Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Morris.
Sara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been infatuated with interior design and decor pieces for the home. I am a natural-born homebody and it is really important for me to have a space that vibes well with my personality. I have always loved making things – from a complicated dessert to designing an obstacle course as a kid, I always had a project in the works.
After college, I moved into a tiny North End apartment and spent months prepping exactly how I wanted to arrange and decorate to make the space comfortable. During this process, I realized candles are a low-risk piece that can transform the mood of a space – from scent throw to the glow of the flame. I knew exactly the candle I wanted – the wax had to be white and non-paraffin, the scent had to be super fresh, the price had to be less than $30 and it needed to be minimalist – I wanted the jar to be utilitarian but the experience of the candle had to stand out. I couldn’t quite find the candle I had envisioned and since I love a project, I taught myself how to make a simple candle and started experimenting with different types of waxes, fragrance blends and vessels. I fell in love with the process of having complete creative control with a product. After my friends and coworkers caught wind of my extracurricular activity and wanted to purchase, I setup an Etsy account and allowed pick ups from my apartment.
As scary as it is to put a product out in the world, I needed feedback from complete strangers, so I applied for a few weekends to sell at SoWa Open Market. The sales from SoWa gave me confidence that I could grow a fruitful business and the feedback gave me thick skin I needed to stand behind my product. I continued selling at SoWa, at pop up markets and wholesale to a few boutique shops around Boston. As Noted continued to expand and grow, the desire to focus on the company full time never subsided. After some planning and moving back home, I quit my job in May 2017. I moved Noted into small studio space in South Boston where I continue to expand into retail shops, online and create custom pieces for weddings and events.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the age of Instagram, it is really difficult to admit your struggles – personally or professionally – when it feels that every post is a vision of perfection – it’s hard not to compare yourself. There have been so many highs of starting a business – securing the first store, having strangers become loyal customers and friends, the satisfaction of incoming revenue because you went out and made it happen. I think it’s natural to want to share the successes and for good reason – hard work pays off. What we don’t typically see are the lows and sacrifices – rejection from stores, slow sales, missing out on important family/social events and budgeting your time and money.
I am pretty intuitive and I trust that where I am is where I am supposed to be. If you can’t picture yourself doing anything else, you have to put a little trust in yourself and the universe and just go for it. For anyone who wanting to start a business, you must love the process – not just the product – and have attainable goals to keep yourself motivated during the low times. I don’t have a business partner but there is a really great community of female entrepreneurs in Boston that are happy to help and share advice. It is mandatory to have a close group of friends and family who support you during every step. I have been super lucky and am eternally grateful for my support system.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Noted Candles – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I design soy candles and reed diffusers and craft them in small batches. I strive to keep everything as natural as possible with quality as my number one priority. I use US-grown soy flakes, premium-grade, phthalate-free fragrance oils, US-made glass jars and bottles, zinc-free cotton wicks and I use handmade Lokta paper to line my lids for a little pop of color and design. My labels are from a small family-owned printing company based in New Jersey.
I love reusing and up-cycling wherever possible. I encourage purchasers to reuse their empty candle jars as makeup brush and Q-Tip holders and empty diffuser bottles as small vases and taper candle holders. I use my old lids as catch alls for keys and jewelry. I love seeing how customers reuse their Noted goods.
My products are known for being minimalist, high quality and fresh smelling. It makes me really happy that I created a product that not only makes a space cozy and inviting but can also provide a little peace and self-care in the day. I am proud that Noted is completely my vision and I haven’t deviated from my intuition and what I love.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
For a woman just starting her career, it is really important to admit when you need help and be open and willing to learn something new. Having confidence and being a problem solver is great but showing you want to learn to better yourself as an employee shows maturity and builds confidence from your boss. For someone who is starting their career as an entrepreneur, you will wear many hats and you will not be good at everything – utilize your own network and reach out to the network of entrepreneurs in Boston for help and guidance. It will really help your business grow.
Pricing:
- Petite Candle – 6 oz – $16
- Original Candle – 8oz – $22
- Double Candle – 16 oz – $38
- Mini Diffuser – 4 oz – $18
- Original Diffuser – 8 oz – $26
Contact Info:
- Address: 525 East 1st St.
South Boston, MA 02127 - Website: www.notedcandles.com
- Email: hello@notedcandles.com
- Instagram: @notedcandles
Image Credit:
Mayne Marketing
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
