Today we’d like to introduce you to Zulailed Tolentino.
Hi Zulailed, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hello, my name is Zulailed and I am 27 years old. I moved from my island Puerto Rico to Orlando, two years ago. The sadness of not. having any close family members in Orlando and the frustration of a low paying teacher job made me want to try something new to see if I could find a purpose in this big city. I’ve always been a candle addict myself, so on August 2020 I decided to start making wax sachets and candles just for fun. Of course my first candles where a mess and I didn’t think they were any close to a product I could sell, but just the process of making them was helping me a lot with my mood and mental health in general, so I kept practicing. That is how a few months later, “Zerenity” came to life. Serenity is the state of being calm, in peace and untroubled, and that was exactly what I wanted my brand to transmit.
A year and a half later I am blessed to say that my business and brand keep growing strong. I can’t even explain the joy this business have brought to my life and I prayed that it continues to expand and impact other people’s lives. I will be forever grateful with the amazing community of vendors and other small business owners I’ve had the pleasure to meet through this business. It doesn’t feel so lonely now. And to my friends, family and strangers that supported me since day 1, I can’t thank you enough. Zerenity wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy. Building a business is a rollercoaster of emotions. But it has been a smooth trip at the same time, if that makes any kind of sense. One of the things I kept repeating myself when I started the business was that I would never put myself in a position where my business would affect my mental and physical health. So sometimes when there is chaos or things are not going as planned, I take a step back to look at the bigger picture, reflect on the situation and try to find serenity within it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in candles and aromatherapy products that are bohemian style inspired, nontoxic and sustainable. All of my products are handmade and poured in Orlando, Florida. Made in small batches to ensure the highest quality product. Environmental sustainability and keeping people safe is my main commitment, that’s why I choose to use eco-friendly, nontoxic/clean ingredients, reusable containers and biodegradable packaging.
Zerenity has been in more than 20 markets over the last year in the Orlando area. You can also find our products in two physical stores: Indeu Collective and The warehaus, both locations in the college park area and we recently started selling wholesale all over the United States.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people think that I do Zerenity full time and no. I am a full time Special Education Teacher during the day and a candle maker at night and weekends.
Contact Info:
- Email: zerenityco@gmail.com
- Website: zerenitycandleco.com
- Instagram: zerenity.candleco
- Facebook: Zerenity Candle Co
Image Credits
Laura Piñeiro
