Starting Stay Sea Smiles: A Tale of Doubt, Small Wins, and Scented Success on the Emerald Coast
Picture this: you’re standing on the sugar-white sands of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the Gulf of America sparkling like it’s the perfect Instagram post, and you think, “I should totally start a candle company.” That’s how Stay Sea Smiles was born… just kidding. The reality was less “inspired beach epiphany” and more “caffeine-fueled late night idea.” Starting a business is scary, you’re never quite sure if you’re doing it right. But here’s the story of how Stay Sea Smiles lit up.
Doubt and a Dream
Every entrepreneur starts with a dream and a healthy dose of self-doubt. For me, the dream was simple: create candles that capture the salty breeze, sun-warmed sand, and laid-back vibes of the Emerald Coast. I wanted scents that scream “beach day”, but I also wanted the creative part of me to come out, even if it is with fall candles. But doubt? Oh, it was my loudest business partner. “Who’s going to buy your candles? You’re not a chemist! You dropped out of Chemistry class in college ” it whispered (okay, shouted). Spoiler: Doubt doesn’t usually win with me, so I ignored it and started melting wax in my kitchen. It was sink or swim.
The early days were a comedy of errors. My first batch of candles looked like lumpy oatmeal and smelled like… well, let’s just say “Burnt Driftwood” wasn’t the vibe I was going for. But I kept tinkering, testing wicks, and Googling “why does my candle smell like regret?” Slowly, Stay Sea Smiles started to take shape with scents like “Stinky Away” and “Opal Beach.” Wick issues solved with lots of research. Wax was trial and error of comedies until the perfect formula was found.
Small Successes: The Vendor Event Hustle
The first real test came at a local vendor event in a small town. Picture me, sweating behind a folding table, surrounded by candles and a banner that read “Stay Sea Smiles” in slightly crooked letters (DIY, baby!). I was convinced no one would stop by. But then, someone did. A woman sniffed “Blueberry Muffin” and Sold! That $12 sale felt like winning the lottery.
Vendor events became my proving ground. From small towns to Pensacola, I hauled my candles to craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and even a slightly questionable “Car show” (don’t ask). Each event taught me something: smile even when your tent is leaking, always bring change for cash, and never underestimate the power of a free sample. Those small wins like selling out of Whiskey & Oak, or getting a “these are amazing!” kept the fire burning. It all came to the big one: Getting accepted to be a vendor at The Destin Seafood Festival. Oh yeah, it was a personal quest.
Milestones: From Kitchen to Online Store
Our first big milestone was launching the Stay Sea Smiles online store. Setting it up was like teaching a crab to use Wi-Fi. Domains, payment gateways, and “what the heck is SEO?” consumed my nights. But when the first online order pinged from a sweet lady in California, I danced around my living room like I’d just won Shark Tank.
Another milestone? Creating a signature scent, “Opal Beach,” that became our bestseller. Hitting the first 25 sales was another big one. I celebrated by… well, making more candles, because small business owners never stop hustling.
Lessons from the Coast
Running Stay Sea Smiles has taught me a few things. Doubt is just background noise turn it down and keep going. Trust your instinct. Don’t even tell anyone what you are planning, if your heart is in it, just do it. Small successes, like a happy customer or a perfectly poured candle, are the fuel that keeps you moving. And milestones? They’re not just wins; they’re proof you’re building something real.
The Emerald Coast is more than our home; it’s our muse. Every candle is a little piece of this paradise, crafted to bring joy, smiles, and comfort. Whether you find us at a vendor event, sweating and smiling, or on our online store, Stay Sea Smiles is about spreading smiles one candle at a time.
So, here’s to chasing dreams, laughing at the flops, and keeping the beachy smiles glowing.
Starting Stay Sea Smiles
A Tale of Doubt, Small Wins, and Scented Success on the Emerald Coast
