Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Spadaro. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

This small business has absolutely meant the world to me. I plan on allowing this to continue on in my family for generations to come! Candle making is a very enjoyable art to learn, but it absolutely costs money! And a lot of it if you want products top knoch! With that being said, I’d have to say that the financial upkeep from taking this from a hobby to an in-demand small business within my city has been my biggest risk I’ve had to continuously take! With what I do, there isn’t much wiggle room to make money as you go, especially when you first start out. It comes from what you’re willing to put into this first, allow your products to cure, then allow yourself patience as you network yourself into sales! I personally have expanded myself to lessen the risk of poor turnover rates into not only smaller local sales and events, to networking myself into some pretty popular locations and even larger events with quite the crowd! Expansion is key for something like this, while investing into your business. Which is ultimately yourself and future.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a small batch candle maker in my area, I have set out to expand my products into the homes of people just like myself! Real, every day humans with pets, kids, a busy life/schedule, ect.! I needed to find a solid way to connect with my customers for the long haul… I found very fast that the way to do that was find out exactly what candle lovers expect from a “perfect” candle in their eyes! Over time, I realized that I kept getting the same 3 points continously mentioned; they want no toxins or soot, a strong smelling candle, and something that lasts long! I told myself that I would create just that! After several months of emptying accounts, tears of both frustration and being proud of what I’ve accomplished, many testing failures and many more successes, & so much more, I just knew I was getting closer and closer to a candle lovers “perfect burn”. Giving myself patience and so many well deserved pats on the back were 2 of the 4 main contributions to keeping me above water through the storm, #’s 3 & 4 being my sons. Whom love to help create with me and are my biggest fans, by the way! And that being what I am most proud of. That my sons can look at their mommy and know that she’s doing everything she can to try to secure their future, all while having fun in the kitchen together doing it!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that keeping true to myself and having an open heart for my friends, family and all potential customers is what’s helped elevate me into a healthy sales person for my own products! I really do adore connecting with everyone who takes their time to enjoy my candle babies! These creations have become a huge part of my world, and I like to help paint the picture desired for everyone with my scents! I try to make sure that every time you’re in contact with me, read one of my posts, or are even seeing my creations in local stores, that you are getting an experience, and not just “picking out a candle”. My products are meant to create the type of vibes you’re in need of adding to your life, or simply amplifying the amazingness we already individually are! Connect with your customers! Even if they aren’t in need of what you sell, you’d be shocked at the stories you’ll hear that will inspire you!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A hard lesson I feel I had to unlearn is that deep with the small buisness world, you have to understand that not everyone that wears a smile is a good person with good intentions. There will be many times in life that people and the Universe are going to try to take you down, especially as you’re growing… And knowing your place in their life is more important than understanding their place in yours. People will come and go when you’re starting/working through a business of any kind. You have to remember at the end of every single day to protect what you’re creating with everything inside of you. Because if your business is truly everything to you, then you’ll learn really fast that not everyone is meant to eat with you at the Winners Table. Be loving and kind to all, but watch who you let get close to you as you’re elevating yourself! It’s detrimental to protect what you’re investing everything into!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/beethedrip?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084428190630&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Self- Ashley Spadaro