Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lexus Valentine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lexus, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Since we last spoke , I launched a new business in the midst of battling a chronic illness, ( A candle and home goods business) as a woman with reproductive issues, being a mother, and operating a business was never easy but my mental health begin to take a toll on me due to my physical health not being at par, Self care became the very last thing I was concerned about, I loved to light candles to make my home smell and feel refreshed but could never figure out why I always struggled with headaches, come to find out the toxins in the candles were causing me to have unbearable headaches, This is something I took serious because if it was happening to me, it was effecting my children and other people I care about. I began to make candles and researched the products that would be the safest but still provide that wonderful smell we all love. I began to build my brand , and launch a product that was representing the new found motto I now Live by ” Self care is luxury” because caring for ourselves is luxurious too. I launched Devine Candle Co, In November of last year after having my last and final surgery. We have Luxury Candles, Bath Salts, Wax Melts, Room & Linen sprays, Carpet freshener and so much more. The journey always starts as an idea, it takes time dedication, research and work, make sure the business you are starting is not just about money, but it is something you are passionate about.

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

My name is Lexus Valentine (@millionairelexx) on Instagram. I am a serial entrepreneur, I own a Luxury candle & home goods business, I am a travel agent , Investor, Podcast host and most importantly a mother of 3 beautiful children. I am actually currently working on another business project with my family and am super excited to release it to the public. Starting a business and leaving the work life, was not an easy transition with a family but it was something that was neccesary to give me the life I desired for me and my children. I am most proud of continuing to thrive even while dealing with mental and physical health issues, I am a real person and am understanding it is okay for me to feel life hit me and to take a break when necessary. Most times we feel defeated when we need to take a break, but the important thing is getting back up when things are not always easy. I want to continue to grow my brand and help ladies like me create theirs too. The goal is live out our dreams and help others along the way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I would say the story that best reflects my resilience would be my health, I was diagnosed with Adenomyosis and Endometriosis in January of 2021, the diagnosis came after 2 years of battling with issues and seeing several different doctors. I thought finally having issues would help it all make sense and give me a sense of peace, but not being able to rid of the pain was the biggest battle. In 2021 alone I had 7 surgeries and most days could not get out of bed because I was in too much pain, I felt like no one understood me or what I was going through. I quit working on my business , I quit talking to my friends and family and I almost quit life. I got a hysterectomy in November and the day I got home from the hospital I started the journey of launching my new business, I wasn’t going to let that illness take anything else from me, the world doesn’t speak or know too much about those things so often times people going through them feel alone. I decided to keep fighting because someone else out there needed to hear it, someone else out there needed to see me keep going and keep pushing my businesses. Someone NEEDS a you, someone is waiting on you!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy has been staying consistent on social media, I notice the more I post the more my customers and potential customers see my product and brand and that means the more they are willing to buy my products. I also think showing real people and real reviews of your product help customers desire your product, because people really do have FOMO and they want to see what the hype is about.

Contact Info:

• Website: devinecandleco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millionairelexx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ma.Heart.Crushed
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiFfThrE3ElznZfsP2ZV7pQ/featured