Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lorraine Marshall, Owner of Scentfuls, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Scentfuls was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, and was originally family-owned and operated by a father and daughter duo. Scentfuls is your number one source for handcrafted soy candles, natural skin care products, and mandatory self-love. Scentfuls is dedicated to providing the very best of handcrafted products and services with a focus on quality, customer care, and aesthetics.

Currently we offer a variety of handcrafted candles, natural skincare products not limited to massage oils, bath bombs, lip balms, artisan soaps, bath salts, and sugar scrubs. When production is not in session, we spend our time offering handcrafted hands-on classes in person and virtually to anyone who is looking for a unique experience.

We serve a diverse range of customers, from anyone looking for the perfect facial cleanser and skin exfoliator to our latest summer fragrances and even corporate clients wanting to evoke feelings of tranquility and serenity from the moment their clients step through their doors by introducing the perfect scent. We also specialize in Parties, Weddings, Corporate Team Building, Fundraisers, Private Labeling, and Wholesale.

Tell us about yourself

I am Lorraine "The Candle Lady" Marshall, owner of Scentfuls. For the past twenty years, I have had a passion and appreciation for the benefits of aromatherapy, self-care, and relaxation that candles and natural skincare routines provide. I wanted others to understand these amazing benefits and get the most out of them. Therefore, I started Scentfuls, a brand that adds value to people's lives and the world around them. Every day when I wake up, life itself motivates me!! I am also motivated by encouraging others to not settle, understand they are enough, partake in healthy relationships, and practice self-love and self-care while living their best purposeful life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner, apart from starting and running a professional business, is always maintaining ethical business practices. The most challenging task is to ensure my team remains disciplined to Scentfuls original business values. I am proud that my business and team adhere to our main values successfully: honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty, fairness, concern for others, and respect for others.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is dealing with unexpected situations and the unknown. Every day is a magical mystery from my schedule, logistics, production, sales, marketing, and so many other factors, not forgetting to also be present in my own personal life. The best training, hands down, is on-the-job training. No matter how much I prepare and adequately plan, business is never predictable. There are some things in life and as an entrepreneur that you simply must experience to understand.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Research, Research, Research, & More Research.
    You can NEVER do enough research!! Some of the things you can research include:
    What's Your Why, Your Business Name, Formats & Business Structures, What Your Logo Should Represent, What Are Your Values, What Is A Tag Line, Competitor Analysis, Define Your Target Audience, How Will You Pay Yourself, How You Will Get Your Name Established, Your Web Presence, Your USP (Unique Sales Proposition), How Will You Manage Risk and the list continues…
  2. Write Out Your Business Plan.
    Write Out Your Business Plan Which I Like To Refer To It As 'My Blueprint"
    Let's face it; EVERYTHING comes with instructions, warnings, and/or labels, rather we read them or not. However, it is a guarantee in business you will often need and appreciate the time you have invested in thoroughly creating Your Blueprint. For me personally, there have been times where my determination and Blueprint were all I had to rely on, which was more than enough to successfully sustain because there lay my answers.
  3. Complete Every Task Correctly The First Time.
    Later it will only become expensive to deal with a mess. So properly invest the funds where the funds are needed (areas that are not your expertise) and the time where the time is needed.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It is okay to need help! Focus aggressively on the areas that you can improve while successfully maintaining what you are excelling at. This will elevate you personally and bring growth to your business at a much faster rate. Develop a passion for embracing and solving problems rather than running away from them. Knowing that the ability to pivot is priceless. Most importantly, rest and enjoy your entrepreneurship journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://scentfuls.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scentfuls/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scentfuls/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scentfuls

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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