Candle Making, two

Vocabulary

Video

Transcript

My name is Caroline Gillingham. I’m owner of 1502, a candle company. I started my business just as a crafting thing for my family and friends.

I actually found a tutorial online for a candle and a teacup, and I thought that that would be really fun to make. So I started making it started putting them in my home.

And when friends came over they really liked them and wanted them. And when people wanted more, I decided that this is something that could grow.

 
My background before start making candles was in graphic design. I actually started my company and created my logo for a portfolio project, and created my website.

My job in graphic design started getting out sourced, so I decided to start making candles and selling them at the farmers market.

People started coming back, saying they love my candles so much it was the best candle that it ever smelled.

And that was when I was like, okay it’s not just a hobby anymore people really do like my product and this can be something bigger.

My biggest risk as a small business owner was taking the step moving out of my house and into my shop. I had no more room left in my house; I was working out of my living room. I figured it was time to get that out of the house and separate work from home life.

 
You should take those risks because you’re never gonna grow unless you do. My process is what I’d want in my home I become kind of a mad scientist; I’ve had some really bad experiments and some really great ones.

I’ve had fragrances that just don’t smell anymore when I burn them so there’s also not only just a creative side but also a scientific side — there’s a lot of experimentation that goes on.

Time is very important, especially as an entrepreneur I have to definitely schedule my time, all the time I’m trying to just balance life, which is really hard when you’re constantly thinking about how can I make my business better, what can I do to grow.

 
A lot of my customers order online, and I ship them across the country.

I always take them to the UPS Store because I know that when they pack them up. They are packed by an expert. I know that they’ll get there safe; they won’t be broken.

I can use their tracking program: I know exactly where the package is and it always gets there safe and sound.

The best thing about starting my own business has definitely been the customer feedback. People just really enjoy the product that I make and that I’ve created and I find that really rewarding.

I am happy yeah definitely

Questions

Candle. Caroline first decided that she wanted to start a small business and make money. True or false?

Soap, Shampoo. Did a crafts-person teach her how to make candle-making at an art center?

Cheese. Caroline conducted large advertising and marketing campaign to promote and sell her candles. Is this right or wrong

Yogurt, Kefir. Before her candle business, did she work in an art and craft shop? Did she switch careers because she was stressed with her old job?

Butter. What was her biggest venture or undertaking? Why did she do this?

Dairy Cream. Has Caroline always succeeding in her venture? Does everything always work smoothly?

Pickled Vegetables, Pickled Fruits. What is her advice for people?
 
 
 
Sauerkraut, Kimchee. Candles are popular in my town, city, region or country. Yes or no?

Fermented Vegetables. Are handicrafts or hand-made crafts common in your area? What handicrafts or artworks have you seen?

Honey. I make crafts. My friends make artworks.

Detergent. What might happen in the future?

Jam, Jelly. What could or should people do?