We recently connected with Marsha Guillory, PhD and have shared our conversation below.
Marsha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
I remember one Saturday morning, sitting in my office surrounded by shelves of candles I had poured and crafted, I thought about: am I happier as a candle business owner or would I be better off in a regular job? As I looked around at the flickering flames, listened to the crackling wicks and smelled the scents I’d created, I realized that running my own candle business brought me a sense of fulfillment and purpose that a nine-to-five could not provide. Sure, there were/are stressful moments trying to balance production schedules and customer orders, but ultimately the joy of creating something beautiful with my own hands outweighed any temporary frustrations. Plus, seeing how my products brought warmth and created memories in people’s homes, gave me a sense of pride that couldn’t be replicated with a traditional job. In that moment, I knew without a doubt that being a candle business owner was where my heart and passion truly belonged.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Guillory Candle Co. began as a spark of passion in a home kitchen, where the art of candle-making transformed from a hobby to a thriving business. I was drawn to the craft because I wanted to create an ambiance with natural, clean burning candle scents and wax–hence the use of coconut soy wax. What sets Guillory Candle Co. apart is the commitment to quality and sustainability, using only the finest natural ingredients to craft candles that not only illuminate spaces but also evoke emotions and memories. Our vessels can be repurposed into a variety of household uses. Solving the problem of uninspired, mass-produced candles, we offer a personal touch, customizing scents, that have a hint of familiarity. The pride of Guillory Candle Co. lies in the joy our candles bring to homes, the connections they foster, and the atmosphere they create. For potential clients, followers, and fans, the brand promises an experience that goes beyond the flame—a journey of sensory delight and a testament to the beauty of handcrafted elegance.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
Choosing Wix as an ecommerce platform can be a strategic decision for entrepreneurs who value simplicity and efficiency. Wix is known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it effortless for beginners to establish a professional online store. With a wide variety of templates and customization options, users can add a personal touch without needing extensive technical expertise. Furthermore, Wix’s competitive pricing and lack of sales fees make it an appealing choice for small businesses and startups aiming to reduce costs.
Nevertheless, while Wix streamlines the website creation process, it may not offer the same level of sophistication as other ecommerce platforms, especially for larger operations. Some users may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of options available, and the platform may lack certain specialized tools for inventory management and shipping, which are crucial for businesses primarily selling physical goods. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding loading speeds, which could impact customer satisfaction and sales.
In conclusion, Wix is a solid option for beginners or those operating on a smaller scale, particularly service and event-based businesses. It provides a good balance between functionality and affordability. However, for those with growing or larger operations, it is essential to consider the potential limitations in comparison to the necessity for more advanced ecommerce capabilities.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
The evolution of my side hustle into a thriving business is a true testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It started with the realization of a gap in the market for premium, all-natural candles, sparking a journey of extensive research and dedication to perfecting the craft. The shift from selling at local craft fairs to attracting customers nationwide is significant in identifying and seizing the opportunities for growth.
A pivotal moment in this journey was the decision to diversify our product line and establish a strong online presence, propelling the business forward. Guillory Candle Co’s line of products not only include candles, but fragrance melts, linen/room sprays and plant-based body wash and lotion. I hope this story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs, that with commitment and hard work, a simple hobby can evolve into a successful business venture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guillorycandleco.com
- Instagram: @guillorycandleco
- Facebook: Guillory Candle Co.
