Light a Candle and Save Wildlife - Wild Wax Candle Company

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sara Braiman, Founder of Wild Wax Candle Company, located in Westminster, CO, USA.

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

Wild Wax Candle Company is based on generosity, a passion for lush fragrances, and a love of nature. We make small-batch candles that raise money for endangered wildlife. We donate 10% of our sales to two four-star wildlife conservation groups, the WILD Foundation, and Colorado's Ocean Coalition. Each candle features an endangered animal on its label, is paired with a nature-inspired fragrance, and comes with an animal fact card. It's our hope to not only inspire and educate others about endangered wildlife but also remind them of their contribution with a spark of bespoke fragrance and magic every time they burn their candle.

Our candles are made with top-tier, natural, and sustainable materials, making them very clean, burning, and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. We use:

An all-natural and renewable coconut blend wax
Fragrances infused with essential oils that are phthalate free
Cotton wicks (no zinc)
Reusable and/or recyclable containers
Lovely and minimalistic eco-friendly packaging
Non-toxic materials that are paraben, dye, and mica free (always)

Our customers are anyone who enjoys candles and wants to help endangered species. Light a candle and save wildlife!

Tell us about yourself

With well over a decade in the Healthcare sector, I'm grateful for a stable and interesting career; however, I've seen the effects of high stress on people, including myself. As a means to manage my own stress, my artistic side and passion for nature have been reliable outlets. A few years ago, a craft workshop introduced me to hand-poured candles, and I realized how fun and relaxing it is to make my own candles. This personal project soon turned into gift giving to family and friends. Seeing the delight others had in receiving candles and being told how much they enjoyed the aromatherapy fragrances, I soon realized that these candles could also be a powerful means for something greater.

I knew that my candle creations would be a perfect fit for what I had in mind: building a socially- and eco-conscious brand that is a shining symbol for endangered wildlife and a wonderful way to get people involved in helping today's environmental crisis. As Jane Goodall said, "We all are hope in action." We would love for you to join us on our mission. With a bright light, Sara.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Despite launching during the height of COVID and the challenges that came with it, in our first year, we were able to give back over $1000.00 to wildlife conservation. With the growth in our second year, we've decided to double our sales contributions from 5% to 10%. Thank you to all of our fans for your love!

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

Projects, timing, and life itself does not always go as planned. Anticipating the unexpected and knowing how to adapt to challenges is key. Starting a business during COVID taught me a lot about this, especially in dealing with difficult supply chain issues, marketing, and event cancellations.

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

Know your worth, and don't undersell yourself. If you offer something that is honest and unique, even in a competitive market, there is a client for everyone.
There are valuable and affordable business resources offered by your local library and Chamber of Commerce. These are often overlooked.
Remember that everything does not have to be done all at once and that it is okay to take some well-deserved time off. Enjoy the journey!

Create your own one-of-a-kind candle! We offer an online complimentary customization option allowing customers to pick from any of our fragrances to pair with any of our animal label options. No minimum order amount is required. We also offer unique and low-cost custom design packages for wholesale and bulk orders.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wildwaxcandleco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwaxcandlecompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwaxcandlecompany/

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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