We were lucky to catch up with Marsha Guillory, PhD recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marsha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Am I happier as a business owner? Honestly, yes—but it’s not always the “dream life” people imagine. It’s a different kind of happiness, the kind that comes from building Guillory Candle Co. into something meaningful since 2021.
I’ll admit, the idea of a “regular job” still crosses my mind. There’s a certain appeal in the thought of a 9-to-5 where you just clock out and not be the one responsible for every moving part. The last time that thought popped up, wasn’t because of some big crisis; I was just having one of those days where everything needed my attention at once.
But when I really think about it, I didn’t start this because I wanted “easy.” I started it because I wanted to create something intentional and purposeful.
At the end of the day, I don’t want a different career— sometimes I just need a moment to breathe. Entrepreneurship doesn’t guarantee a perfect day every day, but it offers a level of fulfillment I never found anywhere else. That’s what keeps me going, even when things get loud and messy.
Marsha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Marsha, the owner and founder of Guillory Candle Co., a luxury candle brand I started in 2021. I didn’t come from a fragrance background — I got into this because I’ve always cared about how a space feels- the warmth, the mood and the intention behind it, especially working remotely for the past 15yrs. Candles became the way I could blend intention and sensory experience into something people could bring into their homes and workspaces.
I create hand‑poured candles and home fragrance products designed to elevate everyday living. My focus is on clean ingredients, thoughtful scent profiles, and a minimal aesthetic. My goal is simple: to help people create spaces that feel calm, warm, and personal, while adding a little everyday luxury to their lives.
The problem I solve is pretty universal: people want their homes to feel calm, inviting, and personal; my candles help set the tone. Because I’m a small‑batch maker, I’m able to give each product the kind of attention that larger brands simply can’t.
What I’m most proud of is the community that has grown around this brand. Hearing that my candles helped someone unwind or became part of their self‑care rituals, means more to me than any metric.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about Guillory Candle Co., it’s that this brand was built with care from day one. It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, and every product is crafted to bring a little more peace and beauty into someone’s space.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I started Guillory Candle Co. in 2021, I funded it myself. I didn’t take on loans, outside investors, or any kind of assistance. I made the decision to withdraw from an investment account and use that as my initial capital.
It wasn’t the easiest choice, but it felt right. I wanted the freedom to build this brand on my own terms — slowly, intentionally, and without pressure to scale before I was ready. Every dollar went toward learning the craft, sourcing quality materials, and creating products I could stand behind.
Looking back, I’m proud that the business was built from my own resources and belief. It kept me grounded, kept the brand true to its purpose, and allowed Guillory Candle Co. to grow in a way that feels authentic to me.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One moment that really tested my resilience came when the candle market started to feel overwhelmingly saturated. Everywhere I looked, it felt like someone new was launching a candle line, and I’d catch myself thinking, “Who needs another candle?” It’s a tough feeling when you’re pouring your heart into something and the industry suddenly feels crowded.
Around that same time, the people I originally hoped to build this legacy with realized the business wasn’t for them. They stepped away, and I found myself carrying the entire vision on my own. That shift was heavy — not because I doubted the brand, but because I had to quickly adjust from shared responsibility to being the one making every decision, solving every problem, and keeping the momentum alive.
That season taught me something important: resilience isn’t loud. It’s not always a big comeback moment. Sometimes it’s choosing to keep going when the excitement fades, when the support changes, or when the market feels noisy. It’s trusting that your work still matters, even when it feels like the world has more than enough of what you create.
Guillory Candle Co. exists today because I pushed through those moments. I reminded myself that intention can’t be duplicated, and that there’s room for my voice, my craft, and my story — even in a crowded space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guillorycandleco.com
- Instagram: @guillorycandleco
- Facebook: Guillory Candle Co
