We recently connected with Candace Randall-Bell and have shared our conversation below.

Candace, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think in order to be successful you must first be committed to your passion. Have fun and make sure you enjoy what you do. I think it is important to learn from your mistakes. It’s important to also be authentic and stay true to yourself and your mission. Last but not least, make time for yourself. do not get discouraged or burnout.

Candace, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started candle making about 4 years ago. I started right in my kitchen, friends and family would come over and always say how wonderful my candles smelled. I then turned my hobby into my passion and business. I looovee candles!!! I started an online store and attended popup shops. Soon after, the business just took off. We were featured in Busboys and Poets, along with other local businesses in the Howard County. I then became a little bored with making candles and decided, I wanted to teach others how to make candles. We started the candle making classes about 2 years ago. However, some people thought I was crazy to do this, because I was teaching others my craft. I didn’t see it as that. We are all authentic in our own way. I enjoy teaching others the craft and skill of candle making. We then found a storefront in October 2023 and opened our first candle store in the Historic Savage Mill (Howard County). Within seven months we are now moving to a larger location in the Historic Savage Mill, in order to expand our retail and candle making space. We are truly blessed and enjoy so much of what we do!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

It is not easy being a business owner, wife, mother and the list goes on and on…. It’s hard to balance all the many hats I wear, but you have to keep going. Even on days when you have no sales, keep going. I have learned you may not have sales every day, but you must still be productive and show up. Before you know it, business will pick right back up.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy is word of mouth. Customer Service is our number one priority. We want people to want to come back and invite others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.candlesbycandyshop.com
• Instagram: @candles_by_candy
• Facebook: Candles by Candy