Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Taylor.
Hi Jenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Island Candles is a locally women-owned and operated business in Charleston, South Carolina. I am passionate about allergy-friendly, sustainable, clean-burning, handmade, small-batch candles. My candle company started as I was allergic to every other candle I bought in the stores. I started making my candles to find one I could burn without an allergy attack. Then my friends started asking for candles. Then, I started making customized candles and realized I could make and sell them. One day, while selling candles at a local market, someone approached me about teaching others how to make them themselves. I then held my first candle-making workshop at her local business, which was a success! Since then, I’ve held over 16 candle-making workshops! I love spreading the love and teaching people how to make clean, affordable, allergy-friendly, and sustainable candles through workshops and classes.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road when starting a new business yourself. I do everything from purchasing materials, making candles, teaching classes, accounting, invoicing, marketing, and communications. There is always a challenge, and every day is new. I’m always excited about the new opportunities and businesses I partner with. Still, it can sometimes be challenging to sign on customers and manage the business development site to grow the business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are an island local candle company specializing in allergy-friendly, clean, sustainable candle products. We are also known for our candle-making classes, which make candles easily accessible and affordable to all.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Charleston. I have recently joined a local business group and made many great connections across the Lowcountry. Charleston is a fantastic area for new and upcoming businesses. Many tourists here enjoy the classes as a fun activity that’s out of the ordinary wall in Charleston. I love island candles because they bring the island vibe and sense to your home, no matter where you live. Charleston’s business community is fantastic and super supportive of small women-owned businesses.
Pricing:
- $40 per candle making class
- 8oz candles start at $18
- Larger and special container candles max out at $25
- Customized candle labels for only $5 extra
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandcandleschs?igsh=MXJ3M2d2bjJmYzhkaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082791430872&mibextid=LQQJ4d
