Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica Morris, Owner of Memory Box Candle Co., located in Murrieta, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a candle-making business called Memory Box Candle Co, where I sell handmade soy candles and wax melts. My customers include people of all ages who enjoy a minimalistic, modern home decor style and love nostalgia and storytelling. The origin of the name "Memory Box Candle Co" comes from an actual memory box I have had in my closet since I was in middle school. I have kept old journals, notes passed in class, and movie tickets in that box for over half my life. I knew I wanted to create a candle brand that I could really connect to; that's why every scent within the Nostalgia Collection has a story behind it. I also love hearing about how my scents create unique memories for my customers!
Tell us about yourself
I made my very first candle for my sister's birthday in 2018 using craft store supplies. I had so much fun with it that I decided to invest in some professional candle-making supplies for some personalized Christmas candles for my co-workers that same year. At that point, I had fallen in love with candle-making, but I didn't actually start focusing on turning it into a business until the following September 2019. I launched my business at the end of March 2020, right as the pandemic had started, and I had no idea how it was all going to go. Since that day, I have just been focusing on growing, and I have learned a ton throughout this whole process!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel like it's impossible to answer this question with just one thing! So many changes have occurred in the past three years, but I think one of the moments in my business that was a turning point for me was when I incorporated it in February 2021. That moment felt so "real" to me. It was the first time I had ever been inside a legal firm before, and I felt so "official" the whole time! I remember walking into the conference room and thinking to myself, "wow—this is crazy. It's just like what I've seen in the movies!"
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Self-motivation, decision-making, and prioritizing tasks are all things that business owners have to do, and they are also things that are very hard for me. When I was growing up, I avoided anything that was challenging or things that could end in "failure." I also have always been naturally disorganized, messy, and terrible with time management. However, what I have learned is that I cannot use my weaknesses as an excuse not to grow my business. I can only learn to do the best I can and figure out the things that work for me. Also, I try to focus on my strengths that really keep my business moving forward!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- In the beginning, there's a LOT that you won't know. You'll feel out of place, ignorant, and unqualified. This is totally normal, and so many people, including myself, have gone through it! Education and experience will build your confidence over time.
- Make sure that you keep track of all of your income and expenses, and don't wait until the end of the year to understand what you need to be keeping track of. Also, either pay quarterly taxes or save 25%-30% of your revenue for taxes; you'll thank yourself later!
- And then, for anyone who wants to start but you have been putting it off, I live by the motto: "what would your future self wish you would have done right now?" The theory behind this is to always be working towards making your future self proud.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://memoryboxcandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoryboxcandleco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoryboxcandleco/
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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