Today we’d like to introduce you to Atisha Benjamin.
Hi Atisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When my dad was diagnosed with dementia, I was in denial. In conversations with my dad, everything seemed normal. He would share jokes, talk about things from the past, and was a social butterfly like his usual self. During the year 2018, I noticed a trend. After my father and I ended a conversation via phone, he would repeatedly call back directly after the conversation and was completely unaware that we had just spoken. The signs of dementia were visual and gradually growing. To cope with my new reality, I turned to candle-making. At first, it was all fun and games. Until I realized how centered and peaceful it made me feel.
At first, I made candles once a week, then twice a week, I few so addicted to the peace of mind candle making gave me to then making candles daily. My apartment turned into a candle garden! I began gifting candles for the holidays, birthdays, and any moment when candles were suitable as a gift. I received raving compliments and encouragement about launching a candle business. While I knew a goal of mine was to become a business owner, I never dreamt of my business being in the candle industry. It just wasn’t a goal of mine. Fast forward to the year 2020, an unforgettable year for our nation. My father was admitted to the hospital for covid at the pandemic’s start. He later passed two days before my birther due to complications and preexistence conditions. Through my grief, I found coverage and hope to keep my remembrance of my father alive. I decided to launch a candle business! My father was diagnosed with dementia was the reason my candle-making journey began and the launch of Signs Candles will keep his memory alive.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Do nothing without purpose! Every move, every step, and every plan you take should be done with purpose. One of my major struggles has been the urge to perform on a rapid scale. This includes the urge to quickly identify a company name of interest, launch it, and share it on social media sites quickly without a thorough plan. We constantly hear, just do the thing. However, for me, the quality and detail of execution are KEY! It is similar to a first impression. With social media, I get caught up in the illusion of speed. This becomes draining and is when burnout happens. I am quickly grounded when revisiting my PURPOSE. Therefore, one of my biggest takeaways for beginner business owners is to create a business with purpose and intentionality. In moments of confusion and stagnancy, the business purpose will bring light.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an educator! I’ve dedicated over a decade to elementary school education in the South Bronx and Brooklyn.
Any big plans?
Without spilling all of the tea, I am looking forward to investing in a space where candle-making is therapeutic to others.
Pricing:
- $13 – $32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.signscandles.com
- Instagram: @signs.candles
- Facebook: @signs.candles
Image Credits:
Photo taken by @FerachoFilms
