Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shelby Schlomer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shelby, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
I have always been a person who is strong willed, which can be great and also a set back. As I’ve grown as a person, I have learned to use that determination into a tool for myself personally, and as a business. When I first started Oak Wick Candle Co. I knew I was going to need to put up “blinders” for this type of situation. It’s really just as simple as reminding myself that I am the one putting in the time, effort, risks, finances, etc. In all honesty, nobody is going to be harder on me than myself, so I do not have any extra energy to put towards any other person or situation that will hinder my journey. Having that mentality has truly helped me continue on.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the sole chandler of Oak Wick Candle Co. which is based out of Eau Claire, WI. I started my business in my home and quickly developed a larger studio for my business. For me, pouring wax, developing labels, prepping jars, really just puts me into a creative element that just feels like home to me. Currently, I operate my business as a pop-up shop, always operating in different locations. I really enjoy going to new locations, meeting new customers, and developing new friendships with other vendors. It’s a whole new lifestyle that I truly enjoy, and I would have never had the opportunities that’s I’ve had or met the people I have, had I not started my business.
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?
Confidence, reliability, and transparency are qualities that have been the backbone in my journey. I need to be confident in myself, my business, and my products. Showing up for my business, and my customers is too priority. Trust and good experience will keep customers coming back. Transparency is very important for me. I want to share my journey along with my customers. I don’t want to hide anything. For example, if the need to raise my prices arises, I’m going to share with my followers why this occurred. Being honest and talking to my followers as they are people, has always had a positive reaction. I never want to be robotic in my communication. I’m an open book type of person, and I want to have my business operate that way as well. If I could give any advice to a person who is starting out it would be to, have fun, learn as much as you can from each situation, and don’t try to push to hard to be something that doesn’t feel right. Always do things with the best intentions, your customers will see this and they will gravitate towards that.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to eventually partner with another like-minded chandler to further grow Oak Wick. Operating as the sole face of my business does have its limitations. I truly believe Oak Wick Candle Co. has the potential to be something even greater. I operate mostly on business Instagram page @oakwickcandle, if an opportunity to connect with another business would arise in the future, I would give it a serious thought.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oakwickcandle.Etsy.com
- Instagram: @oakwickcandle
- Facebook: @oakwickcandleco
Image Credits
Wisconsin Makers Market
