Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayanna Mincey
Hi Ayanna, 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?
My name is Ayanna Mincey also know as Yaski. Born and raised in New York City, and Virginia State University Alumna class of 2023 graduating with my Bachelors In Science, working towards a victims advocate degree while working my business Yaski Candles. I started experimenting with Candle making back in 2023. Growing up and throughout college I enjoyed lighting candles, burning incense, and using wax warmers. I loved the smell of different fragrances and holiday scents are my absolute favorite. I started collecting candles, had drawing, and baskets filled at home filled with different kinds of candles, and always burned them while I was cleaning or relaxing. It is a very therapeutic feeling and brought peace of mind. My partner is a serial entrepreneur and he suggested I turned my love into a passion and start my small business. Taking that advice I started learning and gathering candle kits to test it out. I watched candle making videos and started on a few different samples. My favorite kind of candles to make our dessert candles but I started tapping into my creative side and started doing theme candles. I did t-shirt brand candles, character themes, baby shower candles, birthdays and overtime many of my Creations started to be a lot different from most candlemakers. The birth of Yaski Candles was in full affect and I found that making candles was so much more therapeutic than just burning them. Now going on 2 years my brand is making a name for its self and always represented with a new twist.
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?
With any business it has its pros and cons along the way. It was more challenging In the beginning because being a candle maker you’re learning different wax mixtures, fragrances, which type of wicks to use, Burning temperatures anymore. All of these things become overwhelming and it’s always something new to learn,even now I’m still learning about things to improve. I’m on a smooth road with the information I’ve gathered through trial and errors, as well as testing my candles and learning what works for me and my brand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialized in over-the-top dramatic custom candles. I love when my candles get Compliments like “ Omg I didn’t event know this was a candle” or “ this is so cute I don’t event want to burn them”. These type of candles I am most proud of I think they stand out from any ordinary candle that have a lot of creative soul, designs, and themes. I love personalized custom orders where someone may want to put a name or a saying in the candle. Right now my favorite orders have been my 3 tier birthday cake candles which are so adorable, dramatic and definitely eye catcher. These set me apart from other candlemakers and I’m always open to trying new designs that you wouldn’t see every day being a candle on a shelf.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was the summers I would travel down south and visit my Aunt. It was like a mini getaway to look forward to she’s in the army and we would always spend the summers with her going to different beaches, zoo’s, visit family go to fairs and play with my cousins.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaskicandles?igsh=d3J2NnZzcG02d3d2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15nswhsYDH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/__a.yanna?igsh=dzlraDg4NDZzamZl&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
N/A all photos personally taken by me or friends no photography
