Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Upchurch.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From the time I was little I always thought I’d work for myself. But I never knew exactly what I’d do. It wasn’t until I found myself rolling through several different types of careers every couple of years that a light bulb went off in my head. I had to work for myself or I wouldn’t be happy. I had to do something with my hands and it had to function as a creative outlet as well. I can’t pinpoint exactly how it came to me, but one day I just *decided* I would make candles. It made the most sense. I had recently gone vegan which in turn led me to detoxifying all household and body products (make-up, shampoo, soaps). At one point I had read that paraffin wax candles were horribly toxic for us to breathe in as well as toxic for the environment. And that was it. I would make candles, design the labels, and sell them. I wanted it to be my full time gig, not just a hobby. There was no option for failure. So I got started right away. I soaked up as much information about running a business as I could and I experimented and perfected my craft.
When I started, I still worked a full time job at a software company. I was lucky that there was enough down time that I was able to work on designing my website during the day. In the evenings I stayed up WAY too late making candles and reading business blogs and newsletters, listening to podcasts by other creatives, and bootstrapping for the business. I did everything myself from the beginning and outsourced nothing so that I could save every penny I could. I signed up for every arts market I could to get the word out about the candles and bring in an income aside from selling online. Seven months after starting the business I was able to quit my full time job.
Today, 3.5 years into the business, I couldn’t be happier. It’s the best “job” I’ve ever had and I get to meet some of the coolest and nicest people who do similar things in the handmade community.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not always been smooth sailing. Figuring out social media and buying trends has deemed challenging. The market is always changing and it’s vital to my business to stay in the know with what people want. Figuring out what the people want is the tricky part.
Other struggles have been trying to find a balance between work and play. In the first couple years I was VERY focused on working all day, every day on getting orders out quickly, making new scents, and marketing. I barely took time for self-care or to do fun things…like vacation. I’ve since realized that in order for creativity to thrive and grow, it’s vital to take time away from the business for fun and down time. Now, I KNOW this is important, but I sometimes still find it a challenge to break away. Working on it!
Please tell us about Soy Much Brighter Candle Co.
I make soy wax, vegan, non-toxic candles in recyclable glass jars with wooden wicks. I have a couple of “series” in addition to the main OG candle line.
One series is based on three different phases of the moon (Waning, Waxing, and Full). I designed each blend specifically for burning during a certain phase of the moon to help deal with life, basically.
Another series is monikered as “Favorite Things” and includes the “Cat Person”, “Dog Person”, and “Plant Person” candles. I like to think of these candles as swag for the things you love.
The OG candle line includes a rotation of seasonal favorites as well as permanent picks that will never retire because they’re just too good.
There’s something for everyone 🙂
I’d say the quality of my creations is what sets me apart. I keep my prices reasonable while providing a long-lasting, non-toxic product that my customers can trust. And I am proud of that.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I had hired an accountant from the start! There are many things I was able to bootstrap, but when it comes to the financial portion of business, I really cannot be bothered. I do my taxes way too late and I probably don’t keep track of things as much as I should.
Other than that, I would not change anything about the trajectory of the business. I feel that everything has progressed as it was meant to and it’s only going up from here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soymuchbrighter.etsy.com
- Email: bebright@soymuchbrighter.com
- Instagram: @soymuchbrighter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soymuchbrightercandles/
- Other: www.soymuchbrighter.com
Image Credit:
Sharrel Paul
Destinee Poncin
Madison McKenna
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