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

Latisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time I definitely would have started my business much sooner. If I would have started my business sooner I would have allowed myself more time to grow, experiment with my ideas, and build my brand. I also could have been further along in reaching my goals. However, timing is key in business, so I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the progress I’ve made since starting, and I believe everything happens for a reason. I launched my business in 2020, but in 2019 I started taking classes and educating myself on everything related to candle making and owning a business. But before I started my candle business I worked in the healthcare industry for notable companies such as Cedars-Sanai, UCLA, and more. I absolutely loved working in the medical field because I love helping people and seeing them get better after they received care from the amazing physicians and staff.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Pleascent was born out of my passion for creating high-quality, natural candles that not only fill spaces with inviting scents but also promote wellness and peace. I’ve always had an appreciation for fragrances and their ability to transform a room or uplift a mood, which inspired me to dive into the candle-making world. What started as a hobby soon turned into a business when I realized there was a growing demand for eco-conscious, toxin-free home fragrance products.

At Pleascent, I focus on producing premium candles made from natural coconut wax, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and cotton wicks, ensuring a cleaner burn without harmful chemicals like parabens. In addition to candles, we offer reed diffusers, linen mists and accessories. Our products provide a healthier alternative to traditional candles, without compromising on scent throw, our health, or longevity.

What sets Pleascent apart is our commitment to sustainability and sophistication. I take pride in sourcing eco-friendly materials and ensuring that every product reflects the same level of care and attention to detail I would want for my own home. Plus, our luxury candles offer an elevated experience, making them perfect for people who value both aesthetics and environmental responsibility.

For me, Pleascent is not just about selling candles—it’s about creating an experience. I want our clients to feel that they’re bringing home something special, something that enhances their environment and well-being. Ultimately, I want people to know that with Pleascent, they’re not just getting a candle, they’re investing in a product that’s luxurious, safe, and made with intention.

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

The best source for new clients came from me applying for farmers/vendor markets, festivals, and any place that would allow me to pop-up and sell my products in person rather than my website. I have done pop-ups at the beautiful store West Elm, Malibu Wines and Beer Garden, Venice Fest, and more. When it comes to candles, customers love to smell them to get a true sense of the fragrance.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I definitely handcraft every single one of my products myself. I got started by going to multiple candle making classes, as well as practicing at home in my kitchen. I also watched countless YOUTUBE videos and tutorials to master my craft. I didn’t know how to create a candle before I attended the classes. As a matter of fact I thought you needed a huge factory to mass produce candles, I never knew it was something I could do in my own home. When I started my business, for a split second I entertained the thought of having a company manufacture candles for me. But I decided against it because I found peace and joy when creating the candles and blending fragrances. Another reason I didn’t want to have my products manufactured was because I would have to increase my prices for customers being that I would need to pay the company for doing the work for me. I enjoy doing every step of the job and learning along the way so I am glad I stuck to handcrafting my candles on my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pleascent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleascent/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleascent

Image Credits

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