Wicksy’s Hole-in-One: The Entrepreneurial Spirit Of A 16-Year Old Golfer Turned Maker

 

Most candle makers would have agreed that candle-making is not for the faint of heart.

It may seem easy on the surface as a hobby, yes. But as a business, things can get more serious and complicated.

That’s why we are proud to have met this young lady who courageously started her candle business at the age of 16! Yes, she is something!

 

 

Sophia Quiñones, also known as Sophie to her family and friends, is a self-starter and a go-getter. She homeschools as a Junior High. She plays different sports but found her true passion in golf, intending to earn a scholarship to one of the Ivy League schools and become a pro golfer in the future.

Despite her hectic daily routine of homeschooling, working out at the gym, and golf training, she still managed to delve into having her own business. Thanks to her mom for passing on her business genes. Sophia claimed that she is overflowing with business ideas. Even at the young age of 8 years old, she already started making and selling bracelets!

She Means Business (Candles)

“Strong determination keeps me going. It keeps me on my feet” - Sophia

Sophia’s entrepreneurial spirit gave birth to Wicksy Candles in November 2021. She searched online and found candles as one of the top results for great businesses to start with during that time.

Candle-making is more than just building a business for her. Through it, she creates a bond with her family. Her trainer is also equally supportive. Their support is a valued capital in her business. 

Although she had her share of difficulty finding quality suppliers and wicking, she handled it with determination. She always ensures to put her best efforts into her products to guarantee that her customers enjoy a great experience. If you have this mindset, your customers will know and they will keep coming back to you.

And one of the effective ways for customers to know your brand is by opening pop-up shops. Be out in the public to get noticed. It's also an interaction between the owner and the customer that creates a feeling of support and acknowledgment - an interaction that makes it more special.

Sophia’s first pop-up shop was in a small farmer's market during the grand opening of the F45 gym. She met a lot of people and loved talking and selling to them. Every time they bought, she was celebrating and her heart did a little dance. Soon, she was sold out!

As a young woman entering the world of business, Sophia understandably felt scared and intimidated. But she didn’t back down. She said confidence and belief in oneself are important. She then thought, “I got this!” She went through the process and enjoyed meeting other entrepreneurs along the way. Needless to say, she succeeded!

 

Luxury Within Reach

Luxurious and premium but affordable. 

This is what Wicksy Candles aims to offer to its customers. Luxury brands like YSL and Louis Vuitton are Sophia’s inspirations for her brand. She wants people to have access to this essence of luxury through her candles without them having to spend a fortune. In a greater sense, she wants her brand to bridge the gap between luxury and affordability.

Luxury + Affordability = A hole-in-one for Wicksy!

Contact information:
Instagram : @wicksycandles
Website: www.wicksycandles.com

 

 

A PIECE OF INFO: Why should you consider luxury candle making?

Because statistically speaking, the candle industry is on its steady growth. According to The Insight Partner’s market study, the luxury candle market was valued at US$ 370.95 million in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 525.28 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028.

 

 

 

 

 

Be inspired with Sophia's candle making journey by watching the 

April 2022 Maker of the Month series HERE.

Be one with fellow makers who inspire and empower each other

by joining the community at Dream Vessels Facebook Group.