Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paris and Bluu, Owners of rebel+suede, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bluu and I are the owners, creators, and operators of rebel+suede. We are a high-end candle and fragrance company that focuses on consciously sourcing non-toxic and environmentally sustainable components. Our customer base is anyone who enjoys clean living and delicious aromatics. Although our look and feel are a little more edgy than your basic candle company, it also attracts people wanting to be the first to get the next dope product that stands apart and focuses on individuality while at the same time promoting inclusivity.
Tell us about yourself
We both had a propensity for candles even before we met five years ago, but during the pandemic, when both our own businesses were closed, we had the time to get creative. Through a very fortunate series of events, rebel+suede was born. Although we both still have our own separate businesses, now back in full swing, rebel+suede is our baby and has our hearts. It's fun, creative, and unique, and it allows us to be bold and daring and express whatever it is we need to at the moment. rebel+suede is more of a lifestyle and a vibe than just a candle company, and that being said, we see it growing into so much more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment to date is the fact that we are still growing! There were thousands of candle businesses born during the pandemic; many of them stopped as their owners and operators went back to their "regular" jobs. And some simply didn't make it for whatever reason. We have been "lucky" enough that our company continues to grow through difficult times.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing we face with rebel+suede is sourcing the Cleanest and highest quality ingredients with high performance. Many of the large box company's candles permeate your entire house, but they come at a higher cost to your health. They may have additives such as sulfates and phthalates and boosters to enhance their fragrance and to make them really strong, but they can also cause cancer and health issues.
Our candles and home products are sulfate and phthalate-free, as well as lead and zinc-free wicks and low VOC bases. Our goal is to educate people on candle care as well as the health components associated with both clean and toxic burning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You can't give up, ever. You will have a thousand No's, but if you have the passion and the vision, you have to keep moving. The trick is to know when to pivot, though; if you get stuck on an idea that isn't working, it can cost you everything. And lastly, you cannot do everything by yourself! In the beginning, you may not have the financial resources to hire outside help, but you need to ask friends and call in favors everywhere you can.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rebelandsuede.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelandsuede
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelandsuede/
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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