We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Mott-mcmillian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Monica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I am a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor. Pre-COVID I would speak to groups of varies ages telling me story in hopes to open the door for them to know there is life after and you don’t have to stay in abuse. My goal was to give them examples of abuse because one always thinks physical only.
In 2020, I was gifted my LLC and I decided my product would be candles. I knew that the proceeds would fund victims and survivors of domestic violence. Originally I just made candles of many fragrances because they are relaxing, reviving, refreshing, comforting. Then I rebranded in 2024 when I experienced domestic violence again! It wasn’t against me personally but it was my mother! This triggered me and put me in a place where I needed to remember all the work I did to heal. I went back to my candles! I gathered fragrances and began to create swabs, as I smelled them only a few mixes brought me to emotions that I experienced as I went through my own domestic violence marriage. I began to name the swabs/fragrances those emotions and thats where my brand stands today. No candle is made up of one fragrance. They are all made from soy wax and wood wicks. I do try and provide the healthier side of materials for my brand.
Every dollar goes into the cause and we are donors to Lillubies and Chaos which is a nonprofit that funds baby showers for underserve single parents.
My motto is we are not here to profit but to provide!

Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a mother of 4 children, 3 biological and 1 bonus daughter. I am the grandmother of 3 amazing grandchildren. I am originally from New Orleans, La. where I lived until 2005 when Hurricane Katrine hit. I relocated to Katy, TX. I was a teen mom times 2, I have been on my own since I was 17 years old, and I graduated high school at 20 with 2 kids. I married my abuser at the early age of 21, had our daughter at 22.
The UnSeen Cry LLC was given the name due to the years of abuse I suffered and no one ever seeing or hearing my cry for help. As people who were very family oriented before 2005, no one ever asked the obvious questions about “this good man.” I started making candles because when I would have counseling sessions, she always had a candle lit. The one time she didn’t, my entire session was off to the point we ended early. With the UnSeen Cry I also make myself available to tell my story. This helps others because they know you can relate to them and you will not judge them. I realized that in my DV situation I had to take ownership for the things I had done. Not saying it warrentted physical abuse but I let others know, I played apart. I think this is what sets me apart from others because most times you don’t find victims that will say you know what I initially started that discussion and it led to the altercation.
I am most proud of standing up for myself and being able to walk away so I can fight with others!
I want people to know that there is nothing easy about being a victim and helping those that are trying to get out! There are triggers but I have to channel that so I can continue to focus on the person I am currently assisting. The only pay I get for this is rescuing another victim and knowing I possibly saved a life. I choose to do this! Know and understand I do not profit from the sale of my candles and wax melts!

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

Yes I personally do each candle and wax melt. I did have to the materials to manufacture my product but for me I was blessed to have my wife who works in logistics. I was guided in the right direction for wholesale vendor and was able to make the calls and create lines of business to make sure my products would come from the same company each time.
When manufacturing your own products I learned to shop around but don’t low ball your products because that usually will give you low quality material. Be consistent, use time management, do your own shipping, and exceptional customer service is a must. Know that it can be time consuming.

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

In February 2024, my mother was found in her home after being held hostage for over 24 hours. She was in bad shape! I received the call that she had not shown up to work and they were going to do a welfare check at her home. 2.5 hours had past and I was at work when I received the disturbing photo of my mother who I couldn’t even recognize! In that moment I had flash backs but I had a 17 year old young lady who was also counting on me for support at that moment. I ran to the restroom, let out a scream, called my wife so she could calm me down, said a prayer, washed my face, and proceeded with my last hour at work.
When I arrived home I booked a ticket to go be with my mom for a week and I was anxious, had sleepless nights in the very home this all took place for her, but I knew I need to be there for my mother who is now my client.
Never in a million years did I think I would be going to do intakes with her, doctors appointments because of the injuries she sustained, and having to listen to her story over and over as she told what she could remember.
Through this all I am still fighting for justice for my mother! As a survivor I had triggering moments but I have been stronger than I thought I would be. God has laid out this plan for me and it doesn’t matter who crosses my path, I will stand in the gap to assist them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theunseencry.com
• Instagram: theunseencryllc

Image Credits

All the images provided are mine or they were from my social media due to customers reactions to their orders.