Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Miranda Alexeichenko, Owner of Queen Candles Canada, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Queen Candles Canada is an all-natural vegan soy candle company! As a local Canadian company, it is important to us to offer natural products with reduced waste packaging.
Our hand-poured soy candles are made in small batches with high-quality toxin-free ingredients. We currently offer 15+ unique scents that are topped with a variety of ethically sourced healing crystals, naturally dried flowers, and eco-friendly glitter, with more scents being added frequently!
Tell us about yourself
Queen Candles Canada was brought to light this past year when I went through a difficult time in my personal life and had severe anxiety. I took some time to get back to myself and find creative outlets to de-stress. I have always enjoyed crafts and creating things with my hands. I have also been an avid candle fan for years, as I love the calming energy that candles bring and the scents that fill your whole home! I stumbled upon the craft of candle making during this time when I got a small kit to try out, creating a few candles just for fun. I found that making candles is very relaxing, and I ended up falling in love with the whole process; it has greatly reduced my anxiety as well!
I first started out creating candles as gifts for friends and family, and they enjoyed the candles so much that they encouraged me to pursue this as a business venture; thus, Queen Candles Canada was born!
I love being able to create custom candles for special events such as bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, etc. It makes me feel so proud to be able to work with the customer to give them exactly what they are looking for and contribute to their special day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing how far my business has come in the past few months since launching in April 2022. I am proud of being able to start out online on Etsy (hopeful to have my own website soon!) and participate in local in-person markets that allow me to connect with fellow candle lovers. This is only the beginning, and I am excited to continue creating new candles for others to enjoy!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
An expected challenge that I have found is planning for the upcoming seasonal launches! Sometimes it feels like everyone is launching their seasonal products months earlier than you have them planned to launch, but it is important to remember to plan for the future and start your prep work early. Everyone goes at their own pace as well!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, always start off with research! Spend as much time as you can researching the industry that you are looking to get started in and view what others are selling, the costs associated, ingredients/products needed, and how others are marketing their products to ensure you are set up for success. I would recommend looking at the prices that other businesses are charging for similar products in order to offer competitive prices.
It is also important to set goals for yourself, both short-term and long-term! Starting your own business may feel intimidating (trust me, I've been there), and people may doubt you and what you can achieve. Set yourself up for success by choosing realistic short-term goals that you can attain in the next six months and then long-term goals that you can work towards!
Above all, celebrate your successes and achievements! Don’t give up or feel discouraged if you are not meeting all your goals or making lots of money overnight. It takes a lot of work to create and grow a small business, so you should be proud of yourself for following your dreams!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenCandlesCanada
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queencandlescanada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queencandles.ca/
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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