Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakesha Young.
Lakesha, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Lakesha Young is a native of Dawson, Georgia. I’ve always had a desire of owning my own business. There’s always been this happy and helpful spirit that effortlessly flows inside of me. A spirit that wants to help every person they meet. I knew that God has a divine purpose for my life after a bullet struck through my grandparent’s house while my mother was still pregnant with me. By God’s Grace, she moved right in time which allowed her to miss the bullet by less than an inch. As a child, I would always stay active when it came to helping others. Before the passing of my father, I had a high interest in making candles, but I counted myself out a few times. Less than 2 years later my father passed away which was very heartbreaking and placed me in a stage of depression. I felt like I couldn’t see my way out of the tunnel… you know. I knew that greatness was ahead and working as an Engineer wasn’t so exciting anymore. That’s when I knew that it was time to activate my talent as a Chandler. In 2017, that’s when I began my candle journey. I begin to feel a sense of relief being lifted off of me every time I would start creating a batch of fresh candles. The Vision for the candle industry became My Passion. It became my comfort zone. All kinds of ideas started forming in my head about how I was going to operate and run my business. My thoughts were – I know plenty of people who love to burn candles for any occasion. Whether it was for relaxing after a long workday or maybe you just want to have one burning while cleaning up around the home. I know many that burn candles for special occasions and holidays when they have invited company. Seriously, like who doesn’t want to smell something around their home that has a nice aroma that fills the air. As I made candles in the comfort of my kitchen if felt like I was a baker. In a sense, I could see that because I just didn’t want to make basic candles, I started combining various fragrances and coming up with my own fragrances. I also introduced myself to molding candles into various shapes, letters, numbers, and objects, which brought out my creative side. The method I have for my business is that I want every candle that a customer purchases to enlighten any environment when they are burned in. This allows a breeze of peace, relaxation, relief, and a breath of love that will flow effortlessly throughout the atmosphere. Starting up this business isn’t only about me and my needs, but it also helps to inspire others. My Mission is to keep this momentum going so that I can inspire others to believe in their VISION and to generate job opportunities for the people that reside in surrounding Southwest Georgia counties.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely, it hasn’t been a smooth ride for me. There’s been many bumps and stopping points I’ve endured over the course of 2 ½ years. Imagine making candles in a 2-bedroom apartment on a kitchen stove. I’ve had to allow my home to cool because I’ve overheated it while making candles. From burning up my wax to burning myself with boiling water and spilled wax. Even when it comes to testing candles – It may take up to 3 weeks just to get that particular candle to burn smoothly and have a loud fragrance it. The combination of what is needed to have that to happen isn’t user-friendly. That’s a great way to put it…lol
This industry is REAL, but it keeps me on my toes and floating which infuses me more to make this candle business a successful one.
Please tell us about your business.
Established in Oct. 2017, YLC Candle is a company that makes standard, luxury, and customized candles. Currently, we carry only 2 kinds of wax –Both are 100% natural which is soy and vegan wax. The soy was is made out of soybeans and the Candelilla Wax which is a plant-based wax. I recommend Candelilla was for all my candle lovers who have allergy, asthma or sinus problems. Every candle is made with the addition of a pinch of love, happiness, peace, and comfort. These are some of our top priority of making sure each one of our candles is produced to meet our customers’ expectations. This means that every candle that we test out will be a success once we have gotten the correct formula as we mix our wax, with the correct fragrance and wick in each candle vessel that would have our customer running back for more. Known for creating signature candles – Which means that any of our customers can decide upon the choices of fragrance that would like to combine to create a smell that soothes them. Then we get into our lab and make that smell come to life. Not only do we create signature fragrances, but we also make custom candles. We can either have them molded in a form of a number, letter, shape or object (baby bottle, elephant, frog, lips or even a snowman). I’m pretty sure we can mold just about anything you can think of. In need of a quick gift or would like to have candles for a wedding, baby shower, bridal party, gender reveal or a birthday celebration One of my main focus is keeping our customers satisfied. As we ALWAYS keep them in suspense as to what YLC Candle is up to next. A member of the National Candle Organization. We are also honored to say that, we are part of the 2020 Southwest Georgia STE(A)M Career Day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Most certainly – 1st and foremost my mother who has been my greatest supporter. She’s always kept me going even when I didn’t want to, believed in me when I wanted to throw in the towels and also covered me with positive words of encouragement. Secondly – My Aunt & Uncle – Mr. & Mrs. Tolson – they have been Team YLC Candle since day 1. They have supported, invested and cheered me on in a never-ending cycle. Also, my additional family members and close friends. They all played a deal like picking up shipments from the warehouse, assembling the containers, to even traveling with me to conventions, events and to making suggestions about new products for the candle line. I’m very grateful for the large support system that I have standing behind me.
Pricing:
- Standard 7 oz candle – $13
- 8 oz candle- $16
- 16 oz candle – $23
- 26 oz candle – $29
- Custom Candles varies based on design and weight of wax – Price Range $20 -$100
- Car Diffuser – $8.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ylccandle.com
- Phone: 6785683744
- Email: younglc.llc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ylccandle/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ylccandle/about/
Image Credit:
Professional Photo only – Photographer- Delacia Unique Tolbert
Hairstylist: Nikkia Nelson – Pressed Hair Salon
Makeup Artist – Porsha Hunt – Fabulash Beauty and Boutique
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