Story & Lesson Highlights with Lorraine Marshall of Atlanta

Lorraine Marshall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Lorraine, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I profoundly feel that one of the most unspoken struggles people face is internalizing the idea that happiness isn’t a destination to be reached but a daily choice to be made. I see many individuals caught in a cycle of “I’ll be happy when…”—when they get a new job, when they find a partner, or when they have more money. Many believe their circumstances are the sole determinant of their joy, and this mindset creates an immense amount of silent pressure.

I believe this pressure is self-imposed. I often witness people comparing their lives to curated versions they see or to the expectations they believe others have for them. This leads many to create an endless list of “must-dos” and “must-haves” that they believe will unlock happiness. The true struggle lies in the fact that no matter what one achieves, if their internal state isn’t a priority, they will never feel truly fulfilled. It’s a difficult truth to embrace, but once a person accepts that happiness is an inside job, they can finally free themselves from the external pressures that hold so many back. Ultimately, they may discover that the journey of life is beautiful, and that happiness and peace are paramount, especially since the remainder of today is not promised.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Lorraine Marshall, the CEO of Scentfuls, a brand born from a profound appreciation for the benefits of aromatherapy and self-care. For the past decade, I have passionately cultivated a career in entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to help others and add significant value to the world around them. Scentfuls was originally founded by a father and daughter duo, and at its heart, it offers two distinct value propositions: exquisite, natural products and powerful, community-focused solutions. We are more than just a product line; we are a partner dedicated to illuminating futures, one scent at a time.

At Scentfuls, we believe in the boundless potential within every youth entity and non-profit organization. We’ve poured our hearts into creating a risk-free, high-profit fundraising solution with handcrafted natural candles that people genuinely adore. Our model is designed to generate swift cash flow and alleviate financial burdens, allowing groups to focus solely on their core missions. From our 100% soy wax and cotton wicks to our seamless online fundraising platform, we offer an ethical, high-quality, and effortless way for organizations to earn up to 50% profit, transforming fundraising into a source of empowerment, not a burden.

Beyond our product quality and fundraising advantage, Scentfuls champions personal growth and creativity through our hands-on Candle Experiences. These workshops go beyond craft; they are therapeutic, creative, and community-building events that empower individuals and organizations to achieve their goals through a unique and rewarding handcrafted journey. We help participants strengthen bonds, enhance well-being, and walk away with a personalized creation, fostering a sense of accomplishment and shared purpose. This focus on internal growth is what truly sets our brand apart.

I am a testament to the power of perseverance. My own journey, shaped by the kindness of others during a time when stability was lacking, fuels my daily motivation. My purpose is to inspire others to never settle, to recognize their inherent worth, and to live their best, most purposeful lives by embracing self-love and self-care. I am constantly working to build on this mission, not just within my business, but also by mentoring creative entrepreneurs who are actively embracing their own growth journeys. My work is a reflection of this lifelong commitment: to leave a lasting mark by building a legacy of purposeful success.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people, in their purest form, are not easily broken. They may change, shift, or even seem to fade, but a true connection can persist as an emotional, soulful, or spiritual tie, even without direct interaction. However, many factors can cause a bond to waver. These include a lack of communication, the slow erosion of trust, a growing distance between individuals, or a refusal to grow at all. Unresolved conflicts, resentment, and external pressures can also strain a relationship, as can a lack of emotional connection and, in the most painful cases, unhealthy dynamics or abuse.

The journey to restoring a bond requires a conscious choice and mutual effort. It can begin with a sincere apology, followed by a change in behavior and consistent, positive actions. Intentional and productive communication, true forgiveness, and seeking professional guidance can pave the way to healing. Restoring a bond is not an overnight process; it requires patience and a genuine desire to reconnect. But with consistent effort, it can lead to a connection that is not only restored but is deeper and more meaningful than before.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me a level of resilience and accountability that success never could: in fact, suffering became my greatest teacher. It was in the depths of my greatest hardships that I learned the profound truth that storms, no matter how fierce, are always temporary. It also taught me the importance of cultivating an unbreakable mindset for when things are not ideal, pleasant, or smooth. Yet, the most transformative lesson came when I was forced to confront the painful reality that some of my suffering was a direct result of my own choices. Success can often create a flattering illusion, blinding us to our own flaws and shortcomings. Suffering, however, strips away all pretense and forces us to look inward, to take ownership of our actions, and to embrace radical accountability. This willingness to confront my own culpability became the wellspring of my true strength and confidence, transforming struggle from a simple trial into a powerful, defining lesson in personal responsibility.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am wholeheartedly committed to Scentfuls and the unwavering belief that true professional and personal fulfillment is a dual pursuit. This is a journey I’ve chosen to embrace, and one that I am dedicated to seeing through.

My ultimate commitment is to continuously enjoy being an educated and ethical entrepreneur who embraces not only significant financial success but also lasting personal happiness. This commitment extends far beyond my own ambitions; I am deeply dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs and uplifting others, especially those who are actively creating solutions rather than just making excuses.

I believe in investing my time and energy in those who are already taking action and committing to their own growth. This is more than just a job; it is a life’s work—a continuous journey of learning, giving back, and building a legacy of purposeful success that is as beautiful as it is impactful.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I were to lay down my name, my role, and all my possessions, what would remain is a spirit that has been forged by fire and refined by grace. I am more than my name, my title, or the things I own; those are merely temporary labels and tools. I am the culmination of every challenge I have faced and every lesson I have learned. As an only child, I was taught early on that survival is a journey I must navigate on my own, and that lesson has become my greatest strength. It has instilled in me a deep confidence and an unwavering ability to endure, to overcome, and to rise again from any situation.

What would remain is my faith, a foundation that grounds me and gives me purpose. It is my hope, a beacon that guides me through the darkest times. My mindset and values are the compass by which I live, ensuring that I stay true to myself and my beliefs. My free-spirited nature allows me to find joy in every moment, and my resilience ensures that I never stay down for long. These are the parts of me that are truly mine, and they cannot be taken away. They are the essence of who I am, and they are everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scentfuls.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scentfuls/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scentfuls/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scentfuls
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Scentfuls
• Other: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.marshall.75491/
  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-d-marshall/

Image Credits
Jarvis Releford w/ Brand New Consulting Group

Antoinne Duane Jones

Nathanael M.