We recently connected with Jessi Mechell and have shared our conversation below.

Jessi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, I take vacations as often as I can! Traveling, both with my family and sometimes by myself, is incredibly important to me. It provides new experiences that inspire creativity and rejuvenate my spirit. Plus, I want my children to witness firsthand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. After all, pursuing entrepreneurship is often about creating a lifestyle that aligns with our values, and for me, that includes prioritizing time away from work.

Reflecting on my journey, I can admit that I haven’t always found it easy to step away. In the early years of my business, particularly the first two years, I was caught in a cycle of urgency and immediacy. I felt a pressing need to match the swift fulfillment practices of big names like Amazon. Every time I received an order, I believed I had to jump into action right away and ship it out, often neglecting my personal life in the process. My business consumed me; it was all I could think about, and I found it challenging to establish boundaries.

However, I learned that this relentless approach wasn’t sustainable and that it didn’t serve me or my business long-term. Eventually, I realized that taking time off is not just a luxury but a necessity. Stepping away allowed me to recharge, think creatively, and return with fresh ideas and renewed energy. In fact, my recent discovery of travel inspired my upcoming summer launch—sometimes, the best ideas come when we allow ourselves the space to reflect.

For other entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a vacation, here’s my advice:

Plan Ahead: Schedule your vacations and work your schedule around them. Setting expectations with your team about your availability can help alleviate the pressure.

Communicate With Your Customers: Let your customers know when you’ll be away and how their orders will be handled. Transparency can help manage expectations and maintain customer trust.

Prioritize Self-Care: Understand the value of self-care. A well-rested mind is more innovative and effective in problem-solving. Remember, taking time for yourself ultimately benefits your business.

Rediscover Your Passion: Sometimes a break can help you rediscover your initial passion for your work. New experiences can provide fresh perspectives that invigorate your ideas and strategies.

By prioritizing vacations, not only do I support my well-being, but I also model healthy work-life balance for my family. This balance encourages creativity and ultimately reflects positively back on my business. So, embrace those vacations—you and your business deserve it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessi Mechell, and my journey into the world of candle-making began when my oldest child was just a year old. At that time, I was a single mom navigating a health journey and learning about the harmful toxins present in many common home fragrances. I felt a strong desire to create a healthier alternative, something that would not only benefit my family but could also resonate with others seeking better options for their homes.

Initially, I started making candles in my kitchen and sharing them with friends and family. Their positive reactions fueled my passion, and before long, I began sharing my creations online. However, as life became busier with various commitments, my candle-making venture took a back seat for several years.

Fast forward ten years—my daughter, inspired by my earlier journey, encouraged me to reignite my passion and start a business together. This encouragement led to the birth of **Homestead Collective**. We began our journey by crafting non-toxic coconut soy candles, and as we evolved, we expanded our product line to include wax melts, linen and room sprays, car diffusers, soaps, perfumes, incense, and much more.

I’m most proud of the fact that every product we create at Homestead Collective embodies our commitment to wellness and sustainability. We meticulously source high-quality, non-toxic ingredients to ensure that our fragrances enhance lives without compromising health. Our mission is deeply rooted in fostering a safe and inviting atmosphere in every home.

The main thing I want potential clients to know about my brand is that we prioritize transparency and integrity in everything we do. We’re dedicated to providing products that not only smell amazing but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle. When you choose Homestead Collective, you’re choosing a brand that genuinely cares about your well-being and the environment.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is not just about creating products; it’s about building a community centered around health and wellness. I look forward to continuing to share our love for clean, beautiful fragrances with everyone.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been an incredible journey, even though I won’t claim to be viral by any means! Most of my sales come from social media, and I love sharing this experience because it highlights the power of community and authentic connections.

When I first launched Homestead Collective, I began by reaching out to friends and family. I let them know about my passion for creating non-toxic candles and the journey that inspired me to start this business. It was important for me to share my story and mission, as I believe that authenticity resonates deeply with people.

To help introduce my products, I developed a small collection of scents, carefully selecting one from each scent category—like floral, citrus, clean, and warm. After creating these samples, I put together little sample boxes, which I sent to everyone I knew who had a social media presence. In my message, I encouraged them to share their thoughts and reviews online, which not only generated excitement but also helped me reach new audiences.

This grassroots method of engagement is something I still rely on today. Even if it’s not viral, it’s been effective. I encourage anyone starting to build their social media presence to consider a few key strategies:

Leverage Your Network: Don’t underestimate the power of your immediate circle. Your friends and family can be your first supporters. Share your journey and ask them to help spread the word.

Create Sampling Opportunities: Providing samples allows potential customers to experience your products without commitment. Encourage honest feedback and reviews, which can then be shared across social media.

Consistency is Key: Keep your brand presence consistent across platforms. Regular posting and engagement help keep your audience interested and informed.

Encourage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products online. This not only provides you with authentic content but also creates a community feeling around your brand.

Remember, building an audience takes time and patience. Celebrate small milestones along the way, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Every connection you make can lead to new opportunities.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that social media isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a platform for building relationships and sharing something meaningful. I’m grateful for the community we’ve cultivated, and I’m excited to continue growing together.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When it comes to identifying the best source of new clients for my business, I would definitely say that gifting and word of mouth have been the most impactful strategies for me.

Gifting has played a critical role in introducing my products to new audiences. By creating thoughtful sample boxes and sending them to friends, family, and even influencers, I’ve been able to showcase my candles in a personal and tangible way. Each gift not only serves as a marketing tool but also allows recipients to experience the quality and uniqueness of my products firsthand. When someone opens a beautifully packaged gift and enjoys the scents, it creates a natural excitement and curiosity that drives them to share their experience with others.

This brings me to the power of word of mouth. When people are genuinely excited about a product, they’re more likely to recommend it to friends, family, and their social media followers. Positive reviews and personal testimonials carry significant weight in influencing purchasing decisions today. My customers have become my biggest advocates, sharing their experiences and recommending my brand to others, which in turn leads to new clients discovering my candles.

The synergy between gifting and word of mouth has been instrumental. When a recipient enjoys a gift and then shares that experience, it creates a ripple effect, expanding my reach organically. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how a simple gift can lead to a genuine connection with new clients who feel confident in their decision to try my products based on recommendations from trusted sources.

Overall, I believe these methods work so well because they are rooted in personal connections and authentic experiences. When clients feel valued and appreciated—as they do when receiving a thoughtful gift—they’re more inclined to become loyal customers and share their enthusiasm with others. It’s all about creating those meaningful connections that not only bring in new clients but also foster long-term relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.homesteadcollective.shop
• Instagram: HomesteadCollective_

Image Credits

Baili Rose Photography