Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandee Varela.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At the start of 2020, I was working as an executive assistant at a consulting firm. Then, COVID hit. While my boss kept me on as long as possible, I was furloughed like many others.
Being furloughed sent my anxiety through the roof. My doctor suggested finding a crafty hobby to help. I tried crafting and painting, but I’d never thought of myself as a crafty person.
It all changed when I made my first candle. I put on my headphones and followed the instructions. I liked how it made me feel.
We often expect negative thoughts while we’re caught up in life (and the pandemic), but there are so many things that can bring positivity, big and small. Like candles! After all, when you smell something good, what do you do? You smile!
I knew I was onto something. So, I started posting on Instagram and Facebook, and friends and family started asking me to make them candles. From there, Love You Candle Co. took off.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and No. This business has its ups and downs; however, I like to focus more on the good than bad. I’m a perfectionist and at times that can set me back. My biggest struggle has always been designing my own labels. I change my mind a lot…lol and that’s not a good thing when designing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make soy candles with premium nontoxic ingredients. My candles are known for their amazing scents, the long burn hours, no wax left over- overall a great quality candle.
I make all my products from my home kitchen. I’m proud that I started this journey and I’m still thriving and I couldn’t be more proud of the products that I bring to everyone’s home.
My customers’ feedback is everything to me.
I am a one-man band.
I make my own candles.
I handle shipping
I handle customer service
I handle Marketing
I handle chemistry blending each custom sent
I handle every aspect of my business from beginning to end.
My creative process starts in my office by myself with no distractions in the evening. I’ll have a glass of wine, music on full blast, and start a mood board for my new seasonal collection. Once I get a sense of my direction, I put it on my whiteboard. Having a visual aid helps me see if my ideas make sense.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Love this question! I am 1000000% a risk-taker in every aspect of my life! haha
It’s led me to success, it led me to disappointment and it led me on every journey of my life. I have zero regrets regardless of the outcome.
This isn’t my first business, in 2014 I founded Vixxen Curves – waist trainers and post-surgical garments. I was working at a manufacturing company and I had an idea and ran with it not knowing where it was going to lead. Glad I did that was the first time ever in my life I made 6 figure income. That risk showed me so much and paved the way for the rest of my story.
Pricing:
- My candles start at $25
Contact Info:
- Email: youtube@loveyoucandleco.com
- Website: loveyoucandleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyoucandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Home-decor/Love-You-Candle-Co-100775851907702/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2A3Ab_-fHa3wJ80TozH2sQ
- Other: https://www.onlinelabels.com/articles/how-love-you-candle-co-finds-success-with-seasonal-products
