We recently connected with Chelsea Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

We have a large and loyal customer base, with many customers dating back to 2009. We have successfully established collaborative relationships with multiple local hotels and spas. These partnerships involve co-branding, where our fragrances and packaging are utilized, and the hotels and spas incorporate their names and logos onto the packaging. Working with these local brands has proven to be mutually beneficial, both in terms of financial success and the enjoyment of working together.

Chelsea, 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?

In 2008 I met my best friend turned business partner, Jasmine Parks. We both quickly discovered our shared passion for fragrance, with Jasmine already making candles as a hobby. Intrigued by her craft, I joined her in learning and exploring the world of candle-making. After perfecting our skills in the kitchen, we decided to share your creations with friends and family, leading to the birth of Aura Candles in just a few months.

From humble beginnings in the kitchen, we have progressed to a garage and now operate out of a warehouse in Carlsbad. Starting with candles, we have expanded our product range to include reed diffusers and room sprays, all handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and using high-quality ingredients. It’s worth noting that both of us are Virgos that share a strong commitment to details and quality.

We are happy to say that after 15 years, we both continue to maintain the same passion and love for fragrance that sparked our entrepreneurial journey.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

We recognize the significance of maintaining communication with our clients. To stay connected, we employ various methods such as e-mail campaigns, maintaining a strong social media presence, sending direct e-mails, and even making direct phone calls. Given the saturated nature of the candle market, it is crucial to prioritize staying connected with all of our customers, whether they are retail or wholesale clients. This proactive approach ensures that we can effectively engage with our customer base and foster strong relationships.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Our team consists of just three members, requiring each of us to handle multiple responsibilities. Managing a small team is not a significant challenge for me, but the real challenge lies in being knowledgeable and versatile in many aspects of our business. Maintaining high morale within the team comes naturally to us, and despite occasional challenging days, the love for what we do keeps the team motivated. We prioritize fun and connection, as we are also friends outside of work. Creating a lively atmosphere, with music playing in the warehouse, and even organizing happy hours on Fridays, further strengthens the team spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopauracandles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auracandles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auracandles
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopauracandles