We recently connected with LayToya Carter and have shared our conversation below.
LayToya, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea to start Escents of Hue came after I was asked what I wanted to for myself. My response to that was let me think about it and get back with you. To me that was a loaded question. After a lot of thinking and praying for God to guide and direct my path. God gave me the name, concept and the direction to start Escents (pronounced essence) of Hue, which to me translates to the scent of colors. I have always loved things that smell good including candles. For my birthday that year we got starter kits from Hobby Lobby, because I did not know anything about making candles. After that I did a lot of research about waxes, oils, wicks, and even the vessels. How they worked together to get the “perfect” final product. After researching, I just started even though everything was not “perfect” I started. I changed my packaging or branding several times until I knew the aesthetics where what I was looking for. When I look back over everything I can see the growth and the glow up of Escents of Hue. I knew that I wanted to offer fragrance combinations that were unique. I also wanted the names to be different. I didn’t want to use the names of the fragrance oils, but I wanted my customers to have an experience when they lit one of my candles. For example, one of my fragrances is called King of the House and when it is lit it reminds you of a strong man who is the “king” of his house. Lol, that is a favorite for women because they say it reminds them of a man getting out of the shower.
I wanted to bring not just a burst of color but uniquely blends scents to the candle world. I knew this would work because I forced myself to think outside of the box and offer more than the traditional basic fragrances. I continued to build upon that and also made it my mission to not just offer unique fragrances, but also offer an eco-friendly product. By incorporation soy wax, cotton wicks, and clean fragrances my candles offer a long lasting, slow burn, clean candle.
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 am LayToya Carter, a dedicated law enforcement dispatcher and the proud owner of Escents of Hue. My journey into the world of fragrance and self-care began three years ago with what started as a small venture in my home and has now blossomed into a thriving brick-and-mortar establishment in the heart of Tallahassee, FL. At Escents of Hue, we specialize in creating an elevated experience for our customers. Our range of products includes handcrafted soy candles, room sprays, and wax melts – each designed to enhance any space with our blended aromas. Additionally, we offer a luxurious skin moisturizer crafted with natural butters and oils, featuring ingredients like mango, cupuaçu, and cocoa butter for a truly indulgent experience. The newest exciting addition to our offerings is our candle making classes, which we introduced in August of last year. The response from the Tallahassee community has been incredible, and it is heartwarming to see so many individuals discovering the art of candle making and finding joy in creating their own personalized scents.
What sets Escents of Hue apart is our commitment to providing not just products, but experiences that foster relaxation and self-expression. We understand the hustle and bustle of daily life, and our products aim to be a remedy – a way to create moments of tranquility in the midst of it all. I take immense pride in the growth of Escents of Hue from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved part of the Tallahassee community. The support we’ve received has been overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring a touch of serenity and self care into people’s lives.
To our potential customers, I want you to know that Escents of Hue is a reflection of my dedication to creating products and experiences that uplift and rejuvenate. Whether you’re attending our candle making classes, indulging in our handcrafted products, or simply exploring the world of self-care, we invite you to join us on this journey of creating moments of bliss and relaxation. Your well-being is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to share the Escents of Hue experience with you!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In regards to resilience – our journey defines the spirit of Escents of Hue. Starting a business is never easy, and doing so during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic added an extra layer of complexity. Almost four years ago, just before we were told to stay in place, I decided to start a candle business. Little did I know that this decision would coincide with a global pandemic. The hurdles were many – adapting to new regulations, navigating the uncertainties of the market, and facing the unique challenges that came with starting a business during a time of crisis.
One of the significant challenges we encountered was the scarcity of supplies. The pandemic disrupted supply chains, and essential materials for crafting our products became scarce. At times, it felt like the odds were stacked against us, and there were moments of frustration. However, the spirit of resilience that fueled me to keep Escents of Hue going didn’t waver.
In those challenging times, I got creative. We found alternative sources for our materials, connected with different suppliers, and adapted our processes to make the most of the available resources. It was a testament to the determination to keep the dream alive and provide an amazing product.
The experience of withstanding the challenges of starting a business during COVID-19 and overcoming the scarcity of supplies has become a defining chapter in the Escents of Hue story. It taught us the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the unwavering belief that even in the face of adversity, there’s always a way forward. Escents of Hue not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, more adaptable, and more committed than ever to providing moments of joy and relaxation through our products. We’re grateful for the journey, the lessons learned, and the opportunity to share our story of overcoming challenges with all of you.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Our website serves as a curated haven where you can explore and indulge in the essence of Escents of Hue. Navigating through the site, you’ll find a diverse array of handcrafted soy candles, room sprays, wax melts, and skincare products, all designed to enhance your moments of self-care. The user experience is at the forefront of our website design. You can easily browse through our collections, read detailed product descriptions, and make secure and seamless transactions. Our website is more than just a store; it’s a personalized space where you can engage with the Escents of Hue brand, discover exclusive offers, and connect with us directly.
Originally we created an account on Etsy, which might have lasted about 1 month before we converted to our website. Having our website offers its own pros and cons. The pros includes brand autonomy and a direct customer relationship while also offering customization and flexibility. Having our independent website gives us complete control over our brand identity, aesthetics, and customer experience. We can tailor the website to reflect the unique essence of Escents of Hue. Our website allows us to establish a direct and personal connection with you. We can communicate directly, gather feedback, and tailor our offerings based on your preferences. We have the freedom to customize the website to suit our specific needs. From design elements to marketing strategies, the level of flexibility is unmatched.
On the other hand the cons include setup costs as well as building/maintaining traffic to the site. Setting up and maintaining an independent website involves initial costs for hosting, domain registration, and potential development. Marketing efforts and strategies are crucial to ensuring visibility and attracting potential customers. It is on us to drive traffic to our website.
There are a different set of pros and cons that comes with seller platforms such as Amazon and Etsy. These platforms have a massive user base, providing immediate access to a large pool of potential customers. Setting up a store on Amazon or Etsy is generally quicker and requires less technical know-how compared to managing an independent website. On the other hand, The branding on these platforms is often standardized, limiting our ability to fully express the unique personality of Escents of Hue. Amazon and Etsy charge commission fees on sales, which can impact overall profitability. Not to mention the vast number of sellers on these platforms can lead to intense competition, making it challenging to stand out.
Therefore, while platforms like Amazon and Etsy offer convenience and access to a broad audience, having our independent website provides us with unparalleled brand autonomy and a direct connection with you, our valued community. We believe in the uniqueness of the Escents of Hue experience and are committed to providing a personalized and engaging journey through our dedicated platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.escentsofhue.com
- Instagram: @escentsofhue
- Facebook: @escentsofhue