“Getting the Coast Capital Savings Entrepreneurship Co-op Award is an honor. It shows the work that I did and empowers me to help other people to get into entrepreneurship.” – Jordan Morford, CEO/Founder, Tappen Apothecary
While living in Salmon Arm, Jordan met a friend who was “always doing something—drawing, creating art, and also making candles.” She was selling a few of the latter on a small scale. He’d always been interested in entrepreneurship and asked if she’d go into business with him. The friend declined but offered to teach Jordan candle making, laying the foundation for Tappen Apothecary. At the time, there were not many local candles, and what did exist was “not attractive or great quality.”
Jordan had been developing Tappen Apothecary while still a student in the BCom program and decided to pursue an Entrepreneurship Co-op term with support through the Coast Capital Innovation Centre. He shares, “It’s very different having the support there. When I had questions, they were right there with a wealth of knowledge, perspectives and lived experience. They were really helpful.”
During his time at UVic, Jordan won the Gustavson Start-up Competition ($15,000 – he tied for 1st place), UVic PitchIt Competition ($300), and UVic PlanIt Competition ($1000) and also placed 4th in the JDC West competition against other Western Canadian schools. Starting and running a business are costly, and Jordan is grateful for the recognition and financial remuneration that helped grow and further Tappen Apothecary.
Tappen Apothecary is currently in 19 stores across BC and Alberta, with several online sales. Through running his business, Jordan gained great insights on analytics and marketing and will take this knowledge and first-hand experience into industry. Jordan is focused on encouraging self-care for everyone. He recently launched the “Rugged Comfort” line for men, and people who prefer scents like sandalwood, tobacco, whiskey and bourbon. The Tappen Apothecary line now also carries wood-wick candles and bath salts.
When asked what advice he would offer to new entrepreneurs, Jordan reflected that he was more capable than he gave himself credit for before. “You can learn how to do so many things, like taking the photos yourself, etc.” He also emphasizes, “Make sure that you aren’t being bulldozed by people who are outside of your business and goals. Stay true to your values. The money will come.”
You can find all of Tappen Apothecary’s products at https://tappenapothecary.ca/
Written by Gillie Easdon and edited by Tyler West
The Coast Capital Innovation Centre has been made possible through a partnership between the University of Victoria and the Coast Capital Federal Credit Union. Since 2016, Coast Capital has committed over $1.5 million to support entrepreneurs and innovators at UVic.