Lights at the end of a long tunnel

BY LINDA BERTRUM

RHODE ISLANDER LIVES HER DREAM THROUGH A START-UP CANDLE COMPANY

We have gained a rather large swath of free time in the last year; the isolation and the inability to enjoy our routines have been staggering for many, but, for others, it has proven to be an opportunity to make lemonade from lemons. Pondering how best to adapt to the pandemic’s new rules has forced some to reposition their talents and interests by creating new products and services.

One such entrepreneur is Nicole Duxbury. While living in Weymouth, Massachusetts, she started CAM Candles & Co. The industrious mom began making 100 percent Americangrown soy wax candles, and organic/ vegan cold processed soaps from her one-bedroom home.

“It was always a dream of mine and something I never had the time to start,” Duxbury shared with us, “[and] once everything closed down this year and I was home; with all the time in the world, I figured to give it a go, and so I started CAM Candles & Co.”

Since the start-up took root, Duxbury and her family, including her 21-monthold son Cameron (who the business is named after), have taken all the correct steps to put her best foot forward, including moving to East Providence, Rhode Island.

The growth of the company is rooted in the philosophy of quality customer services and products. Duxbury is passionate about her commitment to manufacturing healthy candles and soaps that are safe for her customers and the earth. “I am committed to bringing customers a product that is all-natural, Eco-friendly, healthy, and beautiful,” she explains.

Through an easy-to-use website (camcandlesandco.com), the company describes—in detail—the many benefits it offers. The attractive candles boast being all-natural and clean-burning, with a line of soaps that are also natural and safe.

Made by hand, the company uses natural soy and coconut wax for its candles. The soaps are made from organic and natural oils and fragrances; most importantly, they are absent of harsh chemicals or artificial dyes.

Duxbury’s skills are notable; her ability to produce a highly competitive product during turbulent times is impressive. Her business acumen is evident through the sufficiency of her marketing and branding. She has created a simple look that captures consumers’ attention while eliminating the confusion some first-time business owners cause when they oversell and or use sales gimmicks to attract customers.

Many young businesspeople make mistakes in how they position their companies during the early days; too often, they overpaint their image by appearing to be something they are not. In this case, the public is drawn to her products and services because the message is clearly stated, ‘This is what we do, and if you buy from us, you will be satisfied.’ Go girl; you are on track to tremendous success—much more than you have already achieved.