Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Katherine Longmuir, Founder and Owner of Noteworthy Candle Company, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder and owner of Noteworthy Candle Company! We specialize in non-toxic, asthma-friendly candles. Most of my customers are essential oil lovers who also love the relaxing energy that undoubtedly comes with burning a candle. I truly believe candles make a house a home.
Tell us about yourself
In 2021, I was diagnosed with asthma as an adult. This diagnosis honestly rocked my world as someone who believes in more holistic health. I have never been one to rely on medication, so I knew in order to limit the effects that asthma had on me, I had to be conscious about what products I was using in my home and, most importantly, what I was breathing in. After a lot of research, I discovered that the candles that I had always known and loved were actually contaminating the air I was breathing! It was heartbreaking to me to think of not being able to burn candles, so I started making my own asthma-friendly, non-toxic candles. Each candle is formulated with 100% natural soy wax with no additives, 100% cotton lead-free wick, and essential oils to bring aromatherapy benefits. I am so passionate about keeping non-toxic, clean products as affordable as possible. Clean candles don’t have to cost more. As someone who has struggled with respiratory issues, I am motivated to help others make the best choice about what they are burning in their own homes, around their children, and their pets.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a new business owner, I consider my biggest accomplishment the fact that I took the leap of faith and made my hobby into a business. I truly was very reluctant to start a small business. I was convinced that I would let myself down or fail. The journey began when I decided to put my fears aside and go after my dream. The only thing standing in my way was me, and after praying a lot about the journey, I decided to take the first step.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Comparison. The highlight reels of other small businesses are always right in front of your face. The temptation to sit in discouragement or discontentment is always right around the corner. But there is so much joy in realizing that YOU get to define what success looks like for you, and it does not have to look like everyone else! Choosing to be grateful and content with where I am in my journey is the key! Celebrating the victories of others helps with this comparison struggle too. It is easier said than done, but there is so much to be thankful for along the journey. We just need to be intentional to see it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I want to take a different spin on this because you could easily Google “tips for starting a business” and find a lot of practical items or a checklist of things to do. I want to suggest a few things that I discovered along the way!
- First off, get a mentor! Find someone who has done what you are trying to do, and ask them for advice. Most of the time, they are dying to help out.
- Second, be intentional about creating a support team. Find friends who will be honest with you, cheer you on, support you no matter what, and be a listening ear when you need it. Starting a business comes with a lot of ups and downs, and we all need supporters to that we can be vulnerable.
- Lastly, but most importantly, in my opinion… pray! As a Christian business owner, I pray for the right steps to take. The truth is, I don’t have all the answers, and I need all the help I can get! I am so grateful to have a group of supporters who pray for me and my business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://noteworthycandlecompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noteworthycandlecompany/
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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