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

Tina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents instilled the importance of having faith in God from a very young age. Throughout life people are going to let you down, whether it’s intentional or unintentional, it is most definitely going to happen. But, having faith in God is a win-win situation, because He’s incapable of not having our best interest at heart. Whatever choice God makes in our lives, it is always with our best interest in mind.

Having parents that constantly reminded me of WHO is always in control, has proved to be game changing. This concept has impacted both my personal life and career, especially when various setbacks have come about.

When people overlook my business, my skills, my drive, my passion – I tell myself, God is in total control, and He will send the right people to SEE ME.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Arkansas, in a small town where there was little to do to keep active. My mother put me into the local girl scouts’ troop and as I grew older, she involved me in 4-H Clubs. Being exposed to environments where crafting and tons of DIY activities were going on, I developed an interest! Some kids read books, and others make things, the latter was me. That bubbly child that always wanted to MAKE never left my spirit. While on a one-hour lunch break, sitting in my car, extremely frustrated with Corporate America, I had a “tough love talk” with myself.

I have always been an Artisan at heart, so I knew I was supposed to be “making things”, NOT typing and taking calls for 8 hours a day. I realized that I needed to tap back into the Crafter that I always was. It was evident that the harsh demands of a nine-to-five job simply was not for me. With that, I started to think of “things” I really liked and would enjoy making for other people – This is when the idea to create my very own line of scented candles manifested.
Days, weeks, and months into it all, I found that “my little candle hobby thing” had evolved into a legit passion. In 2017, I officially became a Candle Maker, and in the Fall of 2020, I walked away from Corporate America, and started my mobile candle boutique, Whiffs on Wheels!

I am most proud of taking a chance on myself!
I had no clue how everything would work out, but with total faith in God and my type of hustle, I have gained the respect of so many candle burners, and I will forever be proud of that.
When customers shop with me, they understand that I am not just about making a sale, but more importantly, I’m providing both an experience and education.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I was able to build my reputation in the candle market, because I made it publicly known that I take my craft serious. In 2021, I became a certified Aromatherapist, this allowed my customers and followers to see that I was willing to invest in my craft. Gaining knowledge allows me to provide a more well-rounded product to my customers. Additionally, I plan to start my Masters (in Aromatherapy) program in the fall.

I also take my social media seriously. Whether you like, love, or hate social media, as a small business owner, it’s almost impossible not to have some sort of online presence and thrive. I’m consistent, and my followers respect that.

They know that I am going to be at a local farmer’s market, they know that I am going to post educational videos, they know that I am not going to disappear for weeks on end and pop back up, expecting their support.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

My relationship with clients doesn’t end with a transaction. The sale is just the start of a long-term connection. Keeping in touch with my customers is extremely important.

I have automated emails that go out a few days after a customer has had a transaction with my business. This allows my customers to provide me with any feedback they want me to know about their experience.

I send personalized notes to long term customers just to let them know that I appreciate their business. When I am able, I send free products to my super loyal customers that have been with me since day one.

When my customers shop with me in person, I never miss an opportunity to thank them for choosing my brand over others. I never take for granted that my customers could be spending their hard-earned money elsewhere, and that’s why I will forever give them a reason to keep coming back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.whiffsonwheels.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiffsonwheels/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/goodwhiffs
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whiffsonwheels7216

Image Credits
D. Kay Smith