Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Kulbatski, Founder of Sarendipity Candle Co., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Sarendipity candles team holds sustainability as our number one value. Everything about our candles is recyclable- right down to the packaging. Our candles are packed in 100% biodegradable packing peanuts that can be dissolved in water, which greatly reduces waste. Our artisanally-crafted gift box is made from recycled Kraft boxes and can be repurposed for future gifts or storage.
The same goes for the beautiful glass vessels we use for our candles. Made from recycled glass, these adorable glass jars should NOT be thrown out when the candle has been burned through! - now you have a container for storing jewelry, grains, and small plants- the possibilities are endless! All of our candles come with recycled wood lids, which can be used to seal your upcycled container for easy storage.
Our wax is 100% pure, farmed with no pesticides, GMO-free, paraben-free, and contains zero additives. Our candles also contain zero petroleum, which means no harmful environmental emissions compared to mass-produced, store-bought candles. This brings us to perhaps the most obvious marker of sustainability: the way we craft our signature candles. Because each candle is carefully hand-poured in small batches, much less energy and resources are wasted. Mass production from larger, more mainstream brands means significantly more energy used and more harmful soot emitted into the atmosphere.
This philosophy also applies to the types of wicks we use in our candles. Burning a lead wick pollutes air quality and is not nearly as sustainable as a hand-poured candle with an unbleached cotton wick. Our candles are clean-burning and 100% natural, making them a more eco-friendly option for the environment as opposed to their mass-produced, lead-wicked counterparts.
Tell us about yourself
I have been nuts about candles for as long as I can remember. You would have always found one/two burning in every room of my house. They have always been the antidote to my anxiety, helping me process my thoughts and giving me a cozy and comfy feeling to boot. My candle obsession eventually got me thinking about what makes candles smell good- why do they stimulate our senses and relax us so much?
My discovery of terpenes was what truly inspired me to start my own line of sustainable and naturally scented candles. After researching the harmful synthetic compounds used to fragrance most mass-produced candles, I knew there had to be a different way. Terpenes were all around us, from our citrusy cleaning products to our nightly glass of wine, so why can’t they be in the candles we burn? Cue Sarendipity candles.
Nicknamed “Sar” for many years, I was always a believer in serendipity. Therefore the name “Sarendipity” came naturally. What also came naturally were the various terpenes- scent compounds from Mother Nature herself- infused into my candles. Hand poured with love in small batches; each candle has a scent profile that provides clean and calming aromatherapy. No psychoactive properties or harmful chemicals here- just pure, indulgent relaxation.
What motivates me every day is my love of clean, sustainable products (and witty, sarcastic phrases), which is evident in the way each candle is packaged and produced, so you can love yourself while also loving the planet!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think being able to launch during the pandemic and still keep the integrity of the brand intact. My biggest accomplishment, however, is hearing back from customers who become repeat customers on how much they loved and/or enjoyed the candle.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Practicing what I call the 3 P’s - Patience, Persistence, and Perseverance and knowing, wholeheartedly, that I will have to face and deal with the unknowns and challenges. No matter how prepared you think you are, business is never predictable. I launched during the pandemic; how much harder can it get?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Providing good customer service is crucial to gaining their loyalty and retaining their business.
- To succeed in business today, you need to be flexible, have good planning and organizational skills, and detailed record-keeping.
- Be aware of your competition and improve on their successful tactics. Stand out by being different in what you have to offer.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I presently sell one-size candles online, but there are customizations possible, e.g., sizes, scents, vessels, etc., for corporate gifting, bachelorette and/or weddings, etc. Climate change has undoubtedly been a hot topic over the past couple of decades. The finite nature of our earth’s resources is only becoming more apparent as emissions are ever-increasing to accommodate a growing population. Making sustainable choices in our daily lives will impact our children and future generations. It is more important now than ever before.
By purchasing a Sarendipity Candle, not only are you getting a premium candle made with only the finest wax and terpene-based essences extracted directly from nature (no synthetic fragrances here!), but you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part to help the planet. Choosing the right Sarendipity Candle means not only fragrancing your home with an irresistible scent but also experiencing the incredible aromatherapy benefits that come with it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sarendipitycandles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarendipitycandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarendipitycandles/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3IPtSdm
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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