Monday Spotlight: Candles Made from Soy

Meet the Mom Behind Candles Made From Soy!

Who is Candles Made From Soy?
Candles made from Soy is my own personal passion. I'm a one woman show and I will keep it that way as long as my sanity allows. What started as a hobby with hopes of making a few extra bucks, has turned into the most exciting and rewarding position I've ever had. I'm still able to utilize my bookkeeping skills I've acquired over so many years in a 9-5 job which certainly helps make the business successful. We started out making gel candles, dabbled in paraffin, but soon after inception realized soy wax was the product we wanted to offer our customers. While there are many conflicting reports, no one can deny soy wax is a safer option for candle burning. For those who wish to not burn at all, we offer soy tarts as well as wickless soy candle products that can be used with a warmer. We have since added a Bath & Body line, a head to toe experience option to drench yourself in your favorite scent, for a fraction of big store brands. While I try to contain myself when deciding which fragrances to offer, I have a hard time keeping our list to just over 60 different scents!


Where are you located? We are located in Westland Michigan and will ship anywhere in the US!


How did you come up with your business name? Well, I wanted something self explanatory ((smile)). It just seemed like a perfect fit! Our Bath & Body line bears the name "BeSassay" and have fun names like "You are soo Whipped!" Body Creme, and "Get outta my Hair!" luxurious shampoo.


When and why did you decide to start your own business?
It started about 2 years ago. I was laid off from my bookkeeping 9-5. Again. I had always done bookkeeping & tax work on the side, but didn't feel excited about building that business. Of course I love candles, and there is certainly a market for them. I strive to set my business apart by offering higher end glass, different candle options and a wide variety of fabulous smelling scent options along with excellent customer service.


How did you get started?
O boy. A lot of time, a good chunk of money and a whole lot of patience. It was important to me to test each product and scent I planned on offering to customers. I spent a lot of time researching candle sites on the web, trial and error of course, and started to realize the power of networking with people. I sold everything we weren't using or had too much of on Ebay like Cd's, books, Disney pins, clothes that still had tags on them, you name it. Every time I accumulated enough in my PayPal account I placed another candle supply order! I quickly learned how to create a website that functions well for what I need while not breaking the bank, and then I just told everyone I could about my fabulous new candles! Word of mouth has turned out to be my best friend. Once people try my candles I can almost guarantee they will be back (some several times a month!) and that they will tell everyone they can about my products. However, without the support of my (now) husband, I'm not sure I would have had the resources to pull this off. I was given the gracious opportunity to be a stay at home mom for the first time in 14 years.


What motivates you to keep your business going?
When someone orders from me, it's because they have tried my products and love them enough to come back for more ~ or they heard about us somehow from someone and trust us enough to provide a superior product for the best price. That alone keeps me going. They endless supply of free candles on demand doesn't hurt either! Our business has grown to include wholesale opportunities to other wahm's, home parties and we hope to add a full fledged consultant program complete with mirror websites after the first of the year.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
My son & step son are a bit older so that helps. However it is wonderful to be able to schedule appointments and attend functions without much conflict! My husband works afternoons so I have sort of adapted to his schedule. I can be found pouring wax long into the night, and hubby makes sure he sees the kids off to school no matter how late he worked. The flexibility is phenomenal. I've found I work fabulous under pressure, and with suffering the great loss of my mother this month ~ the fact that this has been our busiest month was a blessing in disguise. This work soothes my soul and keeps my mind clear.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and realize your dream. It isn't work if you love doing it. Sure, it may still be long hours, but you can find a balance between work and play. I cannot stress enough to network as much as possible. Join other mom groups, forums that match your niche and put your name out there anyway you can! I've recently started a new blog in hopes of helping other wahm's with everything from web hosting to newsletters. I encourage wahm's to comment or suggest a topic they may be struggling with. http://www.sassaymoms.com/blog


Visit Candles Made from Soy at http://www.candlesmadefromsoy.com


Stores (brick and mortar stores) that carry Candles Made from Soy products:
Ink & Paper Invites, Oxford, MI
Eastover Spa, Ann Arbor, MI
Jackie's Earrings & Things, West Palm Beach, MI
My Forever Child, East Northport, NY
And several independent consultants.


***Special Monday Spotlight Offer!***
Save 20% on your first online order by using WAHM as your coupon code