We were lucky to catch up with Nijeria Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nijeria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I have a passion for all things that smell great and for music. I wanted to combine the two and in a way that hadn’t been done before and would be luxurious yet sustainable. Then it hit me, with my infatuation of candles I should make a candle that connects people to the music we love, because music can unite the world and who doesn’t love amazing smells? So focusing on three things sustainable luxury, music and great fragrance I went on my exploration to make the best candle in the universe. Filled with excitement and armed with a genius idea I began to research and learn how to make the perfect candle.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

TAP Candle Company is where music meets candles and vice versa. When our candles are burned, they allow for an immersive experience. Each candle has a QR code on the label that allows you to scan it and listen to the song the candle was inspired after. This will transport you into another realm of existence because you get to feel the bass of the song, smell the melodies, and see the harmonies.

TAP Candles has 13 signature scents across two collections: Let’s Chill is our RnB collection that sets a more sensual and chill vibe and we have Let’s Elevate, which grounds you with the power of crystals that infused in the wax but simultaneously elevates your state of mind with the combination of scents. We offer custom candles as well for artists and special occasions enhancing our musical connections.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There have several times I have had to pivot but the largest one was when I completely stopped my business for almost eight months when I first got to LA. Moving to a new city on the other side of the country changed everything. I could not use the same suppliers and I was adjusting to life living with a significant other. Living with another person was so different for me and I was away from all my friends and family. That transition of moving took a toll on me mentally and I couldn’t be creative or drive a business.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

There are moments when God tells you to be somewhere and when. I had one of those moments in May 2023, I was going to the candle supply store; which is also open to the public and I overheard a woman in excitement about the candle classes that they have. I live in a space of closed mouths don’t get fed and in that moment I shot my shot and told her about TAP Candles, not even thinking that she would want to buy at that very moment but to at least let my business name be heard and committed to memory. No, she wanted to smell some and buy in that moment. I didn’t have any product on me at the time, but thankfully I only lived 15 minutes away and she said that she would wait. I hauled ass to my car and drove like a bat outta hell (safely) to get home and grab my candles. Within 35 minutes I was back and she ended buying 5 candles, her friend bought 1 and they convinced another woman to buy 2 on her way to her car. This woman recorded the entire interaction and posted it on her social media and tagged me. Come to find out she was a famous Hollywood actor named Danielle Pinnock and in minutes turned around how I felt about my business and the validity of my idea! Her support, her friend’s support and the fans just made me feel so validated. That moment will forever make me appreciate Danielle and how she uplifted me.

Contact Info:

• Website: tapcandles.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/tapcandles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapcandleco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nijeriathompson/