We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Odom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

I started my business in 2020. If I could go back in time, I wish I started my business sooner, especially in college. There, I would’ve had the opportunity to reach more people in addition to seeing a substantial increase in revenue. But I’m not going to let time stop me from achieving that. Making candles is my passion, my hobby that turned into a dream job that I never knew existed. Curating original scents and playing in wax is what I love to do. My candles create a unique experience for my customers.

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

My name is Jessica Odom. I am the founder / creator of Poetic Flame Candles, LLC. I’ve been making candles for a couple of years inside my home in Raleigh, NC. I make a variety of candles that allow you to bring peace and harmony into your home. I didn’t get the idea until one night I was relaxing in the bathtub with candles lit and I was thinking of ways to make additional income. I glanced at the candles and asked myself, “how can I make candles?” Thats when I began to google and watch YouTube videos. As I began my research, I can hear my late father’s voice, jokingly saying, ” I can make that.” As a young child, my father use to tell me that he can make whatever I ask for. Now, I understand why.

I am proud of myself for not giving up. I’ve had a few setbacks but that did not stop me from making candles, I wear several hats: Working a full- time job, mother of two, dog mom and homemaker. If I only make one candle a day, I am okay with that because I am being productive. I receive a lot of help from my son’s father. He also makes candles and take pictures and post them. He does majority of the social media posts. Throughout my journey, I learned that one must have discipline and consistency. Nothing comes easy over night; if so, a lot of people would’ve started several businesses. I learn something new every day with my business, a lot of trial and error. I am still working to perfect my craft.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I believe the most effective strategy for growing my clientele is networking. My goal is to promote as much as possible, whether it’s word of mouth or through social media. I also giveaway samples, distribute business cards and attend vendor events.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I read a lot of motivational books and listen to motivational speakers throughout the day, (Bible, Les Brown, Eric Thomas, Steve Harvey, Jim Rohn), just to name a few. My immediate family and closest friends have also impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.poeticflamecandles.com
• Instagram: Poetic Flame Candles, LLC
• Facebook: Poetic Flame Candles, LLC
• Other: TikTok @_poeticflamecandles

Image Credits
Logo Credit Niem Dancy