Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhashanda Rochester.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After being laid off from my job in 2012, I decided I needed a hobby that would generate some extra income. About two years earlier, I met an older lady who was making her own candles, and I instantly become fascinated.
I had no interest in making them but I thought it was so cool that she was able to make her own candles…. fast forward two years later, I began to make them for myself. My hobby turned into a full business when I accidentally stumbled on a different type of wax while trying to do something different for my oldest son’s 10th birthday party. I was able to introduce the candle making process with no hot wax or machinery to his friends and their parents. Each child went home with a candle as a keepsake that they actually made. The rest was history. I started doing arts and craft festivals and even school events. I customized in Unique Design Candles and brought a twist to Sip and Paints with wine glass painting, turned into a candle.
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth road. The biggest problem I have is not getting enough exposure year long in order to grow my business and generate the money I need to grow. My busy season is during the Summer because I ship out candle making kits to Day Care facilities that order for their Summer Camp programs. My goal is to secure a standing facility where students can come to us to personalize, create, and recreate their favorite candles and scents using one of our themed event rooms (currently, I operate as a mobile and home business, where I make and store materials and candle-making kits in my garage, and then take the art experience to customers right in their homes, schools, event space or business).
I would love to eliminate the personal expense and headache that come with booking an event hall or using one’s homes to host a party, and instead, provide our students with the option to book our space, online, allowing for our Candle Station staff to enthusiastically handle the rest–especially the cleanup! I would love for my building to serve as an artistic multi-purpose facility, providing local Atlanta artists and visionaries a co-working space to network, expand, and elevate their artistic prowess and businesses. One day I will be able to freely serve the community–particularly those areas in and around the metro Atlanta which are underprivileged and undeserved–hosting free and open-to-the-public creative arts, educational and mental health events.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Candle Station – what should we know?
The Candle Station is not your traditional candle company! We put the create and in creative and the U in unique! We specialize in the art of candle-making and we actually allow our customers to take part in making their very own candle so that they become artists and candle makers at that time of creating their masterpieces. I am proud of the work we do when I see the smiling faces from the children and adults who make their own candles for the first time. Art is therapeutic and we put it in such a form that people don’t even realize they’re doing it. I have watched people come in an event that I’m hosting very tensed and disturbed and leave refreshed and what seems to be rejuvenated. I love to see my people smile and it makes my heart happy to know that The Candle Station had something to do with that!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Staying true and honest. Staying positive and motivated is super important to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: thecandlestation.com
- Phone: 4044576174
- Email: mycandlestation@gmail.com
- Instagram: thecandlestation
- Facebook: therealcandlestation
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