Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Wallace-Scott.
Hi Carolyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to being an entrepreneur started early in my childhood. I was always creative and channeled my creativity in many things such as the arts, singing, interior decorating, and fashion. I can remember setting up a mock store in my bedroom, and my brothers would role play as customers. In high school, I took a marketing class just for extra credit. We were tasked to create a business- this was a great lesson in teaching cooperative economics! The class decided on a balloon business and we ran every aspect of the business. This was when I fell in love with business management. I obtained my first retail job at JCPenney later that year, which spanned the next 20 years. It was the best experience. My manager noticed my great eye for product merchandising and how well I connected with clients. I’ve managed and merchandised for companies such as The Limited, Avec Les Filles, and Michael Kors. Fast forward to March 2020, my budding retail career came to a halt.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When venturing into something new, nothing comes easy or without some sort of stumbling block. I definitely struggled in the beginning on how to stand out in a saturated candle market. I knew I had to be true to myself, my story, and what was important to me. I took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship but, throw in the fact that we were in the middle of a pandemic. It was scary but , the timing was perfect for me to try something new. I allowed myself time to cultivate the best candle. I didn’t rush the process. It was important to me to create a product that I love. With this mindset, nothing could stop me. My daily quote was Philippians 4:13, “I can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens me.” I knew I had everything within me to do what I set forth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Loretta & Gene Candle Co specializes in hand-poured natural soy candles, wax melts, and custom party favors. Our fabulous scented candles are handcrafted in Atlanta, Georgia, from 100% soy wax, cotton wicks and 100% phthalate-free oils. Our candle jars, made of lead-free glass and packaged in 100% cotton logo muslin bags, which can be repurposed. Our shipping boxes are recyclable and packing peanuts made of cornstarch dissolve underwater. The uniqueness of my brand is evident in my personal touches. I hand-pour every candle and include a personal note with every order. It’s important to me to show my gratitude for supporting my business and dream. These little details make a difference and set me apart from others. I am most proud of creating a product from an idea and my love of candles that has blossomed into a thriving business. All the small achievements lead to even bigger successes. I’m enjoying the journey. Anything is possible!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for me is my happiness. Having creative freedom and allowing myself to operate in my purpose. Of course, everyone wants to make a profit off the work put in but, it’s not my main focus. I want to wake up and enjoy what I’m doing and see that people love what I’ve created. Financial stability will follow, and people will want to be a part of the journey.
Pricing:
- 10oz Scented Soy Candle $15
- 17oz Scented Soy Candle $22
- Wickless Wax Melts $5
Contact Info:
- Email: lorettagenecandleco@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lorettagenecandleco.2
- Facebook: facebook.com/lorettagenecandleco
Image Credits
Simone Renee Photographer + Creative Consultant 1345 Seaboard Industrial Blvd NW Atlanta GA 30318
