Today we’d like to introduce you to Reamon Bailey.
Hi Reamon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve enjoyed making things since I was a little girl. As I grew older, I often made gifts opposed to buying them because it was my belief that these gifts were more personable and one of a kind. And in addition to those personable gifts have sentimental value. I left a career in law enforcement after 9 1/2 years during the pandemic. I decided I was going to finish my PH.D. and be mom without any interruption, after all I’d had a job since I was sixteen. Well, that didn’t last because I finished my doctorate two months later and didn’t have a thing to do. Soon after, I decided to start my own candle company. After having a conversation with a friend, I decided to step out on faith and go for it. I had to be talked into it because my thought was no one was going to support seeing there were a million candle makers out here. So, I decided if I’m going to be number 1-million and 2, then I need to tap into a market that other Candler’s had not tapped into already.
My next step was to do research, find the best product, and to come up with a business plan. Soon after that, I began making candles and sending them to friends and family to test for me. Next, I sat down and developed that business plan and hired a young lady to help me with see it through. I also took a few business classes under her leadership then I hired an attorney to help me trademark my business.
The name “Church Girl Candles” wasn’t my first choice but it was perfect for what I represent. I love my relationship with God, church, and candles. I am member of the same church I joined in November 2002, when I moved to Georgia after college. We were not attending church in person during the Pandemic and I was missing that. Being able to go sit on the pew you’re use to sitting on and streaming service live just isn’t the same however this was the world we were living in. Before the Pandemic attending church services on Sunday’s was like my meal prep for the week. I would like to think that when you light one of my candles it’s like having a little bit of “Church” in a jar. The best thing about a Church Girl Candle is, it not only smells amazing, it’s just the right size to travel with you. For all my candle lovers who dred getting up going to that job you should try “Not Tuh’Day Satan”. A special blend of strawberry scented fragrances blended together in our eco-friendly all-natural premium soy wax. Church Girl Candles are free from colors and dyes so my customers can enjoy a clean burning candle.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve only been in business for about nine months and things are going well. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t have any bad days in this business, because I have, yet I enjoy it and I’m still learning. I learn something new every day about me and my business. I have also come to the realization that working for yourself is more demanding than working for anyone else. Being an entrepreneur is a 24-hour gig. Time management is something that I really need to work on because I get so involved in my business that I’ve worked an 18-hour day believe it or not. I pour everything to order so I do not have 10 or 15 candles on the shelf ready to ship. I do not like wasting product because product is money and if I make a hundred candles and do not get any sales then I’m throwing money out the window. I recently, started making my own candle vessels from cement because of the shipping issues we were having not to mention I love the look. I’m still in the testing phase but I plan to transition into my handcrafted candle vessels soon.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of turning a passion for crafting into a company with the best clients out here both repeat and new. I recently became a licensed vendor for my sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Church Girl Candles was approved for trademark, I am currently searching for a storefront property to move my business from just being online, and I am depending on God for other business ventures I have in the works.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a typical everyday child. I enjoyed playing outside, I enjoyed traveling and playing sports. I got my first job at age 16, as soon as I turned 16. It’s was like a birthday gift to myself and I’ve been working ever since.
Personality-wise…I have a strong one. I am a strong believer in NOT doing something because someone else might want me to do it. I dance to my own sheet of music.
Pricing:
- Signature Scents $20.00
- Deluxe Birthday Cake Candle $30.00
- Personalized Keepsake Candles $25+
- The Kandle Kollection $25+
- Experience Black Girl Magic $17-25
Contact Info:
- Email: info@churchgirlcandles.
com - Website: www.
churchgirlcandles.com - Instagram: @churchgirlcandles
