We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andessa Augustin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

As a business owner, the market can be saturated and this can cause one to become unmotivated in their craft. I can say that I am my happiest self when I am creating products and mixing scents. It is therapeutic for me and a sense of release. I am also a 9-5er and full time student which can be very stressful at times. There was a moment during Covid that I thought I would give up my business and sell my remaining inventory. I felt everyone was producing similar products and candle making became the most popular business venture. Obtaining vendors became difficult and prices sky-rocketed which made it really difficult to produce sales. I had to remind myself on why I started my business and stayed focused. I simply enjoy making these products and I needed a little reminder of just that.

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?

Sure no problem, Marie’s Halo was created in honor of “mum”, the late grandmother of Andessa Augustin, a native of St. Lucia. Growing up in St. Lucia, “mum” instilled in her the importance of being a creator and making a name for herself. Andessa grew up watching her “mum’s” entrepreneurial spirit; baking and creating knick-knacks for residents of the village, influencing the birth of Marie’s Halo soy candles.

Marie’s Halo was birthed in Brooklyn, NY but now resides in Maryland where small batches are hand poured and cured for hours to obtain classic finishing. Each candle is made with love, using all-natural soy wax, 100% wooden wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils to produce an environmentally friendly product that all customers are comfortable burning in their homes. In addition all of my vessels are handmade from concrete and provide a unique design. The concept is that every vessel is uniquely made for each customer. I also am exploring my creativity by including home décor items such as bowls, trays and body positive sculptures. My home décor items are the perfect singular pieces to elevate your space.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Wow, this question has related to me so many times as I’ve always found myself changing things up. My inner self loves to try new things and constantly testing new scents and product designs. Initially My business has been through many changes from glass jars to handmade vessels and cotton wick to wooden wicks. The changes have been apart of my growth.

I relocated to Maryland roughly two and a half years ago from NYC and change was the reason. I felt ” stuck” in NYC and unmotivated. Since relocating and starting my life over my business, career and education life has pivoted. My brand has grown into this masterpiece that I am proud of and I will hold my MBA( 12/2022) from a HBCU ( Morgan State University).

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson or habit I had to unlearn is that no one is going to purchase items from an imaginary person behind a company. You have to show your potentional customers who you are because they want to relate to you. Creating a relationship with customers is vital in growing a brand and or business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marieshalo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maries_halo/

Image Credits
Arleshia ” Authorized shot photography” Jasmine Thomas ” Jazzed Up Spaces”