Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Wright, Owner of Mostly Sunny Candle Co., located in Omaha, NE, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mostly Sunny Candle Co. is an artisan candle shop dedicated to bringing sunshine inside. Our candles and wax melts are crafted in small batches using 100% soy wax and phthalate-free essential oil-infused fragrances.
Tell us about yourself
My business was born during the pandemic. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart but have always struggled with figuring out where to start. I actually went searching for my favorite candle and found out that the scent I loved had been discontinued. This sent me down the path of trying to figure out how to make it myself (which is a lot harder than I thought!). From there, I eventually started selling the candles I made to family and friends, online and at craft fairs. Something that started as a hobby has now become a thriving business! Personally, I am a wife and mom to three kids, and my family is my biggest motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I will be opening up a storefront in just a few weeks!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a maker, scalability has certainly been a challenge. I have held off on hiring employees up to this point, but that is something that is very likely on the horizon in order to allow me to execute some of the other ideas I have.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Reach out for advice! I was initially somewhat resistant to this because I had this incorrect assumption that people don’t want to share their hard-earned knowledge. In reality, there are people who are honored to be asked for advice and mentoring.
- Lean on the expertise of others. Similar to my first tip, but taking it one step further. You are not expected to be an expert in all things related to your business, even though it may feel like it. This is your opportunity to support other small businesses by outsourcing some activities.
- Sometimes later becomes never - do it now! You don’t have to have everything perfectly in place to take the first step.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mostlysunnycandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mostlysunnycandleco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mostlysunnycandleco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-wright1/
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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