Today we’d like to introduce you to DaVena Jordan.
DaVena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised by the sea, growing up in the deep south I quickly developed a love for all things oceanic. My hometown Savannah, GA provided the perfect backdrop to inspire all things vintage and pirate-esk! Only 20 minutes from Tybee Island, access to the beach was my absolute most favorite summer adventure.
As a child my mother often took me along on her many thrifting exploits which included exploring Savannah’s many downtown antique stores. Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of the oldest cities in America. That said, growing up there, I developed a love for all things vintage-inspired. But my journey toward becoming a certified handcrafter started unlike the average maker. Before doing cosmetics my husband and I ran one of the most successful non-profit youth development agencies in the State of Georgia, AWOL All Walks of Life, Inc. As the agencies Executive Director for ten years, I was able to author over $3.5 million dollars in grants and contracts for the benefit of the community. But when my father became sick and eventually passed away of cancer, my entire world shifted and begin a health journey that would lead me to Perry, GA to take. Soap making class. Determined to make better, cleaner products for my family, I really had no idea how much people would love my soaps and wellness products.
In 2015 just after my first few months selling at the Municipal Market (Curb Market), I realized I truly had created a worthwhile line of products but moreover, it was born of a love of helping people and not a desire to just make a profit.
Now a full-time resident of the Atlanta Metro by way of the lovely City of Decatur, I spend my days doing what I love the most, making gorgeous soaps, whipping up the most decadent handmade body creams, and mixing together super food cosmetics designed to leave the skin with a healthy glow.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming a “small business “ owner by mistake so to speak is no easy road. Remember that was never my plan, do the missteps and setbacks have occurred. The biggest hurdle may have been convincing family and friends that a once “super grant writer” was now a “designer soap maker” left some a little confused and at times not accepting or supportive of the change.
And struggling to find access to capital is always a struggle to growing a business to the size you want it to be.
Please tell us about Wench Crafts Fine Handmade Goods.
Wench Crafts is a Georgia-based maker of fine, handmade, natural soaps and personal care products. Our belief is that choosing natural is the right path to ultimate wellness, both inside and out. Our products use top quality superfood ingredients because that’s what we want and what our customers deserve. I’m most proud of my line of premium Bamboo charcoal soaps for the face and body. What sets us apart from most other similar companies is of course our “Steampunk Pirate Wench” theme and vintage style. There is only one Atlanta Soap Wench!
We take great care in making our products look as glamorous as the customers that choose to use them because natural and fabulous belong together. Wench Crafts is a proud partner of the Black Pearl Wellness Group.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing, everything I have learned and the people I have met were part of an important journey.
Contact Info:
- Address: Municipal Market (Friday’s-Saturday)
209 Edgewood Ave - Website: www.wenchcraft.com
- Phone: 9127043893
- Email: Blackpearlwellness@gmail.com
- Instagram: @wenchcrafts
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/blackpearlwellness
- Twitter: @wenchcrafts
Image Credit:
Polo1Million Photography
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