We recently connected with Tameka Richardson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tameka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

I’ve never had to ask my family or friends to support me . From my launch June 19 of this year they have and continue to be my biggest supporters. Not only have they purchased my products they have shared my social media posts, recommended my products and guided me with getting over holding myself back. I couldn’t ask for a better team supporting me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a native of Georgia born in LaGrange and raised in Griffin. I’m a wife , mother, and grandmother. I currently produce candles, wax melts, and room and fabric sprays. Why candles?? I got into candles after brainstorming with a tax consultant. I was asked if I had ever thought about starting a business and candles immediately came to mind. Over the course of my adulthood and can’t even keep track of the amount of money I’ve spent on candles, and sprays . So it’s safe to say I love candles. What sets me apart from others in the industry I think is that I still get nervous during each pour, when a order comes in, and when a order is delivered. It’s not the type nervousness that comes from lack of preparation, but from wanting my client to enjoy their purchase as much as I enjoy making them. Most days I’m consumed with thinking about what’s next , how will I do this, is this possible etc. I’m always trying to figure out how to be better at my craft, and gain exposure and trust from clients. What I’m most proud of currently is getting out of my own way, and finding the little girl in me that was a dreamer and realizing it’s ok to dream again.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I manufacture all of my products, in the beginning I had no idea what goes into creating a candle that not only smells good but is safe to burn. I did tons of research I’m always researching, you tube was somewhat informative for me. But me investing in classes is what gave me the final push I needed to get manufacturing off the ground. What I’ve learned along the way is that manufacturing yourself is definitely an investment and there will be some waste and in the beginning more waste than profit. Currently what I love learned is always keep up with inventory.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Old fashion word of mouth, and me attending events where I can be a vendor has currently been my best source of new clients. My current repeat customers always recommend my products.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. Flarecandlecompany.com
• Instagram: FlareCandleCompany
• Facebook: Flare Candle Company
• Other: Tik tok. Myflarecandlecompany