Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellion Self.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have a love for vintage, handmade, DIY, art, and home decor. Back in 2013, I had been playing around with making candles for myself and for friends as gifts. Once I perfected my candle making and found a “signature” scent, now called: ellion, I opened my online store in March of 2013. One of my favorite candles is diptyque baies, so I came up with something very similar, a blend of Fresh cut roses and red currant. I had (and still have) a love for a good quality candle that fills a room or entire house with beautiful smells and burns clean and evenly. I decided to master making them myself instead of splurging on an expensive candle that I didn’t want to light because I wanted it to last forever. I started out making all of my candles in vintage cups and tea cups. Two years later in 2015, I expanded to branding and creating my own candle line. Since then, I’ve added multiple new scents and continue to grow along with the business and demand. The signature ellion candle line now consists of candles in tumblers with wooden wicks and travel tins with cotton wicks with 8 different scents and counting.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s easy to look at someone online, see what they’re doing, and think “they make it look so easy” but that’s usually not the case. Throughout the past year or two, I’ve realized that learning from others is one of the most helpful tools in being an entrepreneur, and typically, its free! Regardless of industry or what someone has been through personally you never know what they might say that sparks something within yourself that you can relate to.
As my business grows, new issues arise that I have never faced before. One of the hardest struggles I have faced is handling growth and life balance. Something I will have to handle very soon is hiring and delegating work. As an entrepreneur, we all think that we can save money by doing everything ourselves. When you physically don’t have enough time in the day, you have to find help and spend your time doing tasks that you are most valuable for. I’m saying these tips out loud as if it’s easy, but I haven’t even listened to my own advice yet!
what should we know about ellion? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The interesting scent combinations that I’ve designed, as well as the strength of scent throw that my candles produce are two of the things that set my candles apart from the rest. Visually my candles stand out with my self-designed labels and branding. Another important part of my brand is creating inspiration and expressing my style of home decor.
I think what I’m most proud of is seeing how far my business has come over the years and the following I’ve created. I really think the key to creating a business with handmade products is expressing your style and making something that you’re proud of. It’s ok to take advice from other people and customers but when it comes down to it doesn’t do something that doesn’t reflect yourself.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Have patience and don’t take constructive criticism personally. Try to learn from others without copying what they’re doing.
Growing a business, brand, and customer following takes time. Work hard at what you do but try not to let your emotions get in the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopellion.com
- Email: shopellion@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shopellion
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopellion
Image Credit:
Nicole Bell Photography
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