Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Knutson & Adriana Ernst. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah Knutson & , thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
When we both were laid off at the same time from the same company in 2020. We both felt a bit caught off guard as many did who also experienced the same as the pandemic started. At first, we both were felt a bit defeated and sad to be laid off so quickly with a company we spent a lot of our early career with. After processing those emotions and months of not being able to find work elsewhere, we had decided the best way to overcome our troubles was to work for ourselves. We put every bit of ourselves into our research, development, and marketing. Within the year, we had launched Lakehouse Candle Co., and have continued to be able to run the business full time ever since. When one door closes, another opens! To overcome adversity calls for the right mindset and attitude when things get hard, as well as staying persistent through in through until you get to where you want to be.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Born and raised in the land of 10,000 lakes both Adriana and Hannah, along with all Minnesotans, have found a deep appreciation for the beautiful land we get to call home! The story of Adriana and Hannah begins at the University of Minnesota Duluth where the two found themselves as roommates from start to finish. During their years in Duluth, Adriana found a passion and talent for photography. Getting most of her inspiration through exploring the land of the Northern Shores of Lake Superior. Hannah, graduating with a graphic design & marketing degree at the end of her time there, always knew the two would find a way to use their talents as a team. A few years passed after graduation when Adriana brought the idea to Hannah, to help with the design. After a month or so passed with no updates, Hannah seeing the great potential in the idea, pushed Adriana to pursue it. Eventually to the point that she decided to jump in as well! In turn, the Lakehouse Candle Co. was born. Hannah growing up on Lake Minnetonka and Adriana finding a great passion through Lake Superior’s adventurous shoreline, it was very easy for the pair to move forward and create an authentic, lake-loving themed candle inspired by the land we all know and love.
Lakehouse Candle Co. specializes in lake-based 100% soy wax, wooden wick candles. What we feel is so special about our brand is the ability for it to be more than just a candle. Basing them off the lakes or allowing custom labels on our website, calls for such a more personal experience for our customers and their loved ones.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that we have that we’re important to our success we’re persistence, confidence, and passion. All were important throughout the process of creating our business, launching it, and successfully running it. The best advice we can give to folks starting on their journey would be to get excited and get curious about your industry and the market you are jumping into. Continue to learn, ask questions to fellow business owners, and push through any adversities that come your way.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Over the years we have had issues with burning out and feeling quite overwhelmed. It is quite a normal experience for any business owner. Especially when starting out your business. The important thing is to not let it fizzle out your passion completely. At the end of the day, it will never be beneficially for you to do anything for your business at the expense of your mental health. Balancing your schedule to focus on recharging will allow you to much more resilient when those tough days come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelakehousecandleco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelakehousecandleco?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakehousecandleco?mibextid=LQQJ4d
