By: Publicity For Good

Overcoming Fear and Taking the Leap: Tricia Schepp’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Photo Courtesy: Tricia Schepp

Tricia Schepp, the CEO and Founder of Charlotte-based soy candle company lumenCLT, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Her journey from corporate professional to full-time business owner is a testament to the power of overcoming fear and committing fully to one’s passion. Tricia’s story offers invaluable insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs contemplating their own leaps of faith.

Tricia’s passion for candle-making began as a side project in 2018. While working full-time in Human Resources and as an Executive Assistant, she found solace in creating non-toxic, soy-based candles that were safe for her family and pets. Her dedication to crafting high-quality, clean-burning candles quickly gained attention, and lumenCLT started to grow organically. However, balancing a demanding corporate job with her burgeoning candle business proved increasingly challenging.

The turning point came in 2023 when Tricia decided to leave her full-time job and dedicate herself entirely to lumenCLT. She explains, “I had been running lumenCLT as a side project since 2018, while also working full-time. It was easy to balance at first with working during the week and pop-up events on the weekends. It got to the point that lumenCLT sales were growing, and it was time to leap all in.”

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the fear of leaving a secure job can be paralyzing. Tricia understands this fear and emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and the process. Her story highlights that fear is a natural part of any major life change, signaling that you are stepping out of your comfort zone and into something potentially great. Trusting in your idea and being willing to put in the necessary work can lead to incredible rewards.

Tricia’s commitment to lumenCLT allowed her to fully immerse herself in all aspects of the business, from product development and marketing to building relationships with retail partners and engaging with her community at local pop-up events. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in lumenCLT’s growth.

One of the key benefits of going all-in is the ability to focus and innovate. Tricia was able to refine her products, introduce new scents, and create custom-branded candles for corporate events. This specialization not only differentiated lumenCLT from other candle companies but also opened up new revenue streams. Having the time and energy to experiment and expand offerings has been transformative, which wouldn’t have been possible if she were still juggling another job.

Tricia’s journey highlights the importance of community and support networks. Building relationships with other local businesses, participating in pop-up markets, and engaging with customers both online and in-person have been crucial to lumenCLT’s success. Community support has been invaluable; it’s not just about selling candles, but also about being part of something larger and giving back to the community that supports you.

For those contemplating the transition to full-time entrepreneurship, insights from Tricia’s journey offer valuable lessons. Firstly, thorough preparation is essential. Understanding financial aspects, knowing the market, and being ready for fluctuations are critical components. Secondly, resilience and adaptability are key traits to cultivate. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they serve as opportunities for learning and development.

Moreover, staying aligned with one’s vision and values is paramount. Authenticity fosters genuine connections with audiences as people resonate with authentic stories and passion. Sharing the journey, including both struggles and triumphs, enhances the relatability and trustworthiness of the brand.

Tricia Schepp’s decision to fully commit to lumenCLT has not only transformed her business but also her life. By overcoming fear and taking the leap, she has built a thriving enterprise that reflects her passion and dedication. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with courage, commitment, and community, the benefits of going all-in can be truly transformative.

For those who want to experience Tricia’s venture, lumenCLT is offering a Father’s Day Trio for dads who love candles too. This guy-approved lumens box includes three 9ox classic jars containing the brand’s Drunk Uncle, Amber + Oakmoss and Speakeasy scents. By using the code FIRSTLUMEN, new buyers are entitled to 10% off of their first order.

Published by: Nelly Chavez