Baroque Candle Co. is an online store in Orange County, California, specializing in creating unique, handcrafted candles inspired by Baroque art, an extravagant style of art that originated in 16th-century Rome and is characterized by the use of exaggeration and clear, sharp detail to produce exuberance and grandeur. The company was founded in 2021 by Natalie Koppel and focuses on producing high-quality candles that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, and have the ability to enhance any space and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Related: How to start a candle business
The candles are made with a vegan-friendly, water-based wax containing a candle-safe mineral called mica powder, which gives the candles an iridescent shine. The company is also committed to sustainability and eco-friendliness, as reflected in its use of recycled materials for packaging and environmentally conscious ingredients.
The candles are meticulously hand-crafted using high-quality ingredients, including 100% natural soy wax and fragrances. Each product is designed with care and attention to detail, and the company is dedicated to providing customers with exceptional service and products.
As explained in the video, Natalie started her candle business, Baroque Candle Co., following these steps:
- Establishing the Brand: The author first established her brand name and branding position. She decided on the colors, social media approach, label designs, fonts, logos, and other branding elements. She emphasized the importance of not overthinking this step and just starting somewhere.
- Creating a Website: The author created a website for her business, emphasizing the importance of owning customer data. Natalie used Shopify to build her website, which makes it easy to create a website by uploading product photos and customizing templates.
- Pricing: The author priced her products at least three times the cost of goods. For example, if a candle costs three dollars to make and ship, she would sell it for at least nine dollars. She noted that pricing could be adjusted based on customer response and sales data.
The Baroque Candle Co. offers various products, including the “Melt My Candy Heart Candle” and the “Pixi Dust Candle” available in multiple scents. The prices for their candles range from $17.50 to $39.00. Assuming the 3x pricing, that would mean the cost to make candles is between $5.83 – $13. - Promotion: The author promoted her products on various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Facebook. She emphasized the importance of posting regularly and consistently, at least three times a week, ideally every day.
Throughout this process, Natalie said she didn’t spend any money on ads. Instead, she leveraged her social media following to grow her business. starting from zero and scaling up to a successful six-figure business.
Some of the inspiring takeaways I got from the video included:
- “You don’t need to have a lot of money or a large following to have a successful candle business. I did it starting from zero, and so can you.”
- “I know the steps can get very overwhelming with all of the choices that you have, but it’s important to just start.”
- “Establishing and owning your customer’s data is extremely important. I know it’s daunting to try to create a website, but these days, companies like Shopify make it super easy.”
- “Your job is to get in front of as many potential customers’ faces as possible.”
- “Strong brand positioning is the difference between a candle that sells and a candle that doesn’t.”
- “There’s only one you, and you are going to be the differentiating factor.”
These quotes emphasize the importance of starting, the power of individuality, the significance of perseverance, and the potential of the market. They could inspire someone wanting to start their own business, regardless of the industry.
Summary
The story of Baroque Candle Co. and its founder, Natalie Koppel, stands as an inspiring testament to the power of individuality, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit. The steps Natalie took to build her business highlight that success isn’t necessarily tied to having a large amount of money or a significant following at the start. Instead, it’s about taking that first step, believing in your unique vision, and putting in consistent effort to bring that vision to life.
Creating a business might seem overwhelming will all of the decisions you have to make. You might feel paralyzed by the various aspects of building a brand, creating a website, pricing your products, and promoting your brand. However, Natalie’s journey underscores an important message – you just need to start somewhere. Even the most successful businesses started with a single step.
Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway from Natalie’s journey is her emphasis on individuality. As she rightly says, “There’s only one you, and you are going to be the differentiating factor.” This is a powerful reminder that your unique vision, creativity, and personality are your strongest assets when starting a business.
So, if you’re thinking about starting a business, let Natalie’s story inspire you. Embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and remember that your unique vision is your ultimate superpower. Don’t be afraid to take that first step and embark on the exciting journey of entrepreneurship. The world needs your unique contribution. Start today, because your dream business is just a step away.
You can learn more about the Baroque Candle Co. at their website – https://www.baroquecandleco.com/
