Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoko Rich.
Yoko, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Yoko Rich, also known as Kiyoko Essley. I’m from Los Angeles, California and I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in September of 2018. I moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in Entertainment, as well as the opportunity to attend a black college, which, there are none in California. Entrepreneurship has always been something I wanted to explore since I was young. I never wanted to work for anyone, which was something my mom stressed as I was growing up. But I was always afraid to take the leap into Entrepreneurship.
Back in 2009, I started my first business called Kloset Kandy, which was a traveling shoe boutique. I did private parties. I made some really good cash while I focused on this business. However, it didn’t last a very long time, as I became busy with my oldest son, who had started a music group with his friend, called “The New Boyz, and the group was having such a success with their first major hit, called “You’re A Jerk,” and from there, they had several additional hits, (I’m a 5 x platinum entertainment Manager) and the group kept me busy for several years after that, I attempted several more times to start a business and was never successful, until I decided to go to business school, which brought me here to Georgia. Today, I am a current Entertainment Business student and a music business consultant sharing my experiences and knowledge for all of those that need my assistance. I can discuss all topics, from developing artists to marketing an artist career, to management. But, my real passion is in customer service, and retail and my baby is my candle business. I plan to grow this company into something big and special. I started Rich Craft Candle earlier this year, and due to the Covid-19 Quarantine, I was forced to go into full business mode quickly, and I have had so much success and fun since I’ve started in March. My business is better than I expected it to be, and I’m looking forward to watching the growth continue this year.
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?
It’s been such a short time since I started Rich Craft Candle and the journey has not been smooth. I think most of the battle is definitely in the mind, and so it’s you against yourself. The biggest challenge seems to be getting started. Because I had already battled the challenge of rejection and so many other challenges, at some point, you have to just go. No more excuses.
Rich Craft Candle – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Rich Craft Candle is a candle business that specializes in earthy, organic scented candles, like Hemp, Cannabis, and some really interesting creative candle vibes that you can’t purchase in your local store. Every candle comes gift wrapped with love and care because I care about the customer’s experience. We are an Artisan company, so all of the candles are handmade and hand-poured by myself. We services such as same-day delivery in Marietta/Atlanta local areas, as well as a candle subscription service for recording studios. I have yet to see a candle company with that type of service. I would like to think that we are a candle for the creative candle lover.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have so many fond moments in my career. But the most recent one would be getting started with my candle business during the Pandemic. I had been planning for a few months to launch, and when that happened, I knew it was time to take the leap. And, I am super proud of that. Then I set the next goal, and I smashed it! All within 30 days. Creating my inventory and the whole process makes me proud. But, getting starting tops the cake. I say that because sometimes, that’s the single most difficult part of doing anything in life. It’s starting. So I’m super proud of that!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2470 Windy Hill Rd. Ste 300
Marietta, Georgia 30067 - Website: http://www.richcraftcandle.etsy.com
- Email: richcraftcandle@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/richcraftcandle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richcraftcandle
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichCraftCandle
Image Credit:
Marc Anthony (my Son) on the Camera.
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.
