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

Hi Katrina, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Hello there,

I got started with Candle making back in 2018 after being inspired by a fellow chandler. It started out only as a hobby to gain extra income, but I soon felt something inside of me that wanted this to go further. I began to research and educate myself on the different types of candle making that could be done. I honestly wasn’t sure if it would work, and I also had a lot of self doubt within. Soon after getting prepared and starting with what I thought was a good choice of wax, I started to tell friends and family about my new endeavor! There are so many people who love burning candles, so I felt that this was a good side hustle, in the beginning. I was most excited because this was something outside of my regular self.

Katrina, 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?

Hi,

My name is Katrina, I am a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. I am a Single Mother of two beautiful children whom I love dearly. I have lived in the DFW area for about 7 yrs now and I love it here! I actually got into this candle business by way of watching other fellow candle makers and being so inspired. I started my journey in March of 2018, and have since grown my business organically. I do all handmade Candles, Wax Melts, Carpet Essence and Scented Car Air Freshener! I make all of these product by hand within the comfort of my home, and with the help of my children.

I love to create keepsake moments for my clients. I specialize in Custom Labeling with affordable pricing and quality long lasting products. I love to educate my customers as well as the general public on the benefits of proper candle care and the importance of trimming your wicks. I am most proud that I have built this amazing Candle Company from the ground up and have gained customer retention while doing so.

My brand is unique, fun, cultivating, engaging, uplifting, encouraging and just an awesome encounter! We use non toxic quality products that are safe and not harmful. We are a family owned and operated business who loves to change lives and help as often as we can.

We love engaging in the local communities, doing vendor events, pop up shops, and Giveaways.
Encouraging others while we still encourage ourselves and getting back to the normal. We love to pride ourselves on the outstanding customer service provided. We also love feedback and are willing to make any changes needed.

Spreading love and joy, uplifting others, showing love and appreciation along with an amazing products, is what sets us apart from other Candle Companies! We are not just in this for the money, although it helps, we want to reach the masses and build long lasting relationships with our clients and major companies.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Being a Single Mother can be very hard at times, however by Gods grace, we have pulled through all obstacles! There are times in life where life just happens and you must continue on, no matter how it looks. In those times, is where I have use my resources to pivot and stay afloat. In doing so, you go back to the drawing board at look at everything that is happening, finding out how to stay on top. That could rebranding, outsourcing, confining things down to minimum until you may be able to get back to normalcy. There have been times were rent and bills have been due, but customers also want to order candles but there is no extra income to buy the actual product. I have learned how to come up with great sales, good promotion on pre ordering, extra incentives for word of mouth and simply being transparent with your audience.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Funding your business on your own can be very discouraging and tough. I am still a full time employee who works a traditional 9-5 job and own my business.. I was able to start small, learn a few things and then grow, increase my inventory, find good local vendors with wholesale pricing. Having a plan and some savings was also something that helped, however life does happen sometimes, and you have to know how bad you want it! We are currently building our business credit so that we are able to go forward with getting additional funding for our business and gain partnerships with entities willing to help.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sbhomemadecandles.com
• Instagram: @sbhomemadecandles
• Facebook: @S&B”S Homemade Candles & Scents LLC