Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Marshall.
Hi Lorraine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Lorraine “The Candle Lady” Marshall, founder of Scentfuls. I am a resourceful and determined entrepreneur and have been running my business for many years while living in Atlanta, Georgia. I manufacture quality, hand-crafted candles and natural skin care products that offer my clients aromatherapy and relaxation. I pursued a course in public relations and marketing which has helped me create strong business relationships, practice client management, media communication and ethical practices. I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, traveling, meditating, yoga, reading, journaling, painting, and crafting during my free time.
Scentfuls started through self-reflection as I was evaluating my own behavioral processes. A noble man asked a multitude of us to reflect on “what is it that we would not ever want to go without in addition to life’s necessities”? This would lead us individually to our passion and purposefully driven lives. I eagerly took his advice. I had nothing to lose by evaluating my own predilections. I have always been my own best friend so as that evening progressed it was quite simple to answer this question, a good book and a delightful candle. Let us just say it has been beyond beneficial to me to take his advice and there was the beginning of Scentfuls. Immediately, I called my mother and father as I proceeded to go purchase my first candle-making kit as my father was on the way to join me! If you knew my father, he ensured the evening was a celebration. Since that day, I have been making candles and now have a full handcrafted product line. For four years, I ran Scentfuls while working a full-time job with the flexibility of pop-up shops and vending every weekend except Christmas Weekend at farmers markets, festivals, fairs, expos, comedy shows, Spoken Word Sundays, Open Mic Nights, and health fairs. Everywhere that would accept a candle vendor.
After resigning from corporate America, I continued to vend while focusing on different components of the business. I participated in numerous vending opportunities that I developed a system and a strategy that has a proven record that will outlive me. Nevertheless, after all the years I have been vending, it is still one of my favorite things to do; I love meeting new people. In addition to vending, I offer my products online, in several boutiques, a bakery and in person at my store found in Forest Park, Georgia which opened in 2019. I also offer team-building workshops, candle making parties, handcrafted classes in person and virtually. Due to the pandemic and some exciting new opportunities for the business, I have decided to just open the store for private events, workshops, and classes until further notice.
Although I am slowly working on my exit plan, I will forever appreciate The Art of Candle Making and candles (preferably handcrafted). I will also always encourage others to not settle, understand they are enough, partake in healthy relationships, practice self-love and self-care while living their best purposeful life.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not, however quitting has never been an option for me!
My initial struggle was a lack of capital. I started Scentfuls with $100.00 and determination. I operated my business on a shoestring budget for many years until I was able to gain access to a substantial cash flow. I strongly DO NOT recommend this especially since this is one of the most common reasons businesses fail.
Another struggle was maintaining a work-life balance. As you know, running any successful business is arduous work and initially extremely time-consuming. I had to learn the significance of outsourcing selective tasks to free up my time. I can easily make more money, but my time is valuable and irreplaceable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Scentfuls was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, and was originally family-owned and operated by a father and daughter duo. Scentfuls is your number one source for handcrafted soy candles, natural skin care products, and mandatory self-love. We provide the absolute best of handcrafted products and services with a focus on quality, customer care, and aesthetics.
Currently, we offer a variety of handcrafted candles, natural skin care products not limited to massage oils, bath bombs, lip balms, artisan soaps, bath salts, and sugar scrubs. When production is not in session, we spend our time offering self-love and confidence-building classes, business mentoring, handcrafted hands-on classes in person and virtually to anyone who is looking for a unique experience.
We serve a diverse range of customers, from anyone looking for the perfect facial cleanser and skin exfoliator to our seasonal fall fragrances. Including our corporate clients who elect to evoke feelings of tranquility and serenity from the moment their clients step through their doors by introducing the perfect scent. We also specialize in Parties, Weddings, Corporate Team Building, Fundraisers, Private Labeling, and Wholesale.
Overall, I am proud of starting and running a professional business while always maintaining ethical business practices. I am proud that myself and team adhere to our main values successfully: honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty, fairness, concern for others and respect for others.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes! I learned how to pivot effectively by remaining open-minded and to generate a lucrative outcome while taking calculated risks.
Pricing:
- Handcrafted (Adult) Classes -$55.00 & Up
- Classic Glass Jar Candles – $16.00
- Luxurious Artisan Soap – $8.00
- Specialty Candles – $25.00
- Gift Sets – $45.00 & Up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scentfuls.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/scentfuls
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/scentfuls
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/scentfuls
Image Credits
Ed Council MichMography Jarvis Releford Brand New Consulting Group EtherArts Photography
