Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carmen Quintero, founder of Carmen Quintero Candles, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I carve on paraffin and try to represent on it all the magic that nature contains. I think my clients are all those who are also inspired by this and want to have a little piece of this in their homes.
Tell us about yourself
For many years I was a preschool teacher, and I loved my profession, but parallel to this, craftsmanship always involved and attracted me. I ventured into many areas of art, such as painting, ceramics, and stained glass, but definitely, paraffin carving caught me. So one day, I thought, why not dedicate myself to this that I love so much and bring all this feeling and spread joy through my works? And that's what I did.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my greatest achievement has been being able to interpret what my clients want to see in one of my pieces when they want to take it home or when they want to give something special to someone very special. It makes me happy to see their happy faces.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you have a small business, the hardest thing is trying to carry out everything by yourself without much help because you still can't afford it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand that we may make many mistakes but that these will also help us improve.
- Follow the goal set, always thinking of one day at a time.
- Never lose joy and enthusiasm; there will always be good days and others not so good. This is life.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Having your own business and being your own boss may not be as easy as you might think. But it involves a lot of satisfaction; despite the hard work, I definitely think that the sun always rises for everyone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carmen-Quintero-100668931817518/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmen_quintero_candles/
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.