Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Holly Singer, founder of Milk Jar Candle Company, located in Calgary, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our Mission at Milk Jar is to create inviting spaces. We do this by creating beautifully smelling and natural candles for your home, by inviting you into our workshop for a candle making class to learn all of our tricks and secrets of candle making (and get you in touch with your creative side!), in our workplace by being an inclusive employer where 1/3 of our amazing employees have disabilities, and in our community by donating $1 from the sale of every product to a local non-profit supporting children and adults with disabilities in Alberta. In 2021, we raised over $73,000 for 6 non-profit organizations in Alberta, including Pacekids and Between Friends Club. Our company is so much more than the candles and diffusers we hand make and sell, Milk Jar is a company that cares about lifting up our community and our customers are people that care about the world being a more inclusive place.
Tell us about yourself
From my early education background in Kinesiology and career working in the non-profit sector and privately for families, I have had a great passion for supporting people with disabilities. It was my dream to become an Occupational Therapist after graduating from the University of Calgary with a BSc in KNES and continue on my path to help children connect, grow and feel a great sense of belonging. When I had challenges in furthering my education to reach my OT goal, I didn't let it deter what I believed to be my life purpose. Instead, I decided I could insert my love for philanthropy into whatever I did if I became an entrepreneur and created my own career path. It is a privilege to own a successful business in Canada, and I genuinely believe it is our human duty to use our platform, voice and dollar to lift others who need a helping hand. I want Milk Jar to be an example of a business that employs all people and is successful because every single person has value and strengths to offer. I am inspired every day by the positive culture we have created with our inclusive team and the incredible work of our nonprofits that we partner with and donate to. Our candles are the vehicle to a greater purpose that is so much more than Milk Jar.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating a company culture that has attracted the most incredible team that believes in our values and mission of doing something greater than only selling a product. To build a business that people genuinely want to work for and are excited to make it their own passion as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is the work-life balance. When you own a business it can sometimes be hard to think and focus on anything else, which is why it is essential to set boundaries with your work schedule, make time to exercise and spend time doing other things you love. Burnout is very easy to do when you own and operate a business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Focus on progress, not perfection. Make decisive decisions; people who are wishy-washy or do not trust in their decision-making will struggle to run a business. Decisiveness will free up your mind and progress your vision instead of halting it. Hire a bookkeeper from the start.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.facebook.com/milkjarcandleco
http://instagram.com/milkjarcandleco
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.
