Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica Madison, founder of Ms.Erica's Fragrance Candles & Chips, located in Cedarhill, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ms.Erica's Fragrance Candles & Chips offers our very own Custom Candle warmers & Custom Triple scented Candles & Triple scented Wax melts. Our products are designed with smokers in mind. We offer triple scented wax melts, custom air fresheners, and Custom Candles.
Tell us about yourself
It started out as a hobby, and by popular demand, it is turning into a business. Now I am working hard to become a household name. I really enjoy it when people tell me their stories of how our custom home fragrances really set the tone in their homes. I will be so electrified when I bring the fragrance to life. It is simple, the recipe that separates me from the rest. You can cook macaroni & cheese, and I can as well, but if you do not specialize in making yours the cheesiest or creamiest, then you will just have cheese and macaroni. I do not carry every scent, only those that have been carefully selected and tested to blend well in homes of smokers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment has been the return of customers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is having the heart to reach each and every one. Sometimes it is hard to bring an older person into the new scents of the times. It has been hard to make a transition from being able to have a storefront to now trying to be strictly online due to covid and all. Just the changes of the world and being able to see what works best for your business needs. While still trying to let your return customers know that you will be there for them to get that pleasing aroma. Knowing that when they purchase your product, it will do what it is expected to do each and every time. Consistency is key. Now that I am trying to be online full time. I am having trouble arriving at a signature label that meets my brand. See, our product took off so nice until the customers were not really worried about the packaging of the product. They just wanted it and wanted it to be consistently good each and every time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I would tell anyone to make sure you are doing something that you love to do.
- I would say that you have mastered the recipe or service that you are offering.
- Be sure to listen and design with your customers in mind.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
God has his timing. You have to always be sure that you are paying attention so that when he shows up, you will know that it is him. It is a beautiful feeling when you have customers that tell you that they are so glad that you are still doing what you do. I have had customers tell me that they have tried other candles, but none was doing what mine was doing. Do not rush to put out the product; test everything before you release it for selling. Know what you are planning on doing and where you want to go. Keep praying, and always re-evaluate where you want to see yourself in business. Never give up your recipe; make it work for you when you arrive at it and stand on it. Trial and error have gotten me to this point, and I mean it with all my heart. I pour my heart into my business, and I like to have fun with it while making it do what it does.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.msericasfragrancecandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msericasfragrancecandles/
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.
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