Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Hudson
Hi Terry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Jacksonville Florida, and I always look at the world as a blank canvas where I can create my imagination of what I want it to be. I love music, art and poetry as a teen child that was boring to other my age, but I knew that when thing get hard for me, I can turn to them for healing. I first knew I love making things is when I was in the 10th grade. We had to take home economic which our first assignment was to make a pillow, and I was so excited. I knew that I didn’t want to stop, and this pillow had to be perfect. I receive an “A” (laughing) the teacher stated I was the only one who wanted to take it further and added lace around the pillow “yes girl”
In my world back in the “90s” noise and pain seen to follow me like being in Iove or friendships that didn’t work out, so I had to find a tunnel to get out. I love the way candles create a peace of calm just by looking at the light and smell which make me re-set and think. It took strength and me stepping out on faith when everyone tells you why? you can’t do it. 3 years ago, I study and practice how to make custom candles. I save up enough money to buy supplies and I created my first candle call “Sweet Escape.” I didn’t have a website so I would just hand out my business card I create on my computer. My first event was at a recreation center in there parking lot (laughing) with my mother where I had my candle on display on the back of my car. Everyone love my display, and I was able to sell all my candle that day. I continue to have small candle sale in small areas where I was able to save up enough money to have my online store that I launch in 2022. My website not only sell candles but perfume, room sprays, skincare, custom home decor pillows, coffee mugs etc. Today I am blessed to still have my online store, and my candles are being sold at a store call Social Blends in Ocoee, Fl. My passion to change the minds of people that it’s ok to re-set your mind and have a new beginning on life and take control of your mental state by lightning up a Natural Radiance Candle. You never have to justify your quietness because you do not have to live in other people chaos.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was not easy because you have this fear of failing and money plays a big part. I remember when I was starting out and I did an event and there was not a lot of people that attend, and I didn’t get enough sale to cover all the Supplies I brought. Sometimes it’s a gamble when you start up a business. During that time, I felt like given up when people or even family member fell like you are way over your head, but I kept going it may have taken me longer to get where I am today, but I did not give up. Dreams are meant to have struggles, but you have to remember why you wanted this and my dad use to have this saying “if you wait on other people, you will never get there”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I been in the Healthcare field for 20 years and now I specialize in created beautiful things like candles, home decor trays, pillows, skincare and perfume. I remember I created a little artificial plant for my desk and a patient who was in his 7o’s stated “that’s a pretty plant my late wife uses to love plants. I told him it’s not real and he was shocked. The next time he came in I had surprise him with an artificial plant I made for him to take home. When I gave him that plant, he was so happy and full of joy. I told him no matter what the outcome is there are always something that you can have and look at to bring you joy as simply as a plant an artificial plant and just know it will never die. I am proud that I did not let anyone take my dream away. I have seen a lot of pain in my life, I refuse to go down that path of darkness, so I created light to help others who needed just a moment of peace. Created candles help me know what scent to make for your new beginning. I feel that what set me apart from others it’s not just a candle it’s the meaning behind it.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Lessons I learn when covid-19 hit is that life could be short and that you have to live for your happiness, and everything can come to an end. When I had covid I had light up my lavender candle that had the word “peace be still” on it, which gave me a calm scent of peace. I lay in my bed not panicking or worry about this virus but every time I look at my candle with the saying and the beautiful scent made me feel everything will be alright. I wanted to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturalradiancecandlebyterry.com
- Instagram: naturalradiancecandlellc
- Facebook: Natural Radiance Candles by Terry
- Youtube: Natural Radiance home decor
