- SUMMARY
Colina started her candle business in her kitchen while working a 9-to-5 job.
Within the first year, they made $150,000 in revenue through online sales.
After a feature in Oprah Magazine, their business exploded, leading them to open a brick-and-mortar store.
They also secured $10,000 in free grants, which helped cover the costs of opening their store.
Colina emphasizes the importance of staying organized and tracking inventory.
She also stresses the benefits of networking and partnerships, which have helped them grow their business.
She advises that anyone can start a candle business but that it takes commitment, intentionality, and a willingness to learn and grow.
She also encourages entrepreneurs to seek out press opportunities and to leverage social media to generate buzz for their business.
Colina suggests that the best place to sell candles if you don’t have a brick-and-mortar store is online through a well-optimized website.
Vendor markets can also be a good platform to get your product in front of people and gather feedback.
She advises against taking negative feedback personally, as scent preferences are subjective.
As for leadership, Colina believes in delegating tasks and acknowledges that learning to ask for help was a valuable lesson for her.
Trusting her team has allowed her to grow her business and create a positive work environment.
- Key Takeaways
Starting a Business Can be a Lucrative Venture
Colina’s candle business generated $150,000 in revenue in the first year, showcasing the potential for significant earnings.
Networking and Partnerships Drive Growth
Colina emphasizes the power of networking and forming partnerships, as they helped her secure free grants and expand her business.
Delegation and Trust Foster Success
Colina recognizes the importance of delegating tasks and trusting her team, which has enabled her to grow her business and create a positive and efficient work environment.