care connoisseurs who enjoy clean therapeutic relaxation products. Those that thrive off clean-burning, long-lasting scents made from natural organic ingredients.

Why Support MBCC?

Hand Poured & Hand-Made! My long-burning waxes are made of only vegan blends of natural beeswax, coco-apricot, and a minuscule amount of highly refined soy (less than 5%). These waxes are toxin-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. We are proud to ensure that our waxes only come from renewable sources, and our wicks are eco-friendly, clean-burning, and made of cotton-braided materials. By paring these high-end ingredients, we ensure evenness of burn and wax consumption while providing a pleasing aroma that you can enjoy for hours. Mahogany Brown Butters are made exclusively from 100% unrefined organic African shea butter, purely imported organic Belizean coconut oil, and an additional mix of essential oils to help keep your body smooth, reduce scarring, and keep you fully moisturized during the change in seasons.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Deloyce, owner, a mother, wife, and a US Army Veteran who chose to find a natural and holistic way to help with PTSD and anxiety. Prior to becoming a candle maker, I spent a small fortune to find and burn good-smelling candles that allowed for a calm, relaxing experience after a long day at work. I'm a firm believer that scents are the triggers to memories, relaxation, and comfort and promote anxiety reduction. As a result, I took the time to carefully craft and test my formula to ensure each scent carries an amazing smell and a long extended CLEAN burn, all while remaining environmentally friendly by using only natural products, later extending into healing and moisturizing body butter. I'm motivated by my customers, who provide the most positive feedback about the product and the overall experience of ordering, receiving, unboxing, and trying my products. Everything is hand crafted, poured, and hand-made!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is being able to gain so many customers via word of mouth or shared products! Many of my customers often give MBCC products as gifts, therefore introducing our products to their friends and loved ones—-what could be more successful than that? We love referrals!

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

Honestly, social platform navigation! There are just so many, and trying to learn them all is definitely hard, so I pick a few and stick with those. The ability to be consistent and post regularly to stay in algorithms is definitely challenging.

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

  1. Do your research! Learn about various angles of your interest. Join groups and ask questions!
  2. Don't get discouraged—-there will be days where you feel as though it's not worth it (especially when sales are low); keep going!
  3. Don't be afraid to be innovative and try new things! Have numerous vendors that you use if you are developing a product. Inventories sell out fast, so having multiple vendors will allow for continuity during shortages.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When you're doing what you love, it's not work, so be sure to pick something you LOVE and then enjoy doing it. There's room enough in these spaces for everyone to be unique, and the possibilities are endless!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mahoganybrowncandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mahoganybrowncandleco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahoganybrowncandleco/

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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