Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawnae Belanger.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started making candles and other crafts a few years ago as gifts because one of my love languages is gift giving. To me, handmade gifts hold far more meaning than mass produced items. When I first started, I never considered turning it into a business…until the people who received my candles and sprays started asking if I had a store.
After getting sober, I discovered that candle making was a great creative outlet. It took me a couple of years to take the leap, but now I’m in my second year as a business and finally finding my rhythm. There was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, but I was fortunate to have people willing to help me along the way. I even had the opportunity to do demonstrations for Indian Education at a local high school, which was an amazing experience.
I was also lucky to have my son’s aunt offer me a spot at her business to sell my candles and spread the word. On top of that, my boyfriend has been a huge support…helping me promote my business, coming to craft shows, and hauling boxes right alongside me. The support I’ve received along the way has been incredible, and I couldn’t be more grateful for every small victory.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way…especially with shipping costs, which are outrageous. Lately, I’ve had to scale back production because, at times, shipping costs more than the products I’m ordering. Some craft shows haven’t gone the way I hoped, leaving me discouraged…only to have the next one turn out to be a huge success. There are always ups and downs, but I take them in stride and try to stay the course.
One thing I know for sure is that if I hadn’t gotten clean almost nine years ago and quit drinking over three and a half years ago, I wouldn’t have the resilience to handle the setbacks that come with building a business. That said, I have to admit I’m in a bit of a funk right now. I haven’t been marketing like I know I should, and then I find myself wondering why sales are slow. Life gets busy, but I’m working on getting back on track.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional life, I still work a 9-to-5 as the secretary of a pontoon dealership, handling paperwork and answering phones Monday through Friday. This is the longest job I’ve ever had, and it has been an incredible blessing. From the perspective of a recovering addict and alcoholic, this job has given me the stability to accomplish things I once thought were out of reach.
I know buying a house or a new vehicle might not seem like major achievements to some, but for me, they are milestones I never imagined reaching. Without the consistency of my job, I wouldn’t have had the financial foundation to even attempt starting my own business. I’m proud of what I’ve built…for myself and my children.
I don’t think I’m any different from anyone else. I just try to show up every day and be a little better than I was the day before. I think people appreciate my honesty, kindness, and my willingness to help…even when my own plate is full. I love what I do, and getting to make candles and crafts that bring people joy is just the cherry on top.
One day, I hope to retire from my job and open a shop where I can create full time when I’m not out exploring the world with my other half.
Any big plans?
One area I know I need to improve on is marketing and updating my website. Since I’m not very tech savvy, it’s something I struggle with. Right now, my biggest hurdles are creating new business cards and designing a fresh logo. So no big changes yet, but I’m sure there are some just over the horizon. As I’ve said before, my dream is to one day grow my business enough to open my own shop and enjoy the freedom of being my own boss.
For now, I’m simply grateful for everything I’ve already achieved and hopeful that the blessings will continue to come as long as I keep doing the next right thing, working hard, and believing in myself. The sky is the limit.
Pricing:
- Candles are from 5-30 Dollars
- Lotions 8-10
- Sprays 10-15
- Wax melts 6 each or 2 for 10
- Wickless Candles 5
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551953775637
- Other: https://ironwoodcandlescraft.etsy.com
