Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adam Shane, co-owner of Sniffs of Adventure, located in Provincetown, MA, USA.

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

Our business is an all-natural candle company based on our adventures around the world. They are also based on life events. Our candles are made from 100% soy wax and organic materials. We create and design each candle wrap artwork to represent each adventure or life event. We then pair that with a specific scent that evokes the memory of that adventure.

Each candle is hand-poured and labeled by us. The candles we produce are made in 16oz tins and have approximately a 60-hour burn time. We have created over 100 different candle adventures since we launched our business in July of 2020. Our customers range in age from 14-85 years old!! Our candles appeal to all people who enjoy candles and even to some who don't but know someone who does. Our artwork is also eye-catching, colorful, and one of a kind.

Tell us about yourself

Our business was conceived in March of 2020 when we were sitting at home during a global pandemic. I was looking at candle-making kits online and decided to order one for something to do. After the kit arrived and some candles were made, we realized that the scents we had made reminded us of some adventurous travels we had been on.

We named each candle a different adventure to give to family and friends but then wondered if these could be something we could sell. We quickly conceptualized the entire business within 20 minutes, thought of 30 different candle names, ordered more oils, and our company was born that evening! This business is now a full-time business, and we have a staff. We love our business because it never really feels like we are working!!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment was taking a huge gamble by opening a storefront in a super busy seasonal tourist town DURING A PANDEMIC!! We make everything by ourselves, and we did not know if people would be that interested in our candles. Our risk had paid off within six weeks of opening our shop. We are super proud of the fact that we made the leap from our kitchen to an actual store, and we haven't looked back.

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

Our biggest hurdle was the stress of the global supply chain last year because of the pandemic. We would sometimes be out of wax and/or tins, and so would our supplier. We quickly overcame this by establishing relationships with other suppliers so that if one was suffering a setback, we could quickly pivot to another. We also realized that ordering large amounts of supplies that we needed well in advance was a proactive tactic rather than waiting last minute to order supplies on the fly. There are so many things to coordinate and so many moving parts in a business that one would never even think of... especially with a product as simple as a candle!

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

Three things we would tell people straight away would be to:

  1. Make sure you are passionate about what you are doing! If you are not having fun running your own business, it is not going to be worth it.
  2. Establish relationships with people in your industry and suppliers in your industry. It makes a WORLD of difference to have people have your back and genuinely want to see you succeed.
  3. Make sure you are taking care of yourself as stepping away from the business, whether for an afternoon or a day or a week. Stepping away makes you want to come back with new and inventive ideas and keeps your mind fresh for what is to come.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you don't have the 'hustle' that is within you to run your own business, don't even bother. You will know if you have it or if you don't right off the bat!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://comesniffaround.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sniffsofadventure/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sniffsofadventure/

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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