We were lucky to catch up with Jamie Ferriman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jamie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2022, our family endured a tragic loss of our daughter Bridgett, which deeply affected all of us and caused a whirlwind of emotions. I found myself lost and struggling to cope with the pain. After a year and a half, I realized I needed something to focus on in order to keep my mind occupied. That’s when I discovered the art of candle-making through an informative article. I delved into the process and immediately became captivated by its calming and distracting nature. As I made candles for our home, I was amazed at how well they turned out. I began sharing my newfound passion with friends, family, and co-workers. They were so impressed that they started requesting candles of their own, sparking a newfound interest in my products. Encouraged by the support, I decided to honor my daughter’s wish of helping others by donating a portion of the proceeds to a charity dedicated to those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Jamie, 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 an expert in the industry, I am lucky to have a supportive and amazing husband who guides me through life. Along with being a mother and grandmother to some incredible kids, my husband and I had successfully grown a business for 7 years, which was eventually acquired by a competitor. After the passing of our daughter in 2022, I turned to the art of candle-making as a way to distract my mind. Over the past year, I have honed my skills and creativity to produce unique and high-quality candles. I have also expanded into creating natural bath products, inspired by my son’s allergies to store-bought products..

The product I produce has been carefully crafted to enhance its 3D appearance, setting it apart from traditional container candles. Product development has also allowed me to acquire expertise in handcrafting flowers without the use of molds, resulting in unique and artisanal designs.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When it comes to financing my business, I followed the common route of using my personal savings and any additional income from paychecks. I reinvested most of proceeds from sales made through coworkers at my full-time job, family, friends, events, and online channels into materials for more product. For the first three years of building a business, growth is crucial and I prioritize investing almost every dollar, minus part of the proceeds that are donated, into its development.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

To achieve success in any business, it is essential to acquire clients. Initially, I relied on word-of-mouth referrals, which resulted in a few orders from family and friends. However, like any business, I aspired for more sales and aimed to expand my brand presence. As a strategic move, I created a website and explored other platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay. Despite my efforts, I noticed a lack of desired traffic and remained driven to achieve more. Seeking advice from industry experts, they recommended participating in craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and other events to attract new clients. As I approach my one-year mark, I am proud to have a growing number of repeat customers and a steadily increasing “fan base.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bricandleshop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamydesignsbyjamie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BriCandlesShop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-ferriman
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BriCandleShop
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bricandleshttps://www.pinterest.com/BriCandles/

Image Credits

photos taken and edited by Dakota Shyann Hampton at DK Imagery