Daily Inspiration: Meet Tamina Temple

Hi Tamina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A backstory as to How Elegant Reign Got Started?

Instead of going way back, Which I definitely thought about doing. Lol I’ll start by saying that I have been working in Corporate America for the last 25 years. During this time, I have gained a strong professional background in managing projects and developing products for global organizations within the corporate American context. However, despite my success, I have always had a desire to be my own boss.

I prayed fervently for guidance and, in due season, the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob blessed me with a talent I never knew I had.

Here’s what I mean, I had a revelation during the Covid pandemic when the Lord revealed to me some talents I didn’t know I had. It was a blessing that I had more time and space to think about what I really wanted to do, and as a result, my dreams were formulated into ideas and then brought to life. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride, but I am grateful for this opportunity to explore my potential.

Elegant Reign was born unexpectedly, as my husband and I were planning for something entirely different. We were discussing how I love to create a relaxing atmosphere in our home, but my scent allergy made it challenging to use candles from big-name stores that are typically heavily fragranced. As we brainstormed ways to create the ambiance I craved without triggering my allergies, my husband suggested I make my own candles. In that moment, everything clicked, and I eagerly dove into research to learn about fragrances and the effects they have on our senses.

I was determined to hand-make everything myself, using only natural waxes, wicks, and IFRA certified oils to create a quality product that could be enjoyed by everyone, especially those with scent allergies. Though I had no prior experience in candle making, I worked tirelessly to perfect my craft, starting with humble beginnings – my first attempt was made in a soda pop can and smelled terrible! But over time, I honed my skills and expanded my product line to include room sprays, diffusers, melts, body care products, and even Biblical apparel, all lovingly handcrafted by me.

This journey has been one for the books, and I’m grateful for the incredible support of my husband, children, parents, brothers, and close friends who have helped make my dream a reality. Elegant Reign has grown beyond what I ever imagined, and I’m filled with joy to be able to share my passion with others. I trust in God and the process, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next.

Has it been a smooth road along the way, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth Road? Certainly not! The journey with Elegant Reign has been far from smooth. As an entrepreneur, I have experienced the up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing siege that Jerry Maguire spoke of. It can be incredibly challenging to run a business, with so many people having a say in its operations. Customers, banks, investors, government, hosting, legal issues, social media – the list goes on and on. I have faced numerous challenges with all of them.

Despite these challenges, with the strength of God and my own money, Elegant Reign has become something beautiful. As the sole proprietor, I wear all the hats, not out of choice but because I couldn’t afford to hire help for things like websites and inventory in the early stages.

Candle making, while it may seem easy to some, is actually a complex skill that involves science. There are many variables to consider, such as the type of wax and the amount of oil and temperature. The wrong combination of any of these variables can lead to disastrous consequences. I have spent countless nights researching and testing candles, trying to find the right combination that works. Elegant Reign is like one of my kids, and sometimes she misbehaves and gets put on punishment. But the beauty of having children is that they always find a way to make you smile and brighten your day, and Elegant Reign is no exception.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work? What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from others?
What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from others?

As I mentioned earlier, in addition to being the CEO/Owner/Operator of Elegant Reign, I have extensive experience working in corporate America where I’ve managed teams of people. It warms my heart to say that I’m known for being an authentic, laid-back manager who genuinely cares about my team. I believe in having transparent conversations about setting expectations and I don’t like to manage from a position of authority, but rather as a leader who challenges and encourages new ways of thinking. I fully intend to bring these same values and leadership style to my employees at Elegant Reign, should the opportunity arise..

What am I most proud of?

I don’t like to use the word “proud” but I am grateful for the experiences I have had in the spaces I have worked in. I have been blessed to learn a new skill in every role I ever worked in. Which allowed me to move into my next role that was more elevated and higher paying then the last. And that has prepared me for being the CEO I am Today. The Advice I’d share is, I never think that anyone should feel that because they have done one thing for 10 years means that Have to keep doing that thing for the next 10 years. Branch out and try new things! You never know what God has for you.

What sets me apart!

As a faithful believer in God and Jesus, I see myself as a servant first and foremost. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I trust in the guidance and direction that the Most High provides me, and I try to align my actions and goals with His will for me.

I believe in walking in the light and staying true to my values and principles, even when faced with challenges or obstacles. I strive to succeed through hard work, integrity, and perseverance, rather than resorting to dishonest or unethical practices. I have faith that if I stay on the right path, God will continue to open doors for me and provide me with the resources and support I need to achieve my goals for Myself and Elegant Reign LLC.

A perfect example of this is, recently, when I was feeling uncertain about how to expand the reach of Elegant Reign, I received an unexpected email from Voyage ATL saying that my friend Jada had referred me and that I was being offered an interview. It was a clear sign to me that God was at work in my life, and that He had a plan for me and my business. I am grateful for these moments of confirmation and guidance, and they inspire me to keep pushing forward and trusting in God’s plan for me.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I have specific plans for Elegant Reign. One of my top priorities is expanding our presence in retail spaces. Currently, our products are available on our website and in select retail locations in Illinois and Georgia and Amazon. We’ve also had the opportunity to be featured in subscription boxes that went out across the country. And we POP-UP every chance we get. Moving forward, I’m actively seeking out partnerships with business owners and influencers to help grow our brand even further.