Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sylvia Opper, owner of One of a Hive Candles, located in Buffalo, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own a local candle shop. Everything that we make is hand-poured in small batches. We use all-natural beeswax along with essential oils to scent our candles. We also make wax melts, but with a twist. We hand wrap our wax melts in recycled, compostable paper instead of how they are usually packaged- in a single-use plastic container. We also offer our customers in-store to bring their used candle vessels back to us to receive 10% off their next order. We do this so we can clean out those same vessels and reduce our carbon footprint.
Tell us about yourself
I used to be a hairstylist, and I enjoy getting to know people, especially my customers. It is always a goal for me to create new relationships with people who truly love our products. What first got me into making candles is because… obviously, I love candles! It was more than this because even though I love candles, and I love my home smelling good, the candles from big brand stores always gave me a headache, stuffy nose, etc.
That’s when I started researching more natural alternatives to candles, and voilà, I found out about the benefits of beeswax! It truly motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing because multiple people have come to me with the same issues I had, and it’s such an amazing feeling that I can offer them a healthy alternative for their homes.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would honestly have to be how large of a following I have made on TikTok. I remember having 200 followers and just manifesting that I would have that “k” in my followers section representing over 10,000 followers one day. It’s been a little over a year since I created my TikTok, and I now have almost 50k followers! And I am confident that number will continue to grow.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is being my own boss. I know that everyone’s go-to goal is to “be your own boss,” but it’s a blessing and a curse because you really have to make sure everything is accounted for and make sure you do not forget anything. It’s almost next to impossible for me not to be hard on myself as my own boss, but that will pay off one day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do as much research and planning before making any “real moves.”
- Stay organized.
- Have fun with you’re business. I get so caught up in the everyday stress of things that sometimes I forget that I’m living my childhood dream of owning a “fun” business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.oneofahive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneofahivecandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneofahivecandles/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oneofahivecandles
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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