Cape Cod Soy Candle, LLC | Application Preview
Cape Cod Soy Candle, LLC, led by Maggie, is seeking government grants to expand its operations due to space constraints and rising supply costs. Operating from a cramped one-car garage with one part-time employee, Maggie has been crafting and delivering candles to Whole Foods Markets across New England since 2018. She initially started the business in 2008 to create safe alternatives for her daughter, who had allergies to paraffin candles. This venture has not only supported her family as a single mother but also instilled a strong work ethic in her children.
Maggie's vision is to grow Cape Cod Soy Candle into a nationally recognized brand, akin to Yankee Candle, and she believes that with additional funding, she can hire more employees and establish a larger manufacturing space that accommodates production, storage, and retail activities. Throughout her journey, Maggie has developed every product, learned business management, marketing, and distribution independently, and remained resilient despite encountering skepticism in the past.
Her competitive advantage lies in her creativity, as she continuously innovates new candle scents and designs, setting her apart from other small candle companies in the region. Whole Foods Markets has recognized her talent, commissioning seasonal themed candles, indicative of her unique offerings and dedication. Maggie is passionate about her work and is determined not to let her dream fade. She is appealing for support to ensure the sustainability and growth of her beloved company.
-
General Information
Business Registration Number: 475293131
Location: Marstons Mills, MA, United States
Length of Operation: 11plus
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $100k to $250k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: YES
-
Funding Usage
Currently, I am running my business out of my one- car garage. I have one part time employee. I have been designing and making candles for Whole Foods Markets across New England (44 stores) since 2018. The space is very tight for what I have to produce and store before delivery. I am in desperate need of storage space, manufacturing space and more employees. Also, supplies have increased in price. For instance, wax was $2000 for a palette (33 cases) in 2018 but now it is $4000. In 2008, I started making candles in my kitchen because my daughter was allergic to paraffin candles. This business helped me, as a single mom, provide food and clothing for my children growing up. This business has also taught my children that hard work and perseverance pays off. I have put my heart and soul into this small business, but I am struggling. I do not want to have to close my doors. My dream has always been to be the "Yankee Candle" of soy candles - but since the pandemic it has been tough to stay afloat, to say the least. Please consider me for any type of help available. Thank you, Maggie
-
Business Plan
In the next 5 years, I see my business hiring more employees. I have a much larger manufacturing studio where there is room for storage, shipping, retail and classes. I would love to go National with Whole Foods Market and I believe I could do so with funding. I am a dedicated and talented entrepreneur. I have designed every candle I sell. I have taught myself how to run a business, how to create with various computer programs, how to do marketing, shipping and distribution. I do it all. I have been a one-woman show for over 10 years. I am not a quitter. There have been many challenges along the way but I always persevere. I have never gotten a loan for this business. I have grown from the bottom up, pay check to pay check. In fact, I was even laughed out of the Chamber of Commerce when I presented my candle company idea back in 2008. Perhaps that made me stronger! I am not going anywhere. This company is my baby and I know it has so much potential.
-
Self Identified Competition
There are several small candle companies in my area and in New England. Each have a different niche but none compare to Cape Cod Soy Candle or have been around as long. I believe my business, Cape Cod Soy Candle, stands out from my competitors because I am not a "one trick pony". I have a degree in Graphic Design and I am always coming up with different candle scents and ideas. Please take a look at my website (also, designed by me) and you will see what I mean. It's impossible for me to have one type of candle. This is where I shine and I believe this is why I was approached by Whole Foods Market. Three times a year the Whole Foods team looks to me to create themed candles for Spring, Fall and Holiday. I am not a team, I don't have a husband, it's just me. I do it all from design, to testing, production and shipping. And I love every minute of it!
-
Contact Applicant
Subscribe to our Administrator Dashboard to gain full access to this application. Learn More
