We recently connected with Rachelle Jacob-Wendler and have shared our conversation below.

Rachelle, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

Starting Soul Space, I faced a struggle that might be familiar to many entrepreneurs: feeling like I needed to be an expert in every aspect of my business. Launching Soul Space was a journey filled with excitement, passion, and also self-doubt. With a background in accounting, numbers were my comfort zone, but other areas like marketing or product design felt daunting. I believed I had to be a “professional” in everything to succeed.

If I were to start over today, I would remind myself that there’s never a perfect time to start something. Waiting for the ideal moment or until you feel fully prepared can keep you stuck in place. I’d also give myself permission to be a beginner in some areas and recognize that learning and growth are part of the entrepreneurial journey. I’d focus on my passion, my vision, and my willingness to adapt, understanding that authenticity often resonates more than perfection. At this stage now, I’m confident that building a business is about having the courage to explore, not about having all the right answers.

However, as much as it’s intriguing to consider what might have been done differently, I must also acknowledge that the process, with all its struggles and triumphs, was invaluable. It may be tempting to wish for a smoother path, but those very bumps along the way, the micro-failures and setbacks, are what shaped Soul Space and me as an entrepreneur.

It’s a subtle irony that the lessons which would make starting over ‘easier’ are only learned through the very process of stumbling, falling, and rising again. Perhaps there’s wisdom in embracing the imperfect start, recognizing that it’s the beginning of a unique journey filled with growth, insight, and evolution.

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.

At the heart of my business, Soul Space, lies a deeply personal passion: connecting with my authentic self and aiding others in doing the same. I’ve always been captivated by experiences that enable us to tap into our authentic essence, our unique soul space. In these moments we are present, mindful, and truly alive. While various sources exist, scent has always held a profound influence in accessing this inner space for me.

I’ve always enjoyed incense sticks and have used them throughout the years for self-care rituals and creating a calming and soothing atmosphere in my home. A few years ago, I became aware of harsh, artificial ingredients that are oftentimes used in these products. Determined to find a better way to enjoy these peaceful and calming scents, I delved into research and came across an ancient and somewhat primitive alternative that involved heating incense over a candle. I was captivated by the fact that this method delivers the same quality fragrance without actually burning the incense.

After months of dedicated development, I devised my own modern approach to this method and coined it, “Incense Warming.” I curated formulas for all natural, plant-based incense to complement these warmers. The benefits of incense warming are many, but most importantly, it’s low-smoke and produces no ash. It’s important for me that consumers can breathe with confidence, knowing that these fragrances are not compromising their well-being. To bring my vision to life, I collaborated with a local ceramic studio to make these ceramic incense warmers. From early on, I wanted to prioritize the significance of local production and community involvement. I take immense pride in having introduced the first-of-its-kind incense warmer to the US market!

Throughout my two-year journey in business, the moments that truly fuel my motivation are when customers express how our product has positively transformed their lives. A recent testimonial from a mother of two deeply resonated with me, as she shared how our incense warmer and incense have reintroduced a sense of calm and clarity into her busy and sometimes chaotic mornings. These personal connections and stories are the heartbeat of Soul Space. They remind me that what started as a personal pursuit has grown into a shared journey, one that extends an invitation to explore, to pause, and to connect with oneself.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

At Soul Space, our manufacturing story begins with a commitment to community and local craftsmanship. Our ceramic incense warmers, each a unique, hand thrown piece, were initially crafted in collaboration with a talented local ceramicist. Her expertise was instrumental in creating products that were not just functional but imbued with a sense of individuality and connection to the local creative energy.

As demand grew, we faced the challenge of scaling our production without losing the essence of our one-of-a-kind warmers. The solution was found in creating custom handmade molds, allowing us to cast incense warmers. This method enabled us to increase production while still embracing local artistry and maintaining the uniqueness of each piece.

The transition was not without its hurdles. The precision required for our ceramic incense warmers, designed to hold a stainless-steel screen, led us into an unexpected phase of trial and error. The ceramic shrinkage during kiln firing became a complex issue, resulting in delays and uncertainties.

The transition to cast incense warmers was a lesson in patience, adaptability, and the importance of staying open to unexpected outcomes. As we navigated these challenges we were reminded that things may not always go as planned. It was a period of growth that required not only technical adjustments but a willingness to embrace flexibility and collaboration.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

While not an “official” business partner, my husband plays an invaluable role in Soul Space. I handle the day-to-day operations, focusing on the immediate needs of the business, while he provides strategic insights and envisions long-term goals for growth.

Initially, his involvement was casual, helping me with one-off tasks like loading and unloading my set-up for pop-up events. But as he witnessed the excitement and potential of Soul Space, his interest grew. He realized that his skills could be more systematically applied to the growth of the business, turning his occasional assistance into an integral collaboration.

It might seem like an unlikely pairing, but our complementary skills have proven to be a working match. His ability to see the bigger picture and plan for the future dovetails beautifully with my attention to the present and the details that keep Soul Space business running smoothly. Of course, blending personal and professional roles can be tricky, but we’ve learned to navigate it by respecting each other’s expertise and most importantly, maintaining open lines of communication. We enjoy the process of brainstorming, planning, and growing Soul Space together, and it’s a joy to see something we both care about flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulspaceincense.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulspaceincense/

Image Credits
Faliesha Dawne