Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachael Gallagher, owner of Rain City Rae's, located in Tacoma, WA, USA.

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

Rain City Rae's is a luxury handcrafted home and body fragrance company specializing in essential oils, sustainable ingredients, and non-toxic fragrances. Delve into intoxicating aromas and luxurious living. Offering long-lasting coconut wax candles, diffusers, and fragrance perfumes and colognes.

Tell us about yourself

Every year for the holidays, I handmake gifts for my family and loved ones. I've made coasters, spices, infused olive oils, magnets, and most recently, candles in 2020. I've always wanted to start my own business but never found anything I loved doing that I felt would have the potential to replace my full-time income until I started making candles.

I've always made home and body care products for myself, as I value natural and eco-friendly living. I handmade my own body scrubs and household cleaners, so why not share my love for essential oils and crafting natural products with everyone? After seeing the pure joy my candles brought to my loved ones during the holidays and getting repeat requests for other handmade gifts, I decided to get serious about launching a brand that could encompass a simple and Earth-conscious lifestyle.

I started researching... non-stop. Learning everything I could about how to make candles, essential oil properties, safety, marketing, state/federal regulations, and label requirements. The learning never ends (and neither does the testing!), but I enjoy understanding more and more about how products are marketed to consumers and how to evolve my products for the better.

Rain City Rae's officially launched on September 14, 2021, and the fun hasn't stopped since. My focus has been on using non-toxic ingredients with an emphasis on essential oils and crafting fragrances that compliment your living spaces without overpowering your senses. I source my ingredients/materials from the USA as much as possible to support small businesses. I use coconuts in many of my products since they have not been genetically modified (no GMOs!) and are sustainable and renewable. Coconuts do not require pesticides or fertilizer to grow and are harvested by hand, supporting farmers and our Earth.

I hope you join me in my journey of crafting products that are good for you and the environment. I encourage customers to upcycle/recycle all packaging, including the glass vessels and tins.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is simply that I am a business owner!!! I am incredibly grateful for those around me who continue to support my business and love my fragrances. I was tired of purchasing candles that tunneled, had excessive black smoke, and/or gave me a terrible headache upon burning. I am now obsessed with finding luxurious fragrances for home and body to elevate your mood without overpowering your senses.

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

The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is that you ARE the business. As you grow, you can source things out, but until then, you are the CEO, photographer, social media manager, SEO expert, tax/regulatory specialist, graphic designer, web developer, and ultimate face of the business. It's important to understand every aspect of your business, no matter how difficult the task may be.

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

  1. Know your why and your target market: Why are you in business, and who are you serving? You can keep coming back to this answer to make important decisions for your business (e.g., marketing, branding, supplies).
  2. Be realistic about your initial goals and how to achieve them. There are a lot of people out there to offer their experiences, but everyone's situation is unique. Study your market, your geographical area, and what makes the most sense for you.
  3. Be patient. Great things take time. Develop a fantastic product/service, and don't rush it. Your reputation is valuable.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Listen to your customers and encourage feedback. They will provide you with valuable insight. And remember, you can always change things. Nothing is set in stone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://raincityraes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RainCityRaes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raincityraes/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.