We recently connected with Abbie Z. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abbie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from a few places my main mantra of “I have come this far I just need to keep going, keep pushing because even if their is just one, one buyer that’s one more sale I have made than if I wasn’t their” and my Fiance, I already had my business established before I met him but he has been my rock and biggest cheerleader through all of this. When I feel myself waver he is there to remind me of how much I went through to get to where I am.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Well I started my business when I was still in college it was my senior year and I realized that I would be graduating with no extra curriculars I knew that I needed to come out of college with at least something. I never truly had the college experience going out having fun, joining clubs or internships. I worked a full time job my entire college experience. And so I had a horrible feeling that I might not be able to get hired so I thought ‘well I should start my own business.’ I don’t enjoy having to work from 9-5 when I know my bosses are pulling all the profits from my work. I started thinking about what product I should create something that truly speaks about who I am, but also is sellable. During that time I had started making my own candles because my cat had developed a breathing problem from the cheaper candles that I was buying. So I was researching on what causes that how I can mitigate that and what I could do to help which started my journey of making soy wax candles with hemp wic. I started off by using only thrifted jars from thrift stores so that way it was the most reusable and sustainable. But I realized very quickly that it was not sustainable for my business so I looked into mason jars which are heat resistant so safe for candles but reusable for other projects or even food savers. I then started trying to figure out how I was going to stand out above all other candle makers. So I started adding color and layers. Something I have not seen very often, It took a year or so to reach this current style of candle but I absolutely adore the whipped topping. Once I finished getting my candles made and rolled out I realized very quickly that the product I made was only sustainable during good economic times, so I started branching out making high fragrance concentrated room sprays, and wax melts that took about a year or so as well. I then created lotion and lip balms because I was tired of the store bought lotions drying out my skin so quickly after application so I looked up the ingredients and started experimenting so now I have a solid formula of lotion that’s light to the touch but keeps your skin hydrated. it’s the same with my lip balms all hydration no extras. I make sure to put everything that I put in the lotions on my bottle because I am not afraid to say what’s in my products because I know I curate quality products. I think the most important thing I’m focusing on is to be able to get clientele so my business is my only job because right now I’m still working full time at another job to be able to pay for bills I truly just want to live within my means and be happy and not constrained by a regular 9-5 at a desk.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think a great skill to have is being adaptable. There where many times during markets that I needed to change my whole set up on the spot. Sometimes customers respond better if your table is right up front, or sometimes they prefer to step into an experience of a tent sometimes you don’t know till the people come.
Something that was impactful to my journey was when a vendor organizer of the community markets and events her name is Cheryl, she told me the best way you can utilize a market is to go to every single booth, pick up a business card talk with them for a little while, get to know them and give them a follow on social media. I am a very introverted person but I warm up to people as soon as I get to know them but I usually don’t go out of my way but she gave me the push to do that during markets and I have met some of the most nicest kindest people who have genuinely helped me in various ways. You honestly never know who’s going to be your best ally unless you say something.
I think my top quality would be my persistence with a sprinkle of spite. I know spite isn’t used in the best connotation but using it as a small stepping stone to keep your ‘flame’ going helps wonders. There where many people when I was starting my business and needed testers I called a family member and their first words to me where “so how much is this going to cost me” or the brush off and eye roll when I would say I got my logo or my LLC. I didn’t use those bad memories stop my persistence in pursuing my dream and I was going to succeed in spite of their lack of support .
My advice to anyone who is just starting out would be to Always be curious, flexible and to be ok with learning and changing. Always educate yourself as much as possible its up to you to do your due diligence to know your product inside and out. I feel like when you refuse to change and stay static is when everything falls apart. And also follow the people who are in your industry on social media you never know you could share some really cool ideas with each other or someone might have a better way to do something that you never even thought of.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Oh yes I absolutely I’m looking for business store fronts like estheticians, plant shops, gift stores, coffee shops even restaurants you never know. I’m open to anyone and love to try new things.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosegracezllc?igsh=bHZieTg2Y2JtM25l
- Facebook: Rosegracezllc
Image Credits
Abbie zanzucchi Cody Hogg
