“Not everything is going to turn out how we plan it, but that’s actually OK.”
Can letting go of one dream lead to the next?
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Fontana Candle Company co-founder, Katie Roering. After her own health journey led her to leave what she though was her dream business behind, she spent some time in the in-between season trying to figure out what next might look like. Eventually, that season led to a new hobby which turned into a business that is now Fontana Candle Company. A company dedicated to clean candles and natural wellness, Fontana Candle is currently run by Katie and her husband, Eric.
Their story is such a great story of entrepreneurship, where small beginnings, professional and life experiences, letting go of our plans, and pursuing our passions one step at a time, all come together to build a business with an impact.
My Top “Truths and Takeaways”
“To be an entrepreneur you have to know you can never give up. You also have to love your business and love your mission. You can’t do it for the money, especially in the early years…”
Any lessons learned for anyone who is co-created or partnering with their spouse to run a business?
“There’s good days and there’s bad days. We’re not always going to agree on things that come up. Allowing ourselves to disagree and to be able to communicate clearly with each other. But, then set a time once we go home where we’re done talking about the business until the next morning.
Find your secret sauce.
What do you wish you could tell your younger self?
“Not everything is going to turn out how we plan it, but that’s OK…Knowing it will be OK. To have trust and know that everything will work out and it will be OK.
“Don’t look at social media and think you are seeing the entire picture. Especially when you’re an entrepreneur or a brand founder. Just realizing that you’re only seeing a small portion of what is actually going on. So don’t compare yourself. Don’t compare your business.”
Episode: Behind the Brand: From Hobby to Business w/ Katie Roering, Fontana Candle Company.
Katie and Eric are incredible business owners. Very passionate about their product and what they put into it…and all around enjoyable people to work with!
Continue to follow your dreams!