When single-mother Kristin Scott found herself unemployed after working a job she hated in May 2012, she didn’t look for another job. Instead, the Youngstown-native followed her dream and opened up her own soy candle business, Gifts From A Virgo.
“It just all came from an idea. It was literally something that I fell into. I couldn’t find a decent job so I thought about candles. Everybody loves candles,” she said.
Since then, she’s launched a successful enterprise with more than 50 fragrances that also double as a natural soy wax, which when melted act as natural moisturizing massage.
Her loyal fan base can be seen on her social media pages raving about their favorite candles and include R&B singer Tiffany Evans, media mogul Karen Civil and Necole Kane of xonecole.com (formerly known as NecoleBitchie.com).
The self-described candle lady has never shied away from her humble beginnings and shares five tips she’s learned along her entrepreneurial journey:
- Ask Questions
You will never have all the answers, and that’s OK. When I first began making candles I knew very little and depended heavily on my mentor and the feedback from friends and family.
Reaching out to experts in your field is a vital way to gain information and avoid unnecessary hurdles that could possibly set you back in the future.
- Do the research
I could have made any kind of candles, but I wanted to create the best product for my customers and something that I’d be proud to use in my own home. After researching the health benefits of soy wax candles, I knew I was on the right track.
- Take Action
Time is money, and I wasted no time before I started solidifying my client base.
Even if you’re in the beginning stages of your business, it’s important to start small but get moving!
- Confidence is essential
Once I changed the narrative in my head that in spite my business inexperience, I was going to be successful, my behavior followed. If you don’t believe in your dream, how can you expect anyone else to?
- Network
I know you’ve heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” a million times. It’s probably because it’s true.
Building meaningful relationships, attending events and putting yourself out there can make the difference in your new found venture becoming a success or not in its incubating stage.
For more information, visit giftsfromavirgo.com.
