Inspired by Intentional Living - Virago Candle Studio
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tyra Dizon-Clark, Founder and Owner of Virago Candle Studio, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Virago Candle Studio is a small, black + queer-owned home fragrance business based in st. Louis, Missouri. Virago means a strong, brave, or warlike woman: a woman who demonstrates exemplary and heroic qualities; I picked this word because I have so many women in my life who truly are 'Viragos,' and they inspire me to be a better daughter, sister, niece, wife, friend, etc. My candles, wax melts, and diffusers are all made with the intention of taking time for yourself and living authentically. My customers value authenticity, self-care, kindness, comfort, and supporting small businesses like mine. I launched a subscription-style service in 2021 where anyone in the US and Canada can experience effortless, seasonal scents!
Tell us about yourself
I started making candles because I love candles (maybe a little too much). I've always associated candles with stability and safety, especially during times in my life when things weren't. That love for candles grew as I got older, so much that my friends brought them as gifts to my bachelorette party instead of your 'traditional' bachelorette gifts. After moving to Dallas in April 2019 with my amazing wife, Darline, and our three fur babies, I was looking for a new hobby and a way to save money. Darline bought me a candle-making kit, and from that first pour, I fell in love with candle-making. Candle-making has now become a therapeutic process for me. We moved back to St. Louis in March of 2020, and I launched VCS in April 2020. My everyday motivation is creating products for people to use home fragrance as a way to take a step back and relax, much like I have in the past and still do today!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly just taking the plunge and starting my business. I started my business during a time of complete chaos- I had just been laid off, moved back to my hometown, and the pandemic was shutting the entire world down. I was making candles out of my tiny little guest room for the first 14 months of the opening up shop! I've moved into a studio space in the back of my house, and I finally have a solid work/life balance.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Self-motivation. I struggle with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, so being my own boss definitely has some perks, but it also has some drawbacks, especially when I'm struggling with my mental health. That, on top of the constant reminder of the unprecedented times, makes it difficult to navigate entrepreneurship sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your people.
- Do your research.
- Find your niche.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://viragocandlestudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viragocandlestudio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viragocandlestudio/
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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