We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Myia Spivey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Myia below.

Myia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

At Be Light Candle RE, we’re proud to serve underserved communities through our partnership with the non-profit organization Ripple Effects. In Rocky Mount, NC, where our business is rooted, many areas are considered food deserts. So, we’ve taken steps to help address food insecurity by supporting initiatives that provide meals to our neighbors in need, especially seniors. Thanks to our candle sales, we’ve helped supply hundreds of pounds of food to those who need it most.

But our impact doesn’t stop there—it goes global. In Kenya, we started the first-ever Be Light greenhouse and garden, creating a sustainable food source for the local community. Back home, we’re creating jobs for women in our community, especially those who face barriers to employment due to past criminal records.

Our candles do more than just smell great—they make a real difference. Each purchase contributes to funding scholarships for disadvantaged youth, supporting the next generation and breaking cycles of poverty. Through these efforts, we’re making an impact both locally and globally, staying true to our mission of helping vulnerable communities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up, I watched my parents run a non-profit that impacted lives around the world, and while their work was incredible, funding was always a challenge. When I graduated college in the middle of the pandemic, this issue became even more apparent as funding opportunities dried up, despite the fact that they were helping more people than ever before. In my final year of college, seeing the difference they were making while struggling with funding inspired me to find my own way to contribute. That’s when I decided to create a for-profit business that could support their mission while reaching even more people. I’ve always had a passion for creativity and candles, so starting Be Light Candle RE felt like the perfect fit. The best part is that I get to work alongside my family, creating something meaningful and helping communities across the globe.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting a small business after the pandemic wasn’t easy. With so much uncertainty, I knew I needed to be thoughtful about how I raised the initial capital. I started attending every event hosted by our local small business center, soaking up all the knowledge I could. Along the way, I made valuable connections who offered advice and guidance, and even met some potential investors just by showing up to these events. It really reinforced the idea that the more people you meet, the more opportunities open up—like they say, “the more hands you shake, the more money you make!”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One important lesson I had to unlearn was that every “no” isn’t rejection—it’s sometimes redirection. In the beginning, when I would reach out to people or businesses about our candles, I took every “no” personally. But over time, I realized that a “no” didn’t mean failure, it just meant I needed to reevaluate my approach and possibly pivot. Instead of being discouraged, I started to see “no” as a chance to restrategize and grow. In the end, each “no” helped me get closer to an even bigger “yes.” It’s been a valuable mindset shift for me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.BeLightCandleRE.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_belightcandlere/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeLightCandle21/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/be-light-candle
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMKBIE051TM&t=22s
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/belightcandles/

Image Credits

Be Light Candle RE