Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeinab Beydoun
Hi Zeinab, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started This Little Candle Co. in November 2019 to do something better for the environment and society when I realized how many toxins are released in paraffin-based candles with zinc-core wicks. I envisioned the health benefits of soy-based candles to be safe around adults, babies, pets and the environment and to help destress away with the use of various essential and fragrance oils embedded within the soy wax. I started out of my kitchen, making candles for my friends and family until I was peer-pressured to begin selling.
Once Covid hit, TLCC took off. People were looking for cleaner alternatives when using candles and well, TLCC is the way to go. I started a website, attended different vendor shows and continued to steadily grow. At a point, I had turned my basement into a candle factory, making candles almost daily and shipping nationwide. I entered small businesses, bakeries and spas across Michigan and the country and was also featured on the news two times! Today, I am working out of a space in Metro-Detroit where I still create beautifully crafted and deliciously scented candles. I provide candles for homes, office, craft customs for all events, birthdays, weddings, bridal/baby showers, funerals, anniversaries and more.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Between vendors closing down across the USA during COVID, to shipping delays it has been quite the journey. I will never forget when ordered 5000 jars and the delay was almost 2 months. I had to purchase from a different, more costly vendor just to get buy, which was difficult. The cost of making the candles has almost doubled as inflation has struck. One major struggle was having to move out of my space which was comfortably out of my home and into a space where I am out of my comfort zone. While grateful to be able to expand, it was a little bit of a challenge to remotivate myself and get used to being around people on a daily basis.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am so passionate about creating candles that you can not get anywhere else. Designing them for events, even if it’s just one custom candle makes my smile like no other. What sets these candles apart is the fact that they have names inside, or even messages of celebration. The fact that people choose me to be apart of their special occasions, time and time again is just a very gratifying feeling. The best part is that I know I am giving them the highest quality of clean ingredients, even as unique as they get. I think what I am really known for is the different designs that I release as limited editions where the shapes and messages are and people just love that.
How do you define success?
Success for me is customer satisfaction. For customer satisfaction its not just always them repurchasing, while it is something I strive for, it can be a referral, or purchasing for someone else. Word of mouth for me is success. This is because I know that someone was so satisfied that they sent someone else my way, regardless of who it is. This is what’s successful to me, because even if they don’t purchase, I know I was a household staple even if it’s just for a moment. As long as my customers are happy, I’m happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thislittlecandleco.com
- Instagram: @thislittlecandle
