Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Murphy, Founder of Original Candle Guy, located in Elizabethtown, KY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Original candle guy is an online shop with funny & the best quality scented candles for any occasion. We have a selection of over 600 different sayings and 15 incredible scents.
Our candles are hand-poured in small batches, made of only 100% soy wax and natural ingredients. Customers worldwide love our candles because they are a one-of-a-kind interior decoration and make the perfect gift for all occasions!
Tell us about yourself
I'm Michael, and I started the original candle guy in 2020. The story is simple: Back then, I was looking for a birthday present for somebody and had a hard time finding something that was cool and unique. I saw a scented candle in my apartment and wondered, "Why can't that candle be like me?" Sexy, environmentally focused, appealing to the senses, and the right combination of funny and inappropriate.
That would be the perfect gift!" From there, the candle guy was born. What motivates me the most is that together with my team, I make a first quality product that brings a smile to so many people's faces. It's the best job in the world to design these candles, to make people laugh, and to be in touch with our community of thousands of candle lovers.
We constantly create funny, silly, romantic, and sometimes even rude or sarcastic candle sayings. We love making new incredible scents!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As of today, going full-time with the original candle guy is something that I'm very proud of. After growing our team to 15 candle guys and girls within a few months, we sell our candles all over Europe and the USA.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a candle guy is just part of my job. The business side takes a lot of time, effort, and patience.
Having to juggle so many tasks - is a challenge.
- Managing the shop
- Social media marketing
- Advertising
- Bookkeeping
- Running the production line
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be too proud to accept help. Especially if you are wearing many hats as a small business owner, you can't manage to be perfect in all tasks.
- When you think there is no way out, keep trying. There is always a solution! And success comes when you manage to overcome the most significant problems.
- Use different marketing platforms to reach all target groups optimally and stay independent. It is also essential to consistently build an email list from the beginning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://candle-guy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/originalcandleguy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalcandleguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-murphy-b8651a124/
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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