We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dimitri Cotman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dimitri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
If I were to start over, one thing I would do differently is finalize and understand the business aspect of running a business. Once I had the idea of Z.Nith Point and started pouring candles I remained in the creator mindset wanting to constantly evolve my products to the luxe affordable level I aspired them to be and not working towards being a business owner. The issue with being stagnant in hopes and dreams is that the reality of your buisness doesn’t have a foundation and that’s where I failed. And once I saw what it took to run a business behind the creation, I understood it was way more than I anticipated. In the midst of just starting a business I needed to learn Taxes (very important!), sourcing, planning, marketing, and networking to keep Z.Nith Point afloat.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always had this desire to CREATE and try things my way. I started by making just candles for Holiday gifts after being laid-off in 2019. It was the perfect opportunity to EVOLVE my hobby to something greater. This line is inspired from wanting to constantly enhance how to wind down after long days with natural spa essentials . Z.Nith Point is grounded on quality at an affordable price. These products are 100% Natural & 100% made with LOVE. To create a luxury home spa, the essentials are hand-poured 100% Soy Wax Candles, Pink Himalayan Salt Bath Soak and Scrub, Moisturizing Whipped Body Butter and Natural Linen Spray.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Summer of 2019 I became highly interested in learning how to make candles. The point where I was purchasing candles way too often for some to fail my expectations was irritating and a waste. I purchased a candle making kit from Amazon and immediately started learning the do’s and don’t of candle making. Working with what was supplied I created my first six candles and to no surprise they were horrible! No scent throw, wrong wick size, poor coloration and adhesive issues. This did not stop my intrest but only ignited it. I invested in a pack of mason jars and scents from a reputable company and went back to the drawing board. Jan 2020, I sent a couple of my improved candles to work with my fiancé to share with his friends, looking for feedback on how to make it even better. His friends gave great advise and started putting in orders and wanting to pay for my candles from themselves and gifts. Actually selling my candles had never crossed my mind but it was happening more and more. With the sales I invested it back into this forming business and purchased new modern jars, sleek labels and products to create the line of self care essentials you see now.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
At this time in my business, being a vendor a local festivals and craft shows has been a great source for new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.znithpoint.com
- Instagram: @z.nithpoint
- Facebook: @ZNITHPOINTCC