Meet Sugar Candle
FOUNDED BY
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Boston Women’s Market & Gigi Kaya
Boston Women’s Market: Can you tell us a bit about what led you to begin your journey with Sugar Candle? Was there an aha! Moment?
Gigi Kaya: One day I was having dinner with my sister and my boyfriend. At that moment, I saw a candle page on social media and showed it to my partner. A few days later, he had already ordered a candle-making kit. At the time, I was working at Sugar Bakery. As I started my candle journey as a hobby, I began to wonder if I could make candles shaped like desserts, inspired by Sugar Bakery. I started making candles as gifts for my loved ones. When my boss at the bakery saw the candles, she suggested it would be a great idea to turn this into a business. My friends and family agreed. That's when I decided to turn my hobby into a job and founded Sugar Candle.
BWM: A mentor can play an integral role in someone’s career progression and personal growth. Did you have a mentor that influenced where you are today?
Gigi: Throughout my life, I have had women I looked up to and mentors who guided me, but my mother has always been at the top. She is a very strong woman. While raising me and my siblings, she always taught us to be confident and strong, and not to be afraid to take steps towards our dreams. When starting this business, I took her advice at every step. I am excited to pass on what she taught me to my own children.
BWM: Many women begin their small business journey as a way to seek fulfillment they may not be getting in their 9-5 job. Others aren't sure where to begin and need help "digging deeper" to find what it is that fills their cup. What are some steps someone can take today to begin that journey of discovery?
Gigi: Starting a business means resigning from your 9-5 job, which means you will be working even harder. Especially in the beginning, you'll find yourself working even in your dreams. I believe that envisioning the future is important to take the first step. Where do you see yourself years from now? Can you work in your current position for years, or should you take a step towards where you want to be? Therefore, I would say that the biggest step to take at the beginning is to dream of different versions of yourself.
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Gigi: Unfortunately, a business's growth doesn't always follow a steady upward trend. There are often ups and downs. Of course, I've had times when I failed, but for me, the opposite of success is experience. In other words, you don't fail, you gain experience because we all learn what we know through experience. Since I changed my perspective in this way, I feel less demoralized during downturns because I am gaining experience and learning, thus preventing another mistake in the future.
BWM: Do you have a favorite moment so far with Sugar Candle? Where you really felt like you were on the right path?
Gigi: I would say that my favorite moments are when customers see my products and are shocked. Some even tell me they came to buy desserts and didn't realize they were candles at first glance. The best part of doing this job is the positive feedback from customers. Many people buy my candles as gifts for their loved ones and share with me the shock and happiness on their faces when they see the candles. Sharing this happiness is my greatest source of motivation.
BWM: From one small business owner to another, what is your favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our community?
Gigi: In a time when technology is so advanced, I think starting with an online store is perfect. Although I do my own product photography, AI has advanced significantly in this area and can produce excellent results. Not just in photography, but in many areas such as product marketing, advertising, content creation, and finding the right audience, AI's contributions to business growth are undeniable.
BWM: Anything else you'd like to share?
Gigi: It's always better to say "at least I tried" rather than regret not trying for a lifetime.
GOODS WE LOVE
More Than Chocolate
“Milk Chocolate Scented Candle! Immerse yourself in the rich and comforting aroma of velvety milk chocolate. Handcrafted with meticulous care, this candle features a blend of high-quality soy wax and premium fragrance oils.”
