We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Mackey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Monique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How has Covid changed your business model?
Covid changed my business model pretty fast. I have been a barber in North Carolina since 2000. When Covid was at its peak barbers couldn’t service our customers and when we could people were afraid to be in closed buildings for too long. As a entrepreneur Covid forced me to take a hobby and turn it into a profitable business. It wasn’t hard making the change because I knew it was sink or swim for 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.
My name is Monique Mackey single parent to a teenage son. I got into the candle industry during the pandemic when I couldn’t work. I began studying candles in 2019 and fell in love with the process of making them. Currently I make candles, wax melts, linen sprays, carpet fresh and poop spray. We provide a clean burn with strong scent throw without the use of soy wax, our ingredients are eco friendly, toxin free and we use clean scents. Plus if I make a candle and it gives me a headache I will not make that combination of wax & fragrance. I am most proud of how I have maintained and the growth of my business during a awkward time. I want potential customers to know when they buy from us, this will be one of the last candle companies you buy from, we have a loyal customer base and we make sure you’ll be satisfied with your purchases
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
You might here me say “We” a lot. Well my business partner is my son. He was 15 when we started. Being a single mom working 10-12 hour days my child was a turn key kid and a introvert who rarely left his room. During this process of starting the business and me being home more he became involved and very interested in candle making. So now I have a thriving 18 year old who isn’t afraid to talk about our business
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I took the stimulus check and brought my first supplies. I made candles and took promo pictures. Announced on Facebook to my family and friends about the business. The first set of candle were gone in 30 minutes. I took preorders on the next batch and that’s how I was able to continue
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kscandlecompany.com
- Instagram: @kindredspirit_candlecompany
- Facebook: Kindred Spirit Candle Company