We recently connected with Jayda Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Jayda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Learning to use aromatherapy while simultaneously healing my own heartbreak has not been an easy journey. I learned about the benefits of aromatherapy while receiving my 1st Reiki healing session in 2010. From that moment I started using it in my daily life. I was putting droplets of Lavender on jewelry, clothing and diffusers to be sure I had it with me. It prevented or sometimes stopped my panic attacks. In 2013 my partner at the time, gifted me my 1st candle making kit. Through a series of you tube videos and trial and error, I taught myself how to make essential oil infused soy candles. After doing a little research I found actual candle making classes in Quakertown PA.
Looking back on how things began I feel that I could have sped up the learning process by gifting candles to my friends sooner. Honest feedback and constructive criticism have been my best teachers so far. Being open to hearing how other people experience my products has been most essential to the growth of my business.
I love what I do and I have only been able to concentrate on my craft and my business because of the support of my loving partner. I was able to quit my full time job as an Ophthalmic tech at GBMC hospital and pursue a career in wellness. My candles are just the beginning. Changing careers after working in the same field for 7 years has presented a laundry list of obstacles that I honestly wasn’t prepared for.
I had to start back at square one, working an entry level position as a beauty advisor at Sephora. Not only have I had to adjust to a large pay cut but I’ve been trying to navigate a very different work environment/culture than I was used to. In the beauty industry ego and insecurities are everywhere.
Turning up my wellness practices and reconnecting with my therapist have been a game changer in keeping me grounded.
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 a 38 year old woman from Baltimore city who has worked to break the stigma on caring for your mental health especially in black communities. I created “Candles By Design-Naturally Posh” to encourage people to create the personal oasis they need in their own homes, by incorporating luxury aromatherapy products into their everyday lives. At this time, CB Design-Naturally Posh offers hand poured coconut soy candles. What sets us apart from other candle companies is that our candles are made with essential oils and skin safe fragrance oils. We also use a soft creamy blend of beeswax, coconut wax and soy wax. We are mindful of our carbon foot print by using sustainable material for packaging and shipping. We also create themed candles for party favors, wedding favors and novelty gift sets. Our candles are designed to melt away stress and raise the vibration of any space, doing so with luxury, elegance and style.
CB Design isn’t going to stop at candles. Currently I’m going through the process of becoming a licensed Esthetician so that I can expand my brand and provide helpful services like waxing, facials, brows and lashes. I also want to create a skin care line that focuses on issues such as hyperpigmentation, dull dehydrated skin and texture. I also plan to create organic perfumes that are true in scent and good for the skin.
I am dedicated to the overall quality of my candles and to the consistent growth and expansion of my business and my communities. That’s why Candles By Design-Naturally Posh will be donating a percentage of its profits to one of my favorite mental health organizations, NAMI Maryland (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) in 2023.
For the past 4 years I have been a volunteer for NAMI Maryland and I’m proud to support them in providing resources for local communities and destroying the toxic stigma against seeking help for mental health issues.
Outside of candle making and volunteer work, I love to write music, sing and model. Although my music has taken a bit of a back seat since 2020, I am in the process of polishing old songs and writing new ones. I’m excited to say that I am working with some of the most talented musicians and MC’s in Baltimore to reinvent my myself and redefine my music. I plan to drop a few new songs in summer 2023.
Follow Candles_bydesign on IG and visit Candlesbydesign.net for more info
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My desire to be a strong partner in my relationship and to have freedom to live comfortably has been my main motivation for my creative journey. If I don’t express myself creatively, I find myself frustrated and operating from a place of stagnant toxic energy. Monetizing my talents is great, but over the years I’ve realized I love to create for the outlet. My art is not only for extra income, its for my mental health. Creative expression like writing lyrics, singing, modeling, poetry, candle making; it all plays a factor in raising my vibration.
My goal and mission that drives this creative journey is elevating the quality of my life and the lives of those I connect with.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that others relate to my work. When a customer reaches out to tell me they love my candles I light up with satisfaction and joy. When I finally gather the nerve to share poetry or my music on the stage at an open mic and I hear a few snaps from the audience, I feel seen and heard. Gaining a sense of community and connection through my art and creativity is a high that is unmatched.
Contact Info:
- Website: candlesbydesign.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candles_bydesign/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHaj1Ki4Ei6HNclb0R3rSFA
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/2384
Image Credits
Marcell Mcdowell, RJ Scott