Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eli Morr, co-founder of Peacesake, located in Upper Marlboro, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sustainable, handmade, and naturally unique. There is power and purpose behind lighting a candle that you know has been handmade with the intention and hope of creating a keep's sake while keeping the earth at peace.
At Peacesake Candles & Co., we develop and create handcrafted, naturally unique scented candles and room sprays -manufactured in a sustainable, clean and eco-friendly manner. Each product is made with the intent of creating peace within a home while keeping peace within its environment.
We launched Peacesake back in 2016 in Valencia’s mother’s backyard. Since then, we have been able to bring our work and passions into many homes through our devoted customer base at our local community markets and national retailers such as Madewell, FEED, and more. Each candle is handmade with 100% American-made components, crafted right in Maryland.
Tell us about yourself
We became small business owners because of the freedom and flexibility to be creative and work on something we were passionate about. Peacesake Candles was started in our home kitchen with an idea to create a sustainable candle we felt good about burning in our own home. Six years later, we are proud to be able to share our passion with customers around the U.S. and Canada.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The past holiday season, we had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Madewell to create three exclusive products for their stores and online shop. But one other thing I'm most proud of is our recycling program, where we were able to recycle over 1000 candle vessels to date and inspire our customers to recycle at home.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As small business owners, we have to wear a lot of different hats. Not only are we making the product, but Valencia is also doing the accounting, researching, and sourcing materials that are recyclable or biodegradable, plus scent development. At the same time, I handle marketing, researching shows and events to participate in, and work on graphic, website, and packaging design. Both of us cover business operations as well as raising 4-year-old twin boys. This seems like a lot, but we are very grateful to do something we love.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take action.
- Don't wait until everything is perfect. Just get started with what you have and keep improving as you go.
- Don't stress the small things. For every problem, there's a solution.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.peacesake.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peacesakecandle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacesakecandle/
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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