[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message]Niche : Home and Living
Shop link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/FREEBIRDBYSD
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/freebirdbysd[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]”
Tell us something about yourself. What is your niche? Why did you start your business?
I am a true candle lover and I believe candle burning coupled with tantalizing fragrances is true aromatherapy! I started making candles as a hobby that helped calm my nerves and anxiety. I find it to be extremely rewarding and therapeutic on both ends – making them and burning them!
What type of products do you sell? How does your manufacturing process look like?
I sell hand-poured soy wax candles. I make the candles in small batches, one fragrance at a time.
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What are some challenging aspects of your business? How did you overcome them?
The most challenging aspect for me is supplier consistency and staying on top of inventory so that I don’t run out of anything. You have to have a backup plan because you never know when something may change on the supplier end so you have to consistently research products, pricing, and availability of your favorite items.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur? What’s the hardest about it?
I love the responses of customers! And, I love being able to tell people that they can do the same thing and being an example of what can happen when you take an idea and bring it to fruition. Right now just having the start-up money to do all of the things I want to do is the biggest challenge. Pushing past self-doubt and just going with my gut can also be tough sometimes.
What are some beginner mistakes you made? What advice or words of inspiration would you like to share?
The biggest mistake was waiting for someone else’s approval of my ideas. You can’t expect everyone to see what you see so you have to really trust your creative instincts, do your research, and then give it a shot. Consistency is also a major key to success.
What inspires you while designing and/or creating new products.
I get inspired when I do what I dream up and it’s successful. There’s nothing like it and it helps me have the confidence needed to try something different and unexpected.
How did you get the background and skills necessary to run this type of business?
I have always had a strong mind for organizing and managing people and businesses. I’ve actually been a salon manager for almost 10 years. Most importantly, I’ve loved candles, fragrance oils, essential oils for as long as I can remember!
What are some of the most effective ways in terms of marketing products to your customers?
Right now I have to rely heavily on social media because of covid. Customers like to see videos, hear tips, and real-life conversations about the products.
What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful online business?
Making sure your product is something people really want/need and using all available resources to create and market that product.
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How do you personally define business success? Is it money? Freedom? Influence? Creative expression and innovation? Something else?
For me, it’s freedom and creative expression! You can’t put a price tag on that!
Describe your day-to-day operation. How do you manage your time?
In the mornings I double-check inventory and package any orders that need to go out. During the day I try to post on social media. At night I research ideas, costs, and plans. I hand-pour candles one day a week.
How do you plan on growing your business? What is the biggest impact on your profitability?
I plan to expand my line with more fragrances, sizes, and accessories. Shipping costs have had the biggest negative impact on my profitability so I am working to make changes and streamline that process.
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