Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in candle-making but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with April Simmons, Owner of Three Fold Flame Candles, located in Nottingham, MD, USA.

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

Three Fold Flame is a candle company whose focus is helping people find enjoyment and healing through the use of candles infused with healing stones, essential oils, and florals used for aromatherapy. Our customers are those who are seeking non-conventional yet time-tested methods for increasing personal energy and healing through natural means. We do not denounce the importance of modern scientific medical treatments; however, we do promote natural self-healing techniques that one can do in the privacy of their own home as preventative and immediate treatments for minor ailments of the mind, body, and soul.

Tell us about yourself

I am a minority businesswoman who was a single mother for twenty years. I was an army brat who grew up in West Germany. I have an MBA and own a construction company and interior design company in addition to my candle business. I am also a licensed plumber/gasfitter, electrician, and HVAC technician; Three Fold Flame started with the loss of a beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother whose love and guidance left an indelible mark on all who knew her and all that she loved. The Three Fold Flame represents the love of The Creator and the spark of life that set all things in motion. After the loss of my mother, my father and I were looking for a way to reignite our spark for life that had been nearly extinguished by extreme grief. We started going back to our spiritual roots and exploring a greater understanding of our purpose and place in the universe. We started paying more attention to our physical, mental, and spiritual health and re-discovering natural means by which we could make our lives better. During this time of discovery, I started making candles. I found that not only was this therapeutic, but I could add natural elements such as healing stones and florals to bring about a real change in my spiritual energy. Well, it worked! Eventfully I got my father involved, and we started making healing candles for family and friends. The response was overwhelming! Now we want to help others discover the power of positive energy through healing candles.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is becoming one of three women in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia tri-state area to hold all three licenses in the construction trades. As a candle maker, my greatest accomplishment has been helping people in my circle find peace through the use of healing candles.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is managing your time to get everything done and learning to delegate responsibility to someone else. As an employee of someone else, often, your focus is on getting your job done to get a paycheck or a salary, even if you are passionate about the work you do. As an owner, the pressure is increased because you don't want something you care so much about to fail. It can be hard to turn over your baby's responsibilities to others who may not be as invested in your creation as you are.

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

My first top tip is to let others help you. You do not have to do everything alone, nor should you.

Tip two: Learn time management. Organizing your tasks and sticking to your plan will help you to get more done.

Tip three: Have a cut-off time. You have to know when to quit working and find time for other areas of your life, such as family, relaxation time, prayer, meditation, and sleep.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.threefoldflamecandle.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085665404434
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threefoldflame_candle/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-simmons-threefoldflame/

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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