When did you start your business?

 

I’ve been making and selling my art in various forms since 2009. I began making candles and developing my current “artist apothecary” line in 2018.

What drew you to making candles? How did you learn to do it?

I’ve always been sensitive to smells and synthetic fragrances always gave me headaches, so I was initially not a candle person. Then in 2014 I discovered essential oil candles and aromatherapy while working part time at a local apothecary and quickly became hooked! The lighter, all natural scent of essential oils had a profound effect on me and became one of my first tools for healing and self care. I began my first candle making experiments and shared my process on my DIY craft blog and one of my candle projects, Pressed Herb Candles was featured in Willow & Sage Magazine. Then in 2018 I was approached by a publisher to write an instructional book for a candle making kit. While working on that project, I fell in love with the candle making process all over again and soon after began developing the first two candle scents and artwork for my current product line (“Gentle Awakening” - a lavender and woodsy scent and “Glow of Love” - a deep floral and spice scent).

What are some of the things you've done to get the word out about your business and reach new customers?

I have my own website rachelbeyer.com and send out a monthly newsletter. I also sell in online marketplaces like Etsy and Faire. I try to post fairly regularly on Social Media (find me on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok) and do in-person markets in and around Portland, Oregon every year. I’m excited for the Crafty Wonderland Spring Art + Craft Market coming up on May 5-6th, 2023.

You recently moved into a studio space. How has that changed your daily routine? Do you miss working from home?

I moved into a studio space in January of 2022 and absolutely love it. I now have double the work space and love having more separation between my work and my home. My routine hasn’t changed too much since my studio is located just a few miles from my house and I still work from home on occasion. I enjoy walking to my studio on sunny days and not being cooped up at home all the time has improved my mental health too.

 

Managing my own time! Having a flexible schedule has been essential for my health and wellbeing. I live with chronic pain and having flexibility around my work hours is essential, especially when I’m experiencing a pain flare up. I also need a lot of variety in my work and being able to take a break from my computer and work with my hands while making my products is very satisfying.

What are the biggest challenges you face running your business?

As a solo-entrepreneur my biggest challenge is managing overwhelm and burn out while wearing all the hats in my business. It’s easy to get swept up in the hamster wheel of constant productivity. I really try to honor my own pace and take breaks when I need to, especially during the busy holiday season.