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

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

During a pop-up at ShareTea, a bubble tea shop in Beaverton, OR, I met a lovely couple intrigued by my Asian-inspired scents. The wife picked up my ube scented candle and was overwhelmed by the feelings and emotions it evoked. She shared that she had recently moved to the US from the Philippines and was feeling homesick. The scent took her back to a time when she made an ube dessert with her family. As a candlemaker, it touched my heart to witness this kind of human connection. Even as strangers, the scent of the candle connected her to a special memory and created a bridge of connection between us. My favorite stories from customers often start with, “This scent reminds me of…” These moments reaffirm why I do what I do.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, my name is Kim, and I’m the heart and soul behind Sweet Serendipity Candle, a small-batch, hand-poured soy wax candle business based in Portland, OR. My journey into the world of candle making began as a deeply personal quest to blend my Vietnamese heritage with my American experiences, creating a unique way to share my story and connect with others through the power of scent.

Growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese-American, I often felt caught between two worlds. My role as an AANHPI lead for our employee resource group at my work played a significant role in helping me embrace my cultural identity. This journey of self-discovery and community-building inspired me to start Sweet Serendipity Candle.

Each of our 10 signature scents is inspired by memorable first experiences in America, while six of our scents are rooted in my Vietnamese upbringing inspired by snack and food that I grew up with. Whether it’s the comforting smell of ube or the nostalgic fragrance of pandan, our candles are designed to evoke powerful memories and emotions.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around Sweet Serendipity. Our customers aren’t just buying candles; they’re joining a journey of cultural exploration and personal connection. We celebrate the beauty of unexpected, serendipitous moments, and we invite everyone to share in that joy.

For those who may be new to Sweet Serendipity, I want you to know that our candles are crafted with love, care, and a deep respect for the memories and stories that shape our lives. We strive to bring a piece of our heritage into your home, creating a bridge between cultures and generations through the power of scent.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In the early days, I faced numerous challenges—finding the right suppliers, perfecting my candle recipes, and balancing a full-time job while working on my side hustle. One particularly tough period was during the eight months in 2023 when I was learning the art of candle making.

I spent countless nights experimenting with different waxes, wicks, and fragrance oils. There were many moments of frustration when a batch didn’t turn out right, or the scent throw wasn’t as strong as I wanted. I even had a few instances where I felt so discouraged because it seemed like I couldn’t get it right. But every time I felt that way, I reminded myself of the 1% better every day mindset. I remind myself that I don’t need to figure it all out today, just one thing at a time.

One of my favorite quotes to live by is from Henri Matisse, “Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.” It reminds us that sometimes we need to take a leap before we are ready. Too often, we stand in our own way, limiting our potential and what we can achieve. By diving into the work, we learn to navigate the journey step by step, ask the right questions, seek guidance, and utilize the resources available to us. This process teaches us about grit, trusting the journey, and gradually connecting more with our mission and vision. Growth happens when you start, not when you wait.

This period taught me the importance of resilience, patience, and learning from every setback. It wasn’t just about making candles; it was about staying true to my mission and pushing through the challenges. Today, when I light one of my candles, I’m reminded of that journey and the determination it took to bring Sweet Serendipity Candle to life. It’s a testament to the idea that perseverance, even in the face of repeated failures, can lead to something beautiful and meaningful.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

One of the best sources for new clients for Sweet Serendipity Candle has been participating in local markets and pop-up events. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and share our candles in person. People can experience the scents firsthand, which is often a more compelling introduction.

At these events, I get to share the stories behind each scent and explain the inspiration drawn from my Vietnamese heritage and personal experiences. I also love hearing about other customers’ stories when they are drawn to a certain scent. This personal touch resonates with people and helps build a connection that goes beyond just purchasing a product.

Additionally, word-of-mouth referrals have been incredibly valuable. Satisfied customers who love our candles often share their experiences with friends and family, leading to new clients who trust their recommendations. Social media has also played a crucial role, allowing us to reach a broader audience and engage with potential customers through posts, stories, and reviews.

Overall, the combination of in-person interactions at local events and the power of word-of-mouth and social media has been instrumental in growing our client base and building a loyal community around Sweet Serendipity Candle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sweetserendipitycandle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetserendipitycandle/

Image Credits

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