We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tasha Dixon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tasha , thanks for joining us today. Finding those key vendors can often be make or break for a brand. Can you talk to us about how you found your key vendors?
To find vendors I would research companies that were close to me so I can cut down shipping cost . I’m getting started there wasn’t as many as there are today . So it wasn’t that hard for me to find a regular manufacturer. For my vessels in the beginning it was amazon and then I upgraded to a more upscale vendor that I designed my product line after. For my other materials like fragrance oils , I got samples of scents that I liked and tested them out to see what the market liked . After that I narrowed down the scents I wanted and it helped that the vendor had other materials I needed as well. The issue is that some vendors discontinue some items so I have to go searching for a replacement at times . For printing purposes in the beginning I used staples local printing company , then I started to use Avery printing since I used their templates and it was easier for them to just print the labels .
Tasha , 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?
I got into my field as a hobby turned local business . . I am the owner and maker of a handmade holistic candle shop. I make candles for direct to consumer and private label . I’m out of the Miami,Fl area .i make candles for therapeutic aroma therapy , each collection is designed to target specific goals and frequencies for the client to mediate to change or enhance your mood . As well as crystal therapy. I am most proud of when I started out I had no clear direction what message I wanted to present with my candles and now I have developed 6 product lines that target aroma therapy that claims for improving psychological or physical well-being. I have posh aromatherapy- designed for the sophisticated woman who wants to feel feminine in that moment, I have blacker the berry , mostly for the men but also for others who like earthy grounding scents , I have I need a vacation – to take you to tropical islands , to leave your house mentally when you just need a vacation from the day to day. I have fairy garden ,entering into a garden of flowers that relaxing and soothing designed to brighten up your day . Another line is called blactches, to connect to your inner spirit as you meditate. Frequency recharge is also a meditation candle line for love , money and health .
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I started before the pandemic, so there wasn’t as many candle lines as there is today . There were ample enough vendor spots to go to . During the pandemic I had to shift to online only and in that time I shifted to more private label candles. So now I have two separate departments one for direct to consumer and one for business to business . Adapting to the changing environment is key for me still being in business. Even with increase completion I’m still able to attract ever lasting customers.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
How I started my business I worked with my own money and help from my mother . I had a job and used that money to fund my business. I still apply for grants and sometimes I get loan funding to help with slow months .
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etsy.me/2J5tUyh
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/soycandlesbytashallc
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Soy-Candles-by-Tasha-170717436955304/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasha-dixon-1a5713167