Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Octavia Covington, owner of Makes A Lot Of Scents, located in Columbus, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Makes A Lot Of Scents is an affordable self-care line. We create scents that make you feel or smell amazing without second-guessing the amount spent. I want everyone to be my customer. Lol. Who doesn’t like a great candle? My customers are those who want to spend on themselves because there are other life factors (i.e., bills, daycare, food, gas) that they have to think about as well. I make my products affordable, so you feel comfortable spending on yourself and taking care of the house.
Tell us about yourself
I am by day a veterinarian technician of 13 years, a wife, and a mother of 1 spoiled little girl. My dream has always been to be a stay-at-home mom. I just wanted to be with my daughter all the time. Not to miss any events, graduations, or field trips. I wanted to be there for it all. That dream only became harder the longer I stayed in the field.
My business idea started after a candle party my sister-in-law had thrown. It was so much fun mixing scents to create something that smelled amazing to me. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to learn the ins and out of candle making. I took a few online courses, Pinterest’d a few things, and I was off.
I started off with seven candle fragrances and two different-sized jars. I have grown to over 15 different scents and still going. My motivation comes from within. My desire to have my own, to be home more for my family, is what drives me to keep going.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting this business has brought a new person out of me. It has opened so many doors and opportunities. Stepping out of my comfort zone, being confident in my products, and knowing the value that I bring to the table has been so rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Doing it alone. Running a business is not for the weak. And running it alone is exhausting, tiring, and lonely. Ask for help if you can
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Just do it! There will never be the right time.
- Network, network, network. The amount of experience in the world is astonishing. You never know who you will meet that has the information you didn’t know or has the insides to business information. Meet as many people as you can.
- I read this on Facebook once; if you go down the bread aisle in any grocery store, you are going to see the same item several times, but maybe in different views. Do not let someone selling something similar to you keep you from going. There is enough money for us all to make it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.makealotofscents.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imakesalotofscents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makesalotofscents/
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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