Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Richter.
Sierra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my candle business in July 2021 after deciding I needed to make my own terms in regard to a work schedule and making money. I wanted to help my husband out and bring in my own income. After many hours of researching different waxes, fragrances, and even colorants, I made a large purchase on my credit card and hoped for the best. People who know me knows I am a risk-taker.
With Black Moon Melts basically being a science experiment, I heated up my stove and quickly learned the ways of wax. Hours and hours of melting wax, finding the correct size wicks and containers, and measuring the correct amount of fragrance oils was crucial to creating a successful candle business. I wasted so much product in those early days, trying to make everything right. I cried so many times when candles did not turn out. I found that starting my business with just wax melts would help me get going. Yes, candles are not just wick and pour! There’s so much more behind it, so the first launch was wax melts. I went a few months with melts in the shop as I was experimenting behind the scenes with candles.
After our first six months of being open, we FINALLY launched our candles. Even though I went through so much in the beginning, I fell in love with all scents. Eventually, I added more scents to the wax melt and candle collections as well as room sprays and car diffusers.
Since the beginning, I have sought out small businesses I could support in my own business venture. Most of my raw materials use other small businesses products; small businesses have to stick together, right? I also find the cleanest products I can from those businesses, so my customer base never has to worry about our products.
When I do markets, I cannot help but show my excitement for my products to potential customers. I love seeing them sample a candle or room spray, and their eyes light up because they just adore a scent! Knowing that my products will be in someone else’s home is just mind-blowing to me. I didn’t think anyone would even care to try them.
Black Moon Melts quickly became bigger than I ever thought it would. As a mother of four, it’s hard to know if you’re doing the right thing. I have to care for my children and run businesses but supporting my children with my own small business is extremely rewarding. I’ll be able to look back on it and say WOW, I DID THAT!
Not only do I own and operate Black Moon Melts, but I am also the owner of Moon + Ember Photography. With my photography business, I take my own product photos for Black Moon Melts. I’m a one woman show so I have to make it all happen with my skill set somehow.
I am so thankful to be thriving in the candle industry and cannot wait for further growth!
Alright, 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?
There were definitely bumps along the way. Figuring out how to properly wick candles was so difficult, putting off my candle launch for a long time. Not only that, but financials are always an issue when first starting a business. Wax and fragrance oil is NOT cheap, especially ones that are good quality. Putting yourself out there is also very nerve wracking.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most known for being a “warrior.” When I was in cosmetology school, I received an award during graduation stating I was a warrior because I hurdled over all the struggles I have come across including having children very young, finishing college with babies, and diving into things like my candle and photography businesses. I’m most proud of trying everything I’ve wanted to, even if it didn’t end up working out.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was one of those gifted kids in school: good grades, honors, student council, etc. Of course, they didn’t interest me at all. I was always drawn to being creative. My notebooks were never filled with notes, only doodles. I took all the art classes I could ranging from ceramics to drawing and even some photoshop. I always wanted to take a photography class but you were required to bring your own camera so that was quickly a no go (my parents didn’t want to buy me one). You could say I have always been a hobbyist in one way or another, trying new things all the time.
Pricing:
- 4 oz candles – $7
- 8 oz candles – $12
- Wax melts – $6
- Room sprays – $15
- Photography sessions start at $75
Contact Info:
- Website: blackmoonmelts.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blackmoonmelts
- Facebook: facebook.com/blackmoonmelts
- Other: moonemberphotography.com
