Today we’d like to introduce you to Mina Starks.
Mina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey didn’t start with candles, it started with grief. After losing my mother, I was searching for ways to bring comfort not only to myself, but to others walking that same heavy path. I was so depressed and felt alone. I needed something to comfort me. I left my corporate job of 20 years after getting in a car accident that caused me to be off work for a while. When it was time to return, I quickly realized that I wanted more. I had always felt that way, but at this time I was feeling it stronger than ever. I decided not to return and began creating grief boxes….beautiful, heartfelt packages filled with healing intention for those suffering through the loss of their mom. Each box included a journal with an inspirational Bible verse, a pen inscribed with “Joy comes in the mourning,” a dog tag with a personal message from mom, a frame for cherished photos…and a CANDLE.
But every candle I bought felt off. The scents didn’t speak to the heart and the energy just wasn’t there. I remember telling my husband, “I think we can make something better.” So we bought a candle-making kit, and started creating our own. What happened next felt like divine confirmation. Not only did someone prophesize to us that we would have a successful candle business (mind you they didn’t know we were testing and playing around with candles at the time) but we sold out in our very first week. I knew we were on the right path, and that’s how Stir And Mixxes was born. What began as a grief box turned into a full sensory experience. Luxury candles that carry emotion, intention, and our story. Together, my husband and I turned mourning into mission, pain into purpose, and memories into light. This isn’t just wax and wick. It’s ministry. It’s healing. It’s joy.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a purposeful one. I stepped into entrepreneurship with nothing but a vision, a prayer, and a heart full of purpose. That leap wasn’t easy…becoming an entrepreneur meant embracing uncertainty, and learning to trust myself and God in a whole new way. I faced self-doubt, fear, and the weight of starting over. Lord knows I still have moments where I’m like…ummm let me go on back to work and get my weekly paycheck..lol, thats the easy thing to do, but I’m always reminded of what I’ve gained, which is found freedom, extreme faith, and alignment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our name represents my husband and me—“Stir” for the Sir, and “Mixxes” for the Mrs. which is a nod to the love and partnership behind everything we do. We craft candles that don’t just smell good….they tell stories, create atmosphere, and carry emotion.
My work lies right in the middle of elegance and empathy. I specialize in turning scent into an experience, whether that’s igniting romance, honoring a memory, or simply creating a moment of stillness. Beyond the candles, I’m most proud of how my journey has evolved into something deeply meaningful. I walked away from corporate to build a business rooted in faith, healing, and connection, but that same heart led me to serve as a Boots-on-the-ground Coordinator and Design Assistant with Move In Day Mafia, which is a non profit organization, where we transform dorm rooms into sanctuaries for foster care students attending HBCUs.
Whether I’m pouring a candle, curating a grief box, or helping students feel seen and loved, my mission remains the same: to spread joy, even in the midst of pain, and to remind others that grief, joy and luxury can coexist.
What sets me apart is that everything I do is heart and purpose-driven with love in the , center. From the flame to the final touch you will always have an unforgettable experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really view my journey through the lens of luck. I believe everything in my life and business has been divinely orchestrated. The doors that have opened, the timing of opportunities, and the challenges, all of it has served a purpose. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I’ve learned to see those moments as redirections, not rejections.
My faith keeps me centered, I trust God’s plan for my life, and I walk in faith, not fear. My business is a reflection of that trust, it was built with intention, nurtured by prayer, and sustained by God’s grace. To me, it’s not about luck, it’s about alignment with purpose and God’s will for my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.StirAndMixxes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stirandmixxes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stirandmixxes
