Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ivy Espana, Owner of TEN|4 Candle Co., located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My company is TEN|4 Candle Co. I make and sell clean burning concrete candles. Each jar is handmade by me, and a huge part of the business is raising awareness for animal rescue in Chicago. A portion of sales is donated to local animal rescue. My customers are animal lovers, lovers of home decor and minimalist design.
Tell us about yourself
I started working on candles during the pandemic. I was still required to report to work as an essential worker in the housing field. It was such a stressful time, and I started researching calming fragrances to deal with anxiety and quickly realized I could learn something new and make candles. I started out with a small kit from Amazon. I became obsessed, and I joined every candle Facebook group and made amazing friends along the way.
I never really thought owning a business would be a reality for me, I kind of settled into a comfortable job, and that was it. But when I started brainstorming this idea for a company, it felt like I finally found my calling. I have always loved animals and grew up with dogs my whole life. I’ve volunteered at shelters and worked with rescues, so I knew giving back to the community would be something I had to do. It’s been an amazing ride.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was actually just starting. It’s scary to walk into the unknown, but I always put one foot in front of the other, figuring things out along the way. I quit my full-time job six months into starting my business, and it was a huge step for me. But I have never been happier.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is not having all the answers at all times. I’m a planner, and I like to know things and the outcome and processes. But when you own a business, that’s impossible. You grow by learning and by making mistakes. So wrapping my head around the fact that it might not all be perfect all the time is tough. But I know as long as I’m doing the best I can for my customers and myself, it’ll be ok.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start! Let it be messy. You might not know all the answers but if you have something to share with the world, do it!
- Join a community. It’s hard and lonely starting a business, but the amount of knowledge and support I received from the candle-making groups was invaluable.
- Start something you’re passionate about, and take your time figuring that out. If you start candles, clothing, or accessories, love them because people will feel that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ten4candleco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ten4candleco/
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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