This week we are honored to introduce you to Laura DePonte of Borough Home; a candle and home fragrance brand. We interviewed Laura and asked her about the inner details of Borough Home and how she got started in the handmade business. Below you’ll read her story and the business advice she has for someone who is looking to start their own handmade candle business!
Where are you from? Where is your business located?
I was born and raised in Hawaii but have made Portland, Oregon my home for the last 14 years!
How did you get started with making your candle and home fragrance business?
I have been collecting fragrances for years and on my birthday this year was gifted some very popular, very trendy candles and I thought “I could do this, and make it better”, and from that day on I haven’t stopped building my brand. It took only 3 months for me to setup my first launch.
How did you come up with the name of your business Borough Home?
Borough Home is a play on words and meaning: Borough for a community or place (in ancient times a term for a fortified town), and the word “Burrow”, for a den but evokes a feeling of cozy and comfortable. I added Home because I want to build my brand into a home fragrance and decor brand that expands beyond candles.
What are your long-term goals when it comes to Borough Home?
My long term goals are to get Borough Home into more retail locations, and to successfully go independent and quit my day job. Beyond that, fine fragrances is a dream I have and I hope to get to that space one day.
What advice would you give to those who are interested in starting a candle and home fragrance business?
Research like crazy before you even begin to buy supplies. Candle making is a lot of trial and error and having hundreds of dollars in materials you don’t end up using is frustrating. The candle market is incredibly saturated yet so many small makers have thriving businesses. Ask yourself why anyone would want YOUR candle – is it the aesthetic? Scents? Are they part of a theme like book or movie related? Why should someone spend their money on your candles versus any other candle? Carving out a niche for your business is so important. Confidence is also a big factor.
What are your favorite apps you use to help you stay organized as a small business owner?
I use Inventora all the time to stay on top of my materials and products, Google Keep for a never-ending to-do list, Canva for social media posts, CutStory for making videos and Adobe Lightroom to edit all of my photos.
What’s your favorite feature that Inventora offers?
I love that Inventora is flexible in changing and updating pricing for materials. If last month’s wax was $50, and this month it’s $60, I can update my cost of goods easily without hassle. It’s very straight-forward and I can see everything at once or filter it down. It’s truly a lifesaver!
Click the links above to learn more about Laura DePonte of Borough Home!
1 Comment
xmc.pl
i have checked this site a few times now and i have to say that i find it quite great actually. keep it up! 🙂