Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Cooper.
Hi Kia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course! We’ll I’m a native of Jacksonville, Florida ( DUVALLLL)! I obtained both my undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida, where I studied communications. As far as the development of CTC, it came unexpectedly honestly. In my free time, I thoroughly enjoy watching YouTube and many of the individuals there practice entrepreneurship. While I do work a traditional 9-5pm job, I’ve always had this underlying drive and motivation within myself to own a business. I’ve always been a creative individual and one day, I randomly started researching projects that I could do and stumbled upon candles. I did elaborate research and watched so many videos before I finally got the courage to order a candle kit. In the meantime, I spent time working on my branding and how I could combine the love for my culture into my business. A little after a year of working and building, I finally was able to launch in July of this year. It has been one of the most exciting yet nerve wrecking moments of my life but I’m so happy I did it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth road!? Absolutely not. Apart from the fear of failure and not having instant gratification from your business, there are many other challenges. Everything from the long process of testing wicks, fragrances, packaging etc was long for me. I always want to provide quality and safe products to my customers and ensure items won’t arrive damaged, which can be tricky in the candle-making world. Along with this, it is often hard balancing my personal life, traditional work schedule, and business life on a weekly basis. A lot of self-talk and support from others close to me has helped steer me along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Coop To Candle. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Coop To Candle, I offer soy candles and other room essentials including room sprays at reasonable prices and great quality. Each candle is made in small batches and cured for a minimum of two weeks for optimum hot throw. Each candle/product name is strategically created by me based on my love of Black culture including movies, shows, experiences and friends/families. I carefully create, label, package and ship each order myself. I take so much pride in my work and I enjoy creating new products and collections for my customers as it really tests my creativity. I always want my customers to feel how much effort I put into their orders, no matter the quantity because their support means the world to me. Coop To Candle has products that resonate with our community, my community, and I want that to be a part of who I am as a brand and creator. In the future, I plan to offer services for custom candles and wholesale orders for events such as weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The candle industry is extensive. Everything from dessert candles to novelty candles and votives are big sellers and I don’t foresee any major shifts in the near future with demand. Due to Covid and cost of shipping there have been significant changes in pricing which has affected small candle businesses specifically. This has caused price increases for many businesses, which has been an adjustment, especially for those with loyal customers who have been used to consistent pricing in the past. Overall, I do see the industry still thriving within the next decade and I’m here to be a part of the journey.
Pricing:
- 15.50 – 7oz Candle
- 8.00 – 4oz Room Spray
Contact Info:
- Email: cooptocandlellc@gmail.com
- Website: www.cooptocandle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooptocandle
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/cooptocandle
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8MJw862/
