Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janelle Vanderbilt, Owner of Janelle’s Flame, located in Toms River, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an artisan candlemaker and have created Janelle's Flame, beautiful all-natural soy candles with Essential Oils, Fragrance Oils, Dried Flowers, Dried Herbs, and Mini Healing Crystals in each candle. My customers love my vegan, non-toxic candles to set intentions on and who are looking to manifest positive energy with the help of my candles in their self-care routine.
Tell us about yourself
I am an artist by trade. I was a graphic designer before becoming a stay-at-home mom; when it was time to return to work, I turned my candle-making hobby and knowledge of advertising, communications, and graphic design into a business. I still needed the flexibility of making my own hours until my daughter could drive herself to school and soccer practice, so I made it fit our life stages. I love doing pop-up events, farmer's markets, and craft shows. There is something magical about not knowing what the day will bring, who I will meet, and who I will help that day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was finding the strength to believe in my abilities to create something I love and have people love it and want it to be in their homes. I remember starting with just $400 to invest. I figured, well, I love candles, so if they don't sell, I have a lot of candles I love that are safe to burn in my home with allergy and asthma sufferers, and that matches my rustic boho decor, so I think loving what you make and believing in yourself makes it a satisfying endeavor and one I am so happy to be still doing after 3yrs.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a new business owner, one of the hard things was getting the courage to approach other businesses to sell my candles in their store. In my first store, my candles still had handwritten tags, and I jumped for joy that it came to fruition. Now my candles have been in over ten stores, and you can find my line of Faire wholesale for new stores nationwide. I am also being featured in House and Garden Magazine by Conde Naste in August, September, and October editions.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Tips I'd give anyone starting a business is to choose something you are passionate about, and it won't feel like work. Draw inspiration from people further along, then you remember comparison is the thief; your path is your own.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I was in a "now what' in my life when I created my business. I had an idea, a vision, and a desire to create and share my gifts. I've always been drawn to people who need help; my empathic nature needed a way to share that gift and my artistry. Candle making with a cause is what I do; my candles have healing crystals in them, and each candle is created with the intention that those crystals are meant to enhance. It's not just a candle; it's a spiritual gift; we all have psychic abilities. We aren't all using them, and my business started with an intention I set on a candle. For the past three years, I manifested Janelle's Flame with a knowing that something bigger was happening than just a candle and a dream.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://janellesflame.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janellesflamesoycandles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janellesflame/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janellesflame
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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