We were lucky to catch up with Sophie Mudarri recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sophie, appreciate you joining us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

We are committed to supporting mental health advocacy. Our mission is to inspire and uplift those individuals who are living with these personal challenges and painful effects on their lives. Everyone deserves to feel deeply rooted and supported through connection and empowerment. Fragrance scents send signals to our limbic system that has an uplifting effect in the memory and emotion part of our brains. Helping individuals blossom through recovery, healing, and growth. Raising awareness one step at a time and putting an end to the stigmas behind mental health.

I choose this because there is a connection between aromas, senses, and candles that bring a sense of positivity to empower individuals who need to be uplifted most.

Organizations:
Sound – The forefront of healthcare
PAHO
United for global mental health
Sea mar community health centers
Nami Seattle
Compass health
Cascade behavioral health

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

Women owned and operated, Luxurious Essentials is a deluxe brand founded in 2013 that specializes in sustainable, high-quality candles, body care products, and home goods. Luxurious Essentials uses simply the best all-natural, non-toxic, gluten, parabens, and phthalate free soy and coconut wax blend. Each candle is paired with top notch fragrance that is infused with essential oils and blends, free from phthalates, carcinogens, toxins, and other hazardous chemicals. You will find each candle has a crackling wooden wick, creating a relaxing ambiance. We hand pour each candle in small batches for quality and freshness packaged in Seattle, Washington. Luxurious Essentials uses containers and vessels that are great for repurposing.

You can feel good about purchasing products from Luxurious Essentials because 10% of profits go to mental health awareness organizations locally and worldwide. We are committed to supporting mental health advocacy. Our mission is to inspire and uplift those individuals who are living with these personal challenges and painful effects on their lives. Everyone deserves to feel deeply rooted and supported through connection and empowerment. Fragrance scents send signals to our limbic system that has an uplifting effect in the memory and emotion part of our brains. Helping individuals blossom through recovery, healing, and growth. Raising awareness one step at a time and putting an end to the stigmas behind mental health.

I’m a young mother raising her son and family. I got laid off due to the unknown future of a company I was at when all lay offs were happening around the world. I decided to take a step back from corporate life and do something where I can create my own schedule and do something I love.

I not only love what I do from sourcing the supplies I need to actually make my candles but to also assembling them and creating a fragrance that will fill others with joy and happiness. But I am also able to not miss one single thing while raising my baby boy and am able to be fully present on every milestone he takes. I’m 100 percent a better person. I’ve had severe anxiety my whole life on and off medication, therapy sessions, and the list goes on. I love connecting with people while making a product that I know will provide warmth, happiness, and joy when they need it the most. It’s a full circle.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell on Shopify. It has been very successful for me starting a new business that I bought and it’s a one women one show kind of deal. From rebranding to completely redoing the website it took only about a couple weeks, and many hours. However, using the platform itself made my life a lot easier. Even know that my business is smoothly running it’s so streamline and organized just how I like. There are so many different features and little things I wouldn’t haven’t thought of up front. I strongly recommend Shopify!

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

My business I bought in the beginning of the year has been around for 13 years. The previous owner was going to stop making candles and running her business to start a new business venture. She was a family friend and I loved her drive and business she had. I offered to take it over and it took just a couple weeks to months to get everything in line. From the whole candle making process to behind the scenes of running the business to moving it to my own it’s been fabulous. Running your own business isn’t easy but it’s so worth it if you are willing to put in the work and work hard everyday no matter what. The hard work pays off in the end. My opinion is If you want to start your own business, just do it! Don’t let anyone doubt you or hold you back. Life is so short and it’s so worth chasing your dreams and do something that you love!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luxuriousessentials.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/luxurious.essentials.co?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089967413657&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxurious-essentials/