We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Desiree’ Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Desiree’ below.

Desiree’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In the midst of the pandemic in 2020, our local mall re-opened that summer. As I was running low on some of my favorite candles, I decided to attend Bath & Body Works for their semi annual sale. However, due to the semi annual sale it was a madhouse and an unpleasant shopping experience. As I was driving on the way home, I started to wonder “What would it take for me to learn how to make my own candles?”, since I love them so much. I was finishing up my last semester of graduate school and knew I would have plenty of free time for researching purposes.

I knew this would be a worthwhile endeavor as Desired Essentials is based on something I love and enjoy creating.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m from Tallahassee and I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Information Technology from Florida State University. I knew I wanted to create my own business but I thought it would be in the realm of IT.

As previously mentioned, I’ve always loved candles. I began researching and testing different waxes, wicks, fragrance oils, vessels, and found the perfect method of creating a candle to my liking and that is when Desired Esscentials was created.

Desired Esscentials is a home fragrance brand that offers scented candles, incense, room sprays, and wax melts. All the products are hand poured in small batches. Desired Esscentials strives to create affordable aromas that are desired and esscential (essential + smell good) for your home.

What I’m most proud of is having over 500 orders within the first year of business.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the beginning, I knew this would be a difficult task as I’m an introvert. I also knew that if I wanted to attract and gain the audience I was seeking that I would have to step out in front of the brand and promote, promote, promote.

My advice for those just starting to build their social media presence would be to engage, interact, and post your content. The one post that you think might not get enough engagement could be the post that could change your life.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

All DE products are handmade by me; from the candles, wax melts, incense, and room sprays. I didn’t know how to manufacture the products in the beginning. A lot of researching and testing took place to find the correct formula.

Along the way, I learned that patience is key and owning a business will have its ups and downs. You must have patience while running a business and building a brand. Social media makes it seem like running a business is easy and that you will see a quick return if you do this or that. Trust your own process, do what works for you, enjoy doing it, and your business will be successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://desiredesscentials.com
• Instagram: @desiredesscentials
• Facebook: Desired Esscentials
• Twitter: @desiredesscents