Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Williams.
Hi Olivia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started Many Mumbling Mice after visiting my sister in California and not being able to afford my own candles. I originally started as a hobby and started in Deland, Sanford, and Orlando area (I recently moved to Ocala after a life-changing car accident within this past year) I also recognized I was burning candles that weren’t too great for me or the environment, and I wanted that to change. I used to be a photographer and was in school for Forensic Science, but I was falling out of love with the art and more into love with candle making. Making candles was a newfound love and quickly became my love language as all I wanted to do was gift candles and evoked memories with aromatherapy. Many Mumbling Mice has come a long way! We started with very basic candles and designs, and now we do 3D candles and wax melts and plan on expanding to body care this year. I plan on donating to more organizations and volunteering in my free time with the business as it’s what lit kids do!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In no way shape or form has creating this business been easy! From trying to understand business to personal battles in between. I’ve learned a lot about the business world and how to operate in this economy, and also battle self-doubts and my own mental health. My biggest struggle was probably my car accident. I had lots of health problems that stopped me from creating for days and left me in a dark place. With the business, we’ve had struggles with sourcing products (there’s a glass shortage in the community) and that’s made it hard. We’ve even considered making concrete vessels or reusing jars from sauces and other heat-safe glass.
We’ve been impressed with Many Mumbling Mice, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Many Mumbling Mice is a female black-owned business specializes in 100% artistic luxury soy wax candles. Our business likes to “keep the future lit” with eco-friendly packaging (reusing packaging from our business orders, personal orders, biodegradable packing peanuts or reused bubble wrap) and helping our community. Our candles are 100% soy wax (vegan) and are embellished with biodegradable glitters, natural herbs, and ethically-sourced crystals.
Our biggest thing we want people to know is that we don’t just offer candles. We have candle-making parties (perfect for Mommy and Me sessions, girl’s nights, school art nights, and many other occasions), sell different types of art, and still offer photography in our free time. We also love making a community for artists to be able to grow into the business owners they aspire to be or to feel welcomed creating what makes them happy!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a wild-child. I always had an artistic bone in my body and dabbled in anything that involved being creative. I grew up heavily interested in film and photography, theater, and music. I loved going out in nature and being social and always finding ways to explore my interests in new ways.
I always spoke my mind and let my art speak for itself. I grew up being the “weird” kid and had to find my own way that made me happy (even if people didn’t understand or like what I made), and I eventually learned that only I can make myself happy. Once I figured that out by high school, I haven’t stopped doing what I love.
Pricing:
- Candle-making classes (starting at $40/person)
- Custom candles (Starting at $13)
Contact Info:
- Email: support@manymumblingmice.com
- Website: www.manymumblingmice.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/manymumblingmice
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/manymumblingmice
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/manymumblingmice
