Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Samm Stangeland, founder of Rock & Roll Candle Co., located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Rock & Roll Candle Co., and we are scents inspired by your favorite songs! Our candles are created to aromatically connect your sight and smell with some of the greatest songs ever written. Our core customer is a music lover, fun-seeking and enjoys the full experience, and of course, a candle-lover. We are designed for anyone to love us though; our candles are eco-friendly, small-batch, all-natural, handcrafted, and hand-poured. Our ethos strives to be unique as the songs the brand is inspired by.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up with music encompassing every part of my life, so, naturally, I became such a lover of all genres - yep, even country. Music has always gotten me through the best of times and worst of times, and attending concerts became the fondest of memories.
Twelve years ago, I started working for Live Nation in LA. I got to be a part of some of the most amazing shows throughout my career. I still have every pass from every show I worked. Somewhere in my tenure, the idea came to me to connect songs and scents as I was shocked it had never been done before. I very slowly started chipping away at it, but it wasn't until the pandemic that I was really able to get focused. Rock & Roll Candle Co. has grown leaps and bounds in the last two years, and I'm extremely excited for the future.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Dreaming up an idea and actually executing it. The hardest part was getting started. I had never started a business before, so I knew very little about what it entailed. I wholeheartedly love that I get to bring this idea and brand to the world!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's very emotional and constantly challenging. No two days are the same, and sometimes you're on top, other times you're not. You really have to be up for the challenge and see the bigger picture to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If anyone else can do it, so can you. That always helps me going when I feel like giving up.
- It definitely takes money to make money. Be sure you're ready for the financial investment.
- It takes time. Of course, you'll see those overnight success stories, but that's very rare. Enjoy the ride, and it'll all be much more worth it down the road.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rockandrollcandleco.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SammStangeland/
https://www.facebook.com/rockandrollcandleco
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sammstangeland/
https://www.instagram.com/rockandrollcandleco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammstangeland/
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.