We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharon Brailey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharon below.

Alright, Sharon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My 1st client that was not related to me was a referral from someone I knew. Not even someone that had purchased candles. When I started making candles and taking them to random people to test and provide feedback (based on the information I gave them that I needed from them), after about 6 months I received a call and that call turned into an order for 1 case of candles. I was shocked and speechless. I was not ready (I didn’t think so). I was still in the learning phase so I thought. She told me what she wanted and when she needed them. I got all my supplies together and produced my 1st paid order.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sharon Brailey and I am the owner of Candles by Shi’. I am a mother of 2 boys ages 27 and 13. I am also married and have been for 18 years. While I am maintaining my small business I also have a full time job. I have a very active son in which he plays football, runs track and throws shot put. My life is very busy and I am blessed to be able to keep everything going. I began making candles in 2008 as I was delivering an AVON order for my mom. The order was for someone that I knew and just so happen so she was making candles. I have always loved burning candles. I asked her if she could teach me how to make them. She told me that she didn’t have time to teach me but she would tell me where to go. She gave me the information and I left. When I got home, I brought it up to my husband and this was our “pillow talk” conversation for the night. Making candles was really suppose to be just a hobby to make candles for myself. Making candles then led to making car/room sprays and wax melts. Making candles is not something you can do in a few minutes and be done. You have to have the time set aside to follow thru from step 1 to the last step which is labeling the product. In all my years of making candles I have only experienced a handful of returns. I am very proud of myself for not giving up on after so many years of making candles. I LOVE making candles. It is very relaxing and calming to me. I have a lot of returning clients and I would love to gain more. I would LOVE for my brand to become something larger than it is today.

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

Gaining new clientele comes from being a vendor at pop up shops/events. When I participate in these events I make sure that I have all business information I need to give out whether it’s just a business card or a list of fragrances I offer. When someone makes a purchase I always include a Thank You card and a business card.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes I manufacture all my products. Everything is made from my own hands and in my own home. I run a small business and it is a home based business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @candlesbyshi21
• Facebook: Candles by Shi