The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth27 Jun 2023

Episode 140: Growing a Product-Based Business from the Farm with Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co

Listener, if you haven't heard of Dirt Road Candle Co, let me do the absolute honor of introducing you! Michelle Myers is a friend, small business mastermind buddy, and the woman behind the ONLY candle brand I have in my house. In this episode we chat about Michelle's background and future in agriculture and her journey from making candles in her kitchen to building an amazing, authentic brand. Key Takeaways

If you need a fairy godmother for your small business, please meet mine. Megan Knapp provides the virtual assisting services I need to keep my entire business organized. She's now accepting new clients, so reach out at meganknappva@gmail.com.
Listener, I used a debit card for my business purchases for so long. I heard some buzz about cash back rewards, did some of my own research, and landed on the Capital One Spark Business Card. I love to build my credit and earn money back on purchases I would make anyway. You need to make the best financial decisions for YOUR business, but if you're looking for a great credit card for your small business, learn more here.
Michelle has been on the pod before in my small business besties episode. I first started following Michelle on Instagram after her episode on the Rural Revival podcast.
Michelle lives in rural Southwest Iowa on her fifth generation family farm. She currently lives in the home she was raised in!
Michelle started making candles with a thrifted double boiler in her own kitchen. When candles took over her whole home (literally!) she built a combination candle shed/farm office.
Michelles candles started as a hobby but became popular gifts, so she opened an Etsy shop.
Her early years were tough. Michelle commuted 50 minutes each way for her full time corporate job and would come home to pack orders. She said she kept her blinders on and focused on her goal. It made that crazy season doable.
Michelle is mostly self taught. She gets stuff done and encourages people to not over-research.
Community is so important to Michelle's success, especially as a product based business.
Getting started in wholesale was a challenge initially. She says to remember that "no" can mean "just not right now." She now sells online retail and wholesale and through Faire, an online wholesale marketplace (aka "Etsy for wholesale").
Michelle's brand is totally her. She really is just sharing her life. She loves and uses her products and adds to her line as a need arises. Her car freshies started when her friend's daughter cried when she couldn't bring her candle in the car!
Michelle is educating others about agriculture through her farm tours and open houses. Her fall open house is this August 4th and 5th.

Connect with Michelle Michelle's branding is on. point. Shop at her website or follow her across the socials at @dirtroadcandleco (Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) Connect with Molly Find me, Molly Knuth, on Instagram and Facebook. Follow Molly Knuth Media on Facebook and Instagram.

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