Jeanne Newport followed her passion for candles to start Scentsable Soy Candles in August 2009. She shares the challenges she faced starting the business. Since she makes her own products, she talks about her first-year challenges with testing, research and development, and storage.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m from New York. I was an Executive Assistant at IBM for ten years. I moved to Hampstead, NC in 2008.
What motivated you to start your own business?
I decided to start my business in August 2009, because I wanted to do something I enjoyed. I have always had a passion for candles. At first, I did a lot of research online and talked to other people that do it.
What can you tell me about soy candles?
Soy candles burn slower and cleaner than paraffin candles. Soy candles can burn twice as long as paraffin candles. When you burn soy candles, you’re filling the room with a clean strong scent, and not carcinogens and toxins like paraffin candles.
What makes your soy candles unique?
Scentsable soy candles have thirty-one different scents. The candles are made with lead-free and zinc-free wicks and soy wax hand poured into jars, tins, and other containers. The soybeans used for the wax are grown and processed in the United States, so we are supporting our American economy.
What kind of challenges did you face in starting this company?
It was very stressful at first in the testing phase. I did a lot of testing of scents through trial and error. Often the scents when burning is different than before lit. Storage is a problem. I have to store the candles in the house, because the candles have to be stored at room temperature. The candles take up three quarters of the house. Working out of my kitchen and storing the candles in my house allows me to keep my overhead low. I need to make decisions on how much I want to take on. The more you do, the more you spend.
How do you market your products?
I frequently sell candles at art and craft shows and at the Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays in Hampstead (April to December 15th). Winter months and holidays are my busiest times of the year. Customers like to smell candles before they buy, so selling them online hasn’t been as successful as word of mouth.
How many employees do you have?
My husband, who is retired, does the accounting and helps me behind the scenes. He helps me fill all the orders.
What is your vision for the company? Do you want to expand?
I want to have a store front, possibly in Hampstead. It’s hard doing Arts and Crafts Shows.
Has the economy affected your business? How do you price your products?
The economy hasn’t affected my business much. I price my products based on my cost and what I’ve learned from talking to other people and online forums. I am more competitive than retail stores.
How do you keep up with current events in your industry?
I participate in online forums for soy candles.
Could you describe a typical day?
Each day is dependent on the orders. I spend a lot of time testing, filling orders, and meeting deadlines. I make more candles to replace the ones which have been sold. To make candles you mix, pour, and cure five times.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a business?
Do a lot of research and have a lot of patience.
