Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanikka Lee.
Hi Shanikka, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Cheers to 2022, another bright year to come.
Who would have known Candles of Essence would have come so far. With so many unknown obstacles that were in the way. I was employed with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer when I began my hobby of pouring candles in 2019. Although I was in a career, I’ve always had the vision of becoming an entrepreneur growing up.
I found myself not happy with a lot of things within the job itself and all of it was out of my control. Pouring candles became very therapeutic to me. I went from pouring candles in my downtime to pouring every day even after working 12-hour shifts.
It was my stress reliever and my escape from the world. Being a mother and a wife at the time, my hands were always tied up. Eventually, I became confident enough in my work to give candles away to family and friends to try. The feedback I received was exactly what I was looking for. I was told by many that my candles smelled and burned amazing. Months then had gone by, and I decided to start my very own candle business and I named it “Candles of Essence”. I then would sell candles to my co-workers, post them all over my social media to sell until I created a website.
Ok, let’s fast-forward a bit… Everyone’s life changed when COVID broke out. My children Amina and A’King and I were affected by it. I was out of work for the whole month of July battling Covid. Soon as I started to feel a little better both of my children then tested positive. JSO called and informed me that if I was still testing positive but had no symptoms I must return. At that very moment, I then had to make a decision and sacrifice my financial living situation and health insurance to either become full-time with my business that I was only a few months in or return to work.
I prayed on everything and allowed God to lead me. Even though I was already out I sent in my 2 weeks notice, and I resigned from JSO in July 2020. I wouldn’t risk catching Covid and bringing it home to my children all over again. Everything seemed to be shattering in my life at that time and no one really knew. During that time, I also began the separation with my husband that led to a divorce due to lack of support and many other things.
My overdrive had then kicked in and I knew I had to push myself much harder than usual. I didn’t have enough sales coming in to cover all my bills. So, I had to really push any sale I could. I put out a great amount of money for inventory and started my website.
I remained consistent, dedicated, and believed in myself and my journey. I have now been in business for almost 3 years. I have been full-time with my business for a little over a year and have sold thousands of candles. I’ve attended many local vendor events and also Atlanta’s Ultimate Women’s Expo. I have made over 700 sales on my website and have shipped to Hawaii and over 30 other states. Along with shipments to two other countries.
This is just the beginning for Candles of Essence. I took a leap of faith, and it has gotten me very far. I’m very grateful for all of the support I’ve received from everyone and so blessed I have a business that makes my kids very proud of me. They tell everyone “My Mommy sells candles and they smell really good! And that alone is enough motivation to keep me going!
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?
I would be lying if I said it was a smooth road. It was very dark, hurtful, confusing, and lonely. My biggest obstacles along the way were me and my kids battling COVID, going through a divorce, and resigning from my job.
I had a lot of readjusting to do mentally and emotionally. Being a new entrepreneur with no guidance in that area, I realized I work more now than I did for an employer. One thing I repeatedly told myself was that I couldn’t continue to dwell on what I wanted to be, but to accept my situation for what it was and continue to thrive. My main focus will always be my kids, my business, and preparing myself for new endeavors to come.
Balancing everything will always be a challenge as a single mother and entrepreneur. Especially as my business continues to grow but this is one challenge I’ve accepted and will continue to take on!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Candles of Essence?
Candles of Essence is known for its clean-burning, potent, long-lasting candles. All candles and wax melts are hand-poured using soy wax. They are poured into small batches to maintain quality control. Now what sets my business apart from others is that, once anyone makes their first purchase, I tell my customers they are now a part of the COE family.
I always look forward to the feedback whether it’s good or bad and I take constructive criticism very well and always remain open-minded. On my website at checkout my customers have two options to either have their candles shipped to them or we can locally meet up. With every purchase that’s made I personally write my customers a thank you note on their invoices.
I am very proud of my business and how rapidly it has grown. I was reached out by the Hyatt Downtown Hotel and vendored for an event and also provided Mother’s Day candles for their employees. I am very grateful for that exposure and opportunity. I also gained lots of exposure when I had my own unit at Beach Blvd Flea Market for 8 months.
I love the fact that I’m providing quality wax melts and candles to burn. Along with putting smiles on many faces at the same time. I love engaging with a lot of my customers, whether it’s giving business advice from my personal experience or just sending encouraging words. A lot of my interactions are through my social media platforms which are Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook.
I have received many requests to start a candle-making class. So, I’m proud to announce that I have launched my virtual basic candle-making class on New Year’s Day. All supplies are provided with this course and will be shipped. To sign up just visit my website www.candlesofessence.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I believe the biggest support is through word of mouth. As well as sharing any of my business posts on social media is also greatly appreciated.
Far as collaborating, I’m open to what I believe is best for my business and I can be reached via email at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Email: candlesofessence@gmail.
com - Website: www.candlesofessence.
com - Instagram: @Candles_of_
Essence_ - Facebook: Candles of Essence Llc
- TikTok: Candles of Essence
Image Credits
it to Bracy Photos www.Bracyphotos.com
