We were lucky to catch up with LaToya Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.

LaToya , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I discovered my love for making Candles on accident. I was looking for a way to express my newfound creativity during the pandemic and candles appeared during a search for DIY crafts on YouTube. It really just seemed like a cool thing to try so I did. The moment I poured my first candle I was in love. I knew if I wanted to keep making candles, I would have to study the process and really make a product worth selling,

Making candles was the easy part, making candles that had a unique story and ones that expressed what I believe in took time to create. I am a firm believer in the law of attraction and the universe. Making my chakra line allowed me to connect myself to my passion. I studied different color, scents and crystals that would help align the chakra it correlated with. It was important to me that people really feel the energy and intention I put into my products, so the chakra line is topped with moon and sun charged crystals.
Along the journey of self-exploration, I found my love for soap making and quickly added that to my product line as well. My line of body products has continued to grow included a Salve for dry skin and shower steamers. I am excited to see which products I am led to include next.

LaToya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My Name is LaToya, Owner of Something More Candle Co. I started my company in my home during the pandemic and officially launched Sept. 2021. I create small batch 100% soy candles. My most popular line are my chakra candles. They focus on the seven main energy points in our bodies (Root, sacral, solar, heart, throat, third eye and crown). All of my chakra candles are infused with white sage and topped with sun and moon charged crystals. I also create candles that offer unique experiences that embody the season we are in (for instance my peace in paradise that is only available during the spring and summer). We all have a need for self-care and I focus on that need through the smell of scent. With growth comes new products and I have really enjoyed expanding the body line of my business. I try to solve a problem with each new product and for me the best way to do that is from my personal experience. I have sensitive skin so my handcrafted soap if formulated to consider all skin types. I also suffer from seasonal allergies and eczema and have introduce shower steamers and a salve to my line.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started my business, I assumed I would get into every market I signed up for and be able to sell all year long. I quickly learned two lessons, one being that 100% soy and the heat of NC summers do not mix will for in person events and that you will get waitlisted… A LOT. I really had to learn how to push my online presesnce and add prodcts (like soap and shower steamers) that will sell all year.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The first thing (which was initially the hardest for me) was really myself and my story. Letting people see my passion for what I do. “Energy, and good vibes” have become buzzwords however being authentic to myself and my brand has really allowed my customers’ to find me. I make really meaningful connections with customers and that opens the door. But your products have to actually be good for people to both buy them again and recommend them. I put a lot of pride and research into my products, so I am confident in what I present to the market and the response has been really encouraging especially in such a short amount of time,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://somemorecandles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingmorecandles_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Somethingmorecandles/