Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Demirjian.
Beth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2017, I decided to leave the corporate world to pursue my dream of working with foster children and starting a business of my own. I was terrified to leave a stable income behind, but I knew I needed to do something that I was passionate about. It was then that I took the training and became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and began working with foster children.
I had always loved candles and learned how to make natural candles myself at home for our family and friends. I also knew I wanted to help raise awareness and funds for Voices for Children, so I started this business and fortunately for me, it took off. My background in Marketing helped me to hit the ground running and I never looked back! Making candles and gifts for others to enjoy inspires me and quite simply, makes me happy. I also love my work as a CASA, supporting foster youth here in San Diego. Combining these two passions of mine and launching Brightwood Candles has been an amazing journey!
My dream of working with foster children began many years ago. I was adopted and was very fortunate to have grown up with the most wonderful family. We also adopted our daughter in 2014 and going through that experience and getting to know her birth, Mom, like we did inspire me to find my own birth family. In 2016 I found my beautiful birth family and it was like coming home. In finding them, I found myself. And in finding myself, I had the courage to follow my dreams and it feels amazing!
I’ve been in business almost a year now and our community of San Diego makers is just incredible! It’s an amazing group of women all encouraging and supporting one another and I feel like I’ve found a second family! My business has grown alot in eight months and I’m working on a couple of very exciting projects. I also have my candles in six retail stores now throughout North County and am looking to expand to South County and Orange County this summer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh gosh, no, it has not been a smooth road! It seems every day I come across an obstacle of some sort whether it’s the candle making itself (it’s not quite as easy as it first appears!) or trying to find a balance between building my business and being there enough for my two children. This isn’t a “just for fun” job, I actually have to earn money to support my family so quitting is not an option. I’ve never owned a business, and I never attended business school so there’s definitely been a learning curve and I’ve made lots of mistakes. As for advice? I would say, never be afraid to ask for help! I’ve actually reached out to other candle makers when I’ve been desperate for knowledge or advice and guess what, each and every time they have been happy to help me! Incredible. Also, make sure to tie your business to some sort of service you are passionate about. My contributions to Voices for Children keeps me motivated during the tough times, the late nights and the days that I just don’t feel like I have what it takes. Finally, don’t try to grow too fast. That’s a tough one, you will see other businesses in your space that are way ahead of you and you’ll want to jump ahead and be as successful as they are, but you have to go at your own pace.
what should we know about Brightwood Candle Company? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We’re often asked what makes our candles smell so fresh and clean and it’s because we use the finest ingredients possible! Each Brightwood candle is lovingly made in small batches from soy wax made from 100% American grown soybeans. We use cotton braided wicks that are lead and zinc free, creating a clean, environmentally friendly burn. Our candles are always phthalate free, paraffin free and made with premium grade essential and fragrance oils. Our candles arrive in our beautiful signature box topped with fresh or dried botanicals.
What sets us apart from others is that our candles are clean and safe and support a very important cause.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Absolutely, I think now more than ever women are feeling supported to follow their passions and create and lead successful businesses. With shops like Etsy and online business schools like B School with Marie Forleo, women have more support than ever to be their own boss.
Pricing:
- 8 oz Candles $22.00
- 4 oz travel candles $10.00
- Apothecary Match Bottles – $8.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightwoodcandleco.com
- Email: info@brightwoodcandleco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brightwoodcandleco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brightwoodcandleco
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/bwcandle
Image Credit:
Beth Demirjian
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