We recently connected with Kimberlee Ward and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberlee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I have ever taken was recent. I decided to quit my job working as an Academic Advisor for 4 years with no backup plan. I knew that I would decide to become a full-time entrepreneur and work on my business but I had no clue what that would look like. I was out of business and not selling online for a little over a year due to COVID. So I did not have the track record to know if the business would be able to support me financially. However, I decided to make this decision for myself.

I was not doing well in my former position. The office environment from my experience was toxic, there wasn’t an opportunity for professional development in terms of upward movement, I experienced racial microaggressions, and became physically and mentally unhealthy from it all. Trigger Warning: my mental health got to the point where I was contemplating suicide. I was doing my best to handle it through therapy & anti-depressants but it was not enough. After getting physically ill from what I was experiencing I decided it was time. I stayed for so long because I did not want to experience financial hardship from not having a steady income. Since quitting I realized that the stress of financial hardship and not being able to pay bills is way less than what I was going through.

While it is not an experience I would wish to go through or would want anyone to go through it pushed me to recognize I have the ability to survive. I left that job on March 2, 2022, gave myself time to rest, and started doing what I needed to do to relaunch Eternal Balance Candles. I am grateful that I have relaunched and re-connected with new and former customers. I still experience financial hardship as my business is not supporting me financially yet but I am 1000 times happier. I am healing, growing, and looking forward to what Eternal Balance Candles has next for me.

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

I am extending a warm welcome to those who are just learning about who I am and to those who are already near and dear to my heart. I am 30 years old and I have lived in Colorado for the majority of my life. I was born in the beautiful state of California. I consider myself to be a very reflective person. I love journaling, reading, hanging with friends, and binging anything I find slightly interesting on streaming platforms.

I started my business almost 4 years ago! I have had multiple hiccups but 2022 is the year for great transformation for me and you. I started Eternal Balance Candles to help people be intentional about their self-care and mental health. I wanted people to know that candles can elevate their self-care practices by providing relaxation, comfort, and peace. Also, candles are great stress relievers. We often find ourselves teaching others what we need the most and that is the birth of Eternal Balance Candles. I needed a way to take care of myself after being in a situation where I did not have access to appropriate mental health services. While candles are not the end all be all to assisting someone with their mental health. My goal is to provide people with enough tools to improve their physical space and their headspace.

What sets me apart from others is the experience I provide. Eternal Balance Candles are more than just a candle they are the embodiment of your everyday routine, intentionally. Each part of my candle is going to speak to you in some way. From the jar to the scent, to the name, and the picture on the lid. I know because I have had comments from customers on each of these elements. It’s for your relaxation and for the home.

The one thing I am most proud of is that I am still here. If it was not for the people who support me whether by purchasing, sending kind words, helping at markets, or sharing my content I may not be where I am today. I do this for them, I do this for you. I truly believe I am making a positive impact. Additionally, I knew the business was not going to be an easy feat. I knew being an entrepreneur would require me to step outside of my comfort zone in a multitude of ways. However, I have not backed down yet and I love that for myself.

Be on the lookout for Eternal Balance Candles having a physical location in Greenspaces Market opening in October 2022. I will provide further details as I know via Instagram.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Whether or not a candle business can become a 6 or 7-figure business. When I started my business I had people talk about how they used to make candles as a hobby or their wives made candles as a hobby. I did not have the confidence I do now so I initially played small when creating goals. I did not believe I could make this a full-time gig.

I had to take a step back and think about the candle companies that make MILLIONS each year. You have Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, P. F. Candle Co. To bring it closer to home, you have Forvr Mood by Jackie Aina, a Black woman, and someone who I have had the pleasure of knowing Kerry who owns Pearl Street Lights a 6 figure candle company in Colorado. So I started asking, “Why not me?”

I realize this lesson I had to unlearn is something that I work on every day. There are times that I wonder if I am enough and if I have what it takes to become those women I look up to. I know I do.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Getting outside of my comfort zone. I know this may sound cliche and as an introvert, I knew this was going to be the ONE thing I had to make sure I worked on to build myself within the market. It has been a blessing being able to meet new people. I have made so many great connections and friends along the way.

I have had such a great experience with my customers, the business community, and most importantly with women. I know my business will continue to thrive and grow because of the women who support me. I push myself constantly out of my comfort zone to get to know people and I make sure to always be grateful for those that support me. I know that my work within this market and beyond is not done and I will continue to strive to meet my goals. I want Eternal Balance Candles to be a known brand across the united states and one day in other parts of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eternalbalancecandles.com
• Instagram: eternalbalancecandles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eternalbalancecandles/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-ward-ms-she-her-0b91b4110/
• Other: Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/eternalbalancecandles/_created/