Today we’d like to introduce you to Shondra Glover.
Shondra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our company comes from a journey through love, patience, and healing. A journey that began with a simple phone call in January 2019 from my mother indicating she was diagnosed with cancer. My mom and I did not have a great relationship growing up. But the chemistry we shared was no doubt, undeniable. She always knew I was a fighter and a tough cookie. When she asked me to take care of her, she knew I would fight for her and with her.
For the short time, my mom lived with me during her treatments, we developed a gift. As a form of relaxation and stress relief, I immersed myself in the art of candle making. Although I cannot explain it, there was something therapeutic about how candles could ease the worrying of my mother. After my mom will have chemo, she would be extremely ill and would sleep the entire day. During this time, I would make candles and she would be my tester. Sometimes she would wake up just to smell them and give me feedback and then go right back to sleep. This was her contribution and I love that she was able to contribute to the birth of something incredibly special.
Who knew that this would turn into healing for me? With every candle that I make, it always reminds me of the bond we shared during her fight with cancer. It reminds me of our back-porch talks, the dancing we would share at family parties, walking to the store with her as a child, eating Fincher’s BBQ sandwiches from our hometown, and making candy out of butter and sugar.
Even as her battle continued, she was still adding her lifelong stamp on a business that was formed as her namesake. Inspired by the beautiful, happy memories that come with each candle made, we honor our mother through the name of our business Anjelah Candle Company. One of the greatest and final gifts she was able to give to me. It is our hope that, with each candle you burn, you will be filled with your own memories and happiness!
Great, 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?
There were a couple of struggles. For 17 years, I was in the wedding industry, which was an industry that I knew, from the trends to the demographics that I was targeting. Now switching gears into retail, where I thought the marketing would be pretty easy. I learned fairly quickly the approach to the consumer had to be different. This was more than just a pretty picture in magazine that I grew use to as the founder of OhBrides Wedding Magazine. So the challenge has been how do I re-invent and re-introduce myself with a product that is now so meaningful to me in many ways.
The second struggle I would say would be what most entrepreneurs would say and that is capital. Starting a candle business takes a lot of time, testing and investment. I spent a year and half testing, so, during that time, you are spending money on ordering supplies, shipping costs and etc. Once the testing is done, you now have to invest into the finish product and marketing.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Anjelah Candle Company – what should we know?
We are a home fragrance company that creates handcrafted luxury candles using the finest fragrances and ingredients. Our candles are made using a coconut soy blend of wax and paired with a cotton wick for a cleaner burn. With each candle made comes memories of my childhood and happiness, and we hope that our candles will do the same for you. Handcrafted and curated to transform your space into a feeling.
I am most proud of the name of the name of the company; Anjelah Candle Company. The company is named after my mom, who died last year from cancer. My mom had dreams that she never had a chance to do in her life so with each candle we sell or recognition the company gets, I feel like she is shining. I feel like I am achieving goals for her.
I think one thing that set me apart from others is our attention to details. I want to ensure our customer has a great experience with us from customer service to the thoughtfulness that goes into our products. Someone once told me that no business is perfect, however, how you handle any and all situations is a true testament on how great your business really is and that if you ever make a mistake and fix it with graciousness, it will make the customer come back.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being grateful! I think being grateful for the process. My husband told me that I should never look at anything I do or have done as a failure because it could be what was needed to prepare you for something else, so be grateful for the knowledge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anjelahcandlecompany.com
- Email: info@anjelahcandlecompany.com
- Instagram: @anjelahcandleco
- Facebook: @anjelahcandleco
- Twitter: @anjelahcandleco
Image Credit:
Photo Credit is Moye Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
