Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kami Brown, owner of Studio 15 Candles Etc., located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.

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

My husband and I started this business and launched it in March of this year. Studio 15 Candles Etc. creates and manufactures hand-poured candles and wax melts. We also have our signature body products (whipped sugar scrub, bath salts, bath bombs, regular sugar scrub). We are currently in the beginning phase of a men’s line (beard balm, whipped sugar scrubs that are more masculine, and more). We offer vegan-friendly products as well, in honor of one of our daughters. In our home, Andrae is the candle guy. He loves to buy them, and he is the one that keeps them lit. I thought that was strange at first. What guy likes to buy candles? Turns out that guys are half of our customer base. I also thought our demographic would be women between the ages of 20 to 50. Again, It surprised me when I saw teens buying them as much as the older generation as well. Our buyers are all genders of all ages.

Tell us about yourself

Making candles and body products is something that has been in my head for a while now. But, I am a Registered Nurse and knew I couldn’t take a pay cut to start a business. My husband is the stay-at-home dad who does all of the school and doctor runs. We are also foster parents to medically fragile kids, so it is great he can be available; so we knew we needed my income. In September of 2021, we got COVID. Andrae recovered within a few weeks, but I ended up in ICU in pretty bad shape. After a couple of weeks, I was strong enough to go home but not back to work. I was also sent home on oxygen. The months went slowly by, and I had been unable to return to work.

My job let me go. Sitting around the house became so boring. So, we decided to jump into the dream and make it a reality. God made everything happen and fall into place. Our studio is upstairs, so that became my daily goal. Just walk upstairs. It was hard at first, but I would count every step as I went up as a way to encourage myself. I was still on the oxygen and luckily had a long tube to go with me upstairs. There are 15 steps that were my nemesis to climb but became my encouragement. Fifteen stairs to the one room in my house where I could be busy and escape the depression that was starting to set in. (On top of that, I get to work with my best friend/husband daily! ) That is how Studio 15 got its name.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That we took something that was only a dream and made it a reality.

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

Not becoming discouraged. When selling candles, online customers can’t smell the amazing scents we offer. Many consumers want to hold a candle in their hands, open the lid, and take that first smell. We have learned that doing vendor events will provide that experience and lead to repeat customers who will utilize the website.

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

The biggest tip we were given was to start the company correctly from the ground up. When first starting, make sure you obtain your EIN from the IRS, your assumed name from your county/state, apply for your tax ID certificate, and anything else that your county/state requires. Even if you believe you will have time to do it later “if the business takes off,” you never want to play catch up. We have learned that we are most thankful for that advice! Also, do not always depend on family and friends to support your business by buying from you or promoting your business. In several talks with other small business owners, this has been mentioned many times. Last but not least, do not get discouraged if the business is slow for a while. It may take a bit for your business to take off. Do not give up! Keep going.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://studio15candlesetc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio15CandlesEtc/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studio15candlesetc

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.