We were lucky to catch up with Cydni Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cydni, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I aspire to leave a lasting, positive legacy that people will remember. When my time comes, I hope to be celebrated for my unwavering passion for my life’s dreams and my commitment to both my business and those in my circle. I want to be recognized as a dedicated and supportive presence in the lives of those around me.
Cydni, 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?
So, I did my undergrad in journalism at Michigan State University and later got a master’s degree in organizational communications from Wayne State University. But, besides all the academic stuff, I’ve always been the creative type. In addition to that, I Always knew I wanted to own a business but never knew exactly what. I’ve always had this thing for candles. I loved the whole vibe they brought to a space. The problem was, most candles you find in stores, like the ones from Bath and Body Works or Target, gave me terrible headaches. They’re usually packed with synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax. One day, a few months before 2023, I was casually scrolling through YouTube. I stumbled upon candle-making videos, and it got me thinking, “Hey, maybe I could give this a shot.” But I didn’t jump in right away. It was a few days later, still cruising through YouTube, that I came across vlogs and guides about starting a candle business. That’s when the idea really took hold. After a bit more research on supplies and the whole candle-making process, I made up my mind. On January 1st, 2023, I decided to go for it. I brainstormed a name and, finally, on October 23rd, 2023, I officially launched Nue. Light Candle Company.
So, at Nue. Light Candle Company, we’re all about creating natural, handmade candles. We use a mix of all-natural coconut soy wax and fragrances without any weird additives. We’re keeping it simple for now, but trust me, there are big plans for the future. This business gives me that full creative outlet and I love it. My brand is an extension of me and I am so proud that it gets to grow as I grow, which is pretty cool. The goal is clear: we want to offer you outstanding candles. I’ve put in a lot of effort to make sure these candles not only look great but also fill your space with amazing scents when you light them up. We’re all about quality, and I want you to know that when you choose this brand, you’re getting something truly special.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the big things that’s really hit me is that you don’t have to be boxed into one single niche. I mean, when I was growing up, it felt like the world told us, “Go to college, pick a major, and stick to that for the rest of your days.” But deep down, I always knew there was more to explore, more to experience beyond just one career path. It’s been a process for me, and honestly, I’m still working on it today. I’m gradually shifting my mindset and embracing the idea that as long as you’re clear about what you’re passionate about and what you want in life, it’s totally fine to pursue a variety of interests. I’m not saying you should try to do everything at once, but if you dream of being an entrepreneur, an influencer, and tackling other big goals, that’s perfectly okay. The key is putting in the effort and staying committed to making your dreams a reality. It’s about recognizing the diverse facets of your aspirations and finding ways to make them all work together.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Absolutely, I handcraft all of my products. When I first embarked on this journey, I had this naïve idea that making candles was a walk in the park. Boy, was I in for a surprise! It turned out to be quite the opposite. I quickly learned that there was a lot more to it than I initially thought. It involved heaps of trial and error, and yeah, a fair bit of money spent. But I was determined to understand what makes a candle, right from its core components to how it performs. For me, the priority was clear: when you light one of my candles, it should fill your space. If you’re investing your hard-earned money in a product, it should deliver on its promise. What makes this brand truly special is that each product is painstakingly handcrafted from start to finish. I even have this unique concrete candle in the works, entirely made by me, which will be launching in late November 2023. It’s incredibly satisfying to see that I figured out how to create something that actually works. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is that crafting a quality product takes patience. I’m committed to never selling something that could potentially harm or disappoint my customers. Even in the months leading up to the brand’s launch and well after, I’ve been continuously seeking ways to improve. Take, for instance, the concrete candles. I faced a setback when I realized that the initial batch didn’t meet my high standards. Rather than trying to pass off a subpar product at a higher price, I made the tough call to start from scratch. I’ve gained so much knowledge, and I’m still learning every day. The products I create are only getting better as I discover new strategies and source better supplies to ensure these candles are nothing short of exceptional.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nuelightco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuelightco/
Image Credits
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