Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kyle Ranger, owner of Wick'd YYC Candle Company, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is based on the principle of reducing waste and reusing items. We love candles, and we know that many people do. However, most candle vessels are non-recyclable and end up in the landfill. We wanted to be able to enjoy as many candles as we could while reducing our waste and doing our part for the environment and our health. So we started with the vessels. Why not reuse previously loved items and turn them into candles? We thrift, go antiquing, and up-cycle everything we can to make our candles. We then turned to the candle itself. We use 100% soy wax for a cleaner-burning, longer-lasting candle. We also use perfume-grade fragrance oils that are paraben and phthalate-free, ensuring you have a clean, non-toxic candle. Much better than what you get at the big-box stores! We encourage our customers to get their favourite vessels refilled and even allow customers to bring us their own vessels, which we turn into candles for them. It's an exciting way to enjoy candles with less impact!
Tell us about yourself
Jordan and I began making candles during lockdown to help fuel our addiction to that flickering glow of warmth only a candle can bring! After more than eight months of trial and error, we had perfected the process. But we were tired of buying vessels and had begun to reuse what we had. We then moved into a new place where the previous owner had left a box of mugs, cups, and other various items. The lightbulb went off, and we filled all of them. Our friends commented on what a good idea it was, and we ran with it. Within one day, we had our website up and going and were applying to markets. From there, we have grown the business and perfected our model. We love meeting like-minded individuals and providing them with a great product while helping to be more sustainable.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment is having customers return to have their vessels refilled or when they search through their homes and compile vessels for us to fill. That is when we know we have made a difference. We also love doing large orders and providing unique items for large events such as weddings. We know we are getting our idea out in front of more people, and we couldn't be happier.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest part is keeping your expectations in check. Your business is your baby, and your ideas are always amazing to you. However, not everyone is going to like everything you do, and not everyone is going to resonate with your product. When you have a sale, and no one buys anything, do not get discouraged. Ask for feedback, tweak your formula and try again! Never give up on your dream.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on your ideal customer and put your energy into that market. You cannot convert everyone into liking what you are selling. Do not waste your energy on that.
- Do Your Research. Look up similar businesses. Find what you like and don't like. See what's already working out there and adapt it to your idea. You do not need to invent this all yourself; find what is successful and do it better!
- Stick with it. You will have highs and lows. You will have an extremely profitable month and a month of losses. You need to weather the storms and stick with your dream. Grow always, and don't compare yourself to others.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We have found so much community among the small business owner, and I encourage anyone starting out to attend markets, get to know other people doing the same thing, and help each other out. If you have a friend that is starting or running a small business, supports them in any way you can. Something as simple as sharing a social media post goes a long way. It's tough out there, and it is great to know your friends support you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wickdyyc.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickdyyc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickdyyc/
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.
