Today we’d like to introduce you to Trivia Coley.
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?
I have always had a love for candles. I once was once one of those people standing in line at Bath & Body Works when they would have their semi-annual $10 3 wick candle sale. January 2020 was when everything hit the fan: My marriage was in turmoil, I just had my son, the country shut down due to COVID, so I could not visit family and friends; later that year, when I was to come off of maternity leave, I was furloughed – I went through a serious depression. To help get me through, I turned to my love of candles and affirmations. I started my research around December 2020 and began creating in February 2021. Making candles from scratch, right in my kitchen, turned into my passion leading to a business. I knew I wanted a line encompassing affirmations and remembrance of events growing up in the South, hence the name Southern Essence Candle Co. I also wanted to create service lines to bring people back together post-COVID. My first line, Aromatherapy, launched on September 1st, 2021. This line is more Zen, and b has spa-like scents with a crackling wood wick, and each one comes with an affirmation card. I have found that saying an affirmation at least three times with intention really changes your energy. My second line, Southern Scents, launched on December 1, 2021, dedicated to missing my family. Each scent was inspired by events growing up in Georgia, and the stories are printed on each label. Since launching, we have added two service lines, creating custom candles and our Custom Candle Making Experiences. Our mission statement is: To reconnect through a custom candle-making experience. To allow people to tell their stories and speak through their candle creations. What story will your candle tell? We currently provide mobile custom candle-making experiences in which we come to you, and creators can create a candle and take it home the same day. There is no limit to their creation. Creators can select their vessel and type of wick, mix fragrance oils to create a custom fragrance, and name their candle whatever they like. We plan to open a brick and mortar in the near future.
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?
Not at all. Building a business without any business knowledge is tough. I am starting from the bottom, researching daily and putting everything together piece by piece. The greatest struggle is getting out of my way and believing in myself enough to do this…Creating a different train of thought. Some days sales are up and some days down, so being able to create a steady cash flow has been the greatest challenge. Also, time management is difficult being a mom to a 2-year-old toddler, a wife to a busy husband, and working a full-time job as a physical therapist; most of my time to work on my business is super early in the morning or late at night. Despite all, I am loving the journey. It is the view from the valleys that makes the mountain top worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in the creation of custom candles and Custom Candle Making Experiences. We strive to bring people together through candle making, food, games, and fun. We are set apart by providing the full experience of candle making in which creators are provided with several options (selection of vessel, wick, custom scent, and name), and they get to take their candle home the same day. I am proud that I was able to turn my passion into a purpose. Candles with a Purpose
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Talk to business owners and get their feedback on ups and downs of business ownership. Develop good communication skills. Get a business coach to keep you from getting overwhelmed. Stay on top of your finances and inventory. Have patience and remember your WHY.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southernessencecandleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernessencecandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernessencecandleco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJhJWFuVa3ynOap52Z9uOw
Image Credits
Jacques D. Productions
