After moving house and needing a creative outlet, Kiera Golding decided to embark on an amazing venture. With experience in designing and styling weddings, she realized that she could channel her creativity into making beautiful teacup candles. After doing thorough research on how to create a website, she discovered freewebstore!
1. Please tell us a bit about your online store
I have always loved shopping and gifting through small businesses. It not only makes the seller feel supported but also gives you the opportunity to give a gift someone has really thought about and taken the time to create.
When I first thought of starting my small business I knew I needed an online store, but finding one that was right for me I had no idea where to start! All I knew I wanted was a platform free to create and run. That’s when I found freewebstore.
I got through the whole creation process in one evening, it is that quick and simple to use! But I just couldn’t believe it was free, I even contacted customer services just to make sure I hadn’t missed something in the fine print 😀
Everyone shops online, that’s just how it is. So I was a little hesitant considering I was selling candles thinking how could someone buy a candle without being able to smell it? But the online support I have received makes my heart full!
2. What else did you have going on in your life when you first decided to start your business?
I had actually just moved into my first home! We had been in for a couple of months and knew I couldn’t decorate the whole house straight away, so I needed a creative outlet. I had this for a few months after designing and styling my mums wedding, but then I found myself really twiddling my thumbs not knowing what to do with myself.
Then I quite literally looked at my boyfriend one day and said I’m going to start a candle business. I done the research, created the website and then started sourcing all of the materials I needed to create my beautiful teacup candles.
And here we are!
3. Why did you decide to start your own business? What inspired you to start?
I am a very creative person, ever since I was a little girl. Always having paint on my clothes or pen on my hands. It’s a hobby and passion of mine, creating something out of nothing.
My full time job allows me to have a creative outlet but it’s a lot of graphic design. Not really getting my hands dirty, so I knew it was time to start a more long term outlet where I could not only create items but also add a little joy to someone else’s home.
My friend once bought me a teacup candle from America and I LOVED it ! I always used to refill it after I’d finished, because it was just so beautiful and I’d never seen something like it. After doing my research I found that they are quite an expensive product in the UK and that might be because of the china teacups they are sold in I’m not sure. But that’s why I believe in keeping my product as reasonable as possible.
You will see my candles have been hand poured into upcycled vintage china and glassware. All sourced locally in Kent through charity shops and markets. Because of where I source them from, it gives me the opportunity to keep the costs low. I could research and find out how much the teacups are worth, but my target audience wouldn’t want to spend £30 plus on a candle just because of the teacup it’s in. So my aim is to source beautifully designed vintage teacups and gorgeous smelling candles, that are eco friendly too!
4. Do you have any advice for new store owners?
Believe in your product and enjoy yourself, if you have a passion in something there is absolutely no harm in giving it a go. What have you got to lose?
5. We notice you’ve done a few craft fairs. What’s your number one tip for running a successful stall?
Customers differ massively. Sometimes it’s best to leave them to browse alone, just letting them know you’re there if they need you. Whereas others can be way more interested in knowing your process, where the products are sourced from, how you make them etc. Which is fantastic.
It’s all about reading people and knowing what each person would really like to hear about your product. Is it just the highlights “This has been our Autumn best seller” or “Oh I had my first clumsy moment the other day, I dropped an entire box of stock!” and really opening up that conversation and building that personal relationship even for just 5 minutes.
Be passionate and love the product your selling. People will see that too.
6. What were the results you were hoping to achieve when you first signed up for a freewebstore?
When I signed up to freewebstore my goal was to have a professional and easy to use website for my customers, and that’s exactly what I got! I wanted to make sure they had a positive and happy shopping experience. Using freewebstore is so simple I couldn’t believe it.
7. Why is that important to you?
The worst thing for me is when you know exactly what you’re looking for but can never find it because the website isn’t clear enough or the photos don’t do the product justice. Especially when it arrives and it looks all wrong compared to the image on the website.
And that’s one thing I’ve been very black and white with. When it comes to creating candles and working with soy wax, the outcome varies. But I have shown this on my website through images and product description.
As a candle maker we can’t control the outcome of the candle each and every time and I want to make sure my customers know what they are buying.
8. What is your most popular product?
Gosh! It changes every month, when I first launched everyone loved my Hot Apple Pie scented pumpkin candles, but a continuous strong seller throughout has been our Vanilla Teacup and Saucer candles. However this month the beautiful Sparkling Cinnamon Snowflake candles have taken the lead. I mean how could you not love them!
9. If you could choose one magic power, what would you go for?
To fly!
I have such a curiosity of what the world looks like for birds just flying over landscapes. I also imagine it gives a sense of freedom and peace, to just feel the wind on your face and weightless in the air.
10. And finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I am hoping that my shop is still up and running and even more successful!
Where do I see myself though, I have absolutely no idea. I just hope to be happy, healthy and enjoying where life has taken me.
After a lot of research, late-night brainstorming sessions, and endless cups of tea (pun intended!) Kiera launched my very own candle business. With your tremendous support and encouragement from her boyfriend, she is ready to light up your homes and hearts with these stunning creations.
If you are looking to create your own website, whether it’s looking to make candles, or set up a candle making website, freewebstore is a great place to start. You get all the tools you need to create an online store for free.
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