Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Taylor Lyons, Owner of The Lone Lotus Candle Co., located in Cincinnati, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We make small batches of vegan and cruelty-free soy wood wick candles in a variety of containers, such as mason jars and vintage mugs, and other vessels. We also make wax melts, car diffusers, incense, bath soaks, and room and linen spray that also double as body sprays. Everything we make is packaged in environmentally friendly packaging, and we source all of our ingredients with the environment in mind as well. Our customers are people who love good smells and who appreciate clean-burning candles free of paraffin wax and other harmful chemicals, as well as other scented products that are completely natural and non-toxic.
Tell us about yourself
We started making candles once we realized all of the horrible and toxic ingredients used in candles you buy from big chain stores. We knew we could make a product that would be completely clean to burn and healthy for anyone who would come in contact with it, including adults, children, and pets. We are motivated by all of the great feedback we get from our customers and our appreciation for what we do. We’re also motivated by knowing that we are creating a product that is completely sustainable and not going to leave a footprint on the environment.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment thus far is that within our first year of being a business, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with Kismet, Pangaea, as well as Toko Baru and create signature fragrances for each store.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is not only setting ourselves apart from other Candle businesses but also with so many different candles available with toxic ingredients; the second hardest thing is to inform people of the dangers not only to themselves but also to their families when they go and purchase a candle from Walmart or Bath and Body works or even from people that sell locally that use paraffin wax and other harmful ingredients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make sure that it is something you are really passionate about because it is a lot of work, and if you don’t love it, you can get burnt out really fast! Be sure that whatever you are doing has your own special touch of uniqueness to it because selling at markets or trying to get your stuff in stores; there are so many products that easily can be exactly the same as what you are doing, so set yourself apart from the rest. Involve yourself in the local community and be open to everyone and everything because you never know who you could meet just by chance who can help take your business to the next level.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are lucky to be in a city that has so many opportunities for small businesses, and we appreciate all of the help and support we have received from individuals in the community since the start of our business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thelonelotuscandleco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelonelotuscandleco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelonelotuscandleco/
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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