Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Brogdon, founder of Melted Candle Bar, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

Melted Candle Bar offers in-home and on-site candle pouring workshops. Guests are able to customize their candles with differing vessels, scents, and shimmers. When guests choose to purchase from our line of branded candles or book a workshop, they're not only supporting our business, but dozens of businesses as we are 100% female sourced. All of our materials, including hand-crafted ceramic vessels, aprons, and wax, are sourced from other female-owned businesses. Our partners and the women and mental health-centric charities we donate to are featured on our website. We encourage you to check out how working with us helps sustain an entire ecosystem of women.

Tell us about yourself

I founded Melted Candle Bar in the middle of a global crisis. I had just lost my job, and the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun. I was inspired to take action when " no time like the present" became less of a cliché and more like a reality. I had been sitting on this idea for three years and was ready to move from "now is not a good time" to "you won't know until you try." I am motivated in business by the other women I have the pleasure to partner with. I deeply enjoy learning about their business, how our journeys are similar and different, and how working together can help bolster our businesses while offering guests the opportunity to connect with friends, loved ones, and sometimes strangers through creation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, just founding a business is a massive accomplishment. Not only to have an idea you think may work but to get it organized with the state, build a website, thoroughly test and vet the products or services, set prices, work through issues, etc. Major, major shout out to anyone who has the gusto to start!

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

Finances. I would highly recommend getting something like QuickBooks and then an accountant or CPA right away. It can be very stressful to keep your own spreadsheets receipts and to feel like you have to do everything from marketing and product development to accounting.

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

  1. Visit your local business development center! Every state has a government-funded business development center dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed FOR FREE.
  2. Do things above board. If you want to use Venmo, cool, try a business Venmo account. While it may seem silly that fees are administered, it also makes it easier for customers to find your business. Venmo is not the only example, obviously, but I highly recommend doing things "by the book" whenever possible.
  3. Join a networking group. There are groups for everything: candle-making, real estate, hairstylists, etc. These groups can offer support, guidance, tools. They may help you learn from others' mistakes because not everything has to be something you learn by doing yourself.

Where can people find you and your business?

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

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.