Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mary Mongold, owner of Rock Camp Candle Co., located in Johnstown, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Working alongside my husband, Kevin, we create soy candles and wax melts, using cotton wicks for a clean burn. We specialize in sleek, modern, and quirky labels that make great gifts for any occasion. Since we design all of our labels in-house, our customers love that they can bring their own visions to life with our custom label option.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Mary, and I am the owner and candle maker at Rock Camp Candle Co. I am a wife, mom to 4 kiddos, and a 3rd generation candle maker happily carrying on the tradition and craft of candle making in our family, which began with my Granny decades ago. Rock Camp Candle Co. was birthed from my desire to stay creative after leaving my corporate job to stay home with my babies. RCC has allowed me an opportunity to pour my personality and ideas into a product that becomes a staple piece in homes across the country. Knowing that scent has a stronger link to memories and emotions than any of the other senses, we take pride in being a part of creating lasting memories for our customers with our candles.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This one is easy. My biggest accomplishment is definitely watching my children want to carry on the vision and legacy of candle-making that has been passed down in our family for generations. My 10-year-old was inspired to create her very own candle line after helping me in the candle shop. She came up with her first candle idea, tested it, worked with our designer (her daddy) to design her own label, crafted it, and took it to market. She now sells her line on our website and in stores. Even at a young age, she has a big heart and passion for entrepreneurship and being a part of our family business. My proudest moments as a business owner have been watching her learn to take our candle legacy to the 4th generation in our family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the harder parts of owning a business is that you fill all of the positions. To succeed, you must be willing to grow and learn beyond your craft. You become the operations manager, quality control, buyer, office manager, bookkeeper, customer service, shipping manager, social media, and marketing department....you do it all. Many times you are doing it all while also maintaining and balancing your home and family life at the same time. Learning that balance is definitely something that can make or break small businesses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research prior to jumping in. Master your craft or product before bringing it to market. It's much easier to fix mistakes when they are in the research/development phase than it is once you've grown across the country.
- Put your blinders on and stay in your lane. Do not get sucked into watching and following what others in your industry may be doing. Stay true to the vision you have for your business and be the best at that.
- Quality over quantity. One of the most important things I have taught my children as they help with the business is that we focus on quality over everything. Where customers choose to spend their dollars these days is something we do not take lightly. When they choose to spend them with small businesses, they should be getting the absolute very best they can get.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We lost my mother unexpectedly in 2020. She was THE candle lady in my town growing up. She and my Granny were my inspiration for starting my candle own company. Legacy matters a lot in our family and is at the core of our company. I am honored to carry on her and my Granny's legacy of our family craft. What I love most about entrepreneurship and business ownership is that you can start your own legacy to be passed down. You can create a vision and path for your family that will span generations. You can impact the future of your family and community with just one idea that you take action on.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rockcampcandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockcampcandles/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockcampcandles/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
