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

Natasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

So, Wicks & Wine, LLC was formed in January 2020, but I did not begin selling products until one year later, at a local pop-up event. After receiving positive feedback about my candles, it prompted me to host my own events, while per-fecting the HT (hot throw) and CT (cold throw) of my candles. One evening while watching television, I seen an Amazon commercial that highlighted a new program geared towards helping Black entrepreneurs accelerate growth, within Amazon’s store. At that moment I knew that I wanted to be a part of the initiative, and the next day, I began researching the program’s qualifications and application process. For about eight months, I worked diligently to prepare a quality candle that was satisfying to my liking, because my brand is everything to me.

After months of researching, and preparation, in March 2022, I packed and shipped my candles to Amazon’s warehouse. I was so nervous because I did not know what to expect. I did not know if I made the right decision or if I should have waited a few more months, but I had to suck it up because the candles were out of my possession, and there was nothing I could do about it. One week later I received a notification from Amazon (FBA) letting me know that a candle was purchased. I started smiling and said, “thank you Jesus!” However, with a puzzled look on my face, I began wondering how my candles were found, because I never received a notification from Amazon that my candles were available for sale. At that moment I logged in to Amazon, typed in Wicks and Wine candle in the search bar, and my candles popped up. I let out a scream, and began sharing the link with family and friends.

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?

Growing up, I dreamt about being a business owner but I never expected my dreams to be delayed. I dropped out of college in my second semester due to being pregnant. Being a teenage mother was not a part of my plans but it was definitely a blessing. At the age of 22, I re-enrolled in college and began working on my undergraduate degree. While working on my Human Resources degree I was employed full time as a manager in the hair industry, and learned a lot in the field; which allowed me to gain experience in problem solving and leadership. The end of 2006, to the middle of 2007 was an extremely busy, yet stressful year for me (i.e. birth of a baby, graduation and etc.). I did not know what route to take but I knew that being at home more was a necessity; therefore, I decided to become a teacher. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and my love of learning made me passionate about teaching. My interest in business allowed me to be the best business teacher I could be, for my students. In 2011, I graduated from Texas Southern University with my MBA. With many of my students facing multiple issues that were difficult for them to cope with, I decided to go back to school for my Masters of Education in School Counseling.

When the pandemic struck our country in 2020, I seen it as an opportunity for growth and with my two boys being self-sufficient, it was time to start that business that I have always wanted. Anyone who knows me knows I love wine, music and candles, so I asked myself many times, how could I couple those things to formulate a business. Therefore, I began divulging in things that made me happy; which led me back to helping others by giving them a great way to express themselves. I enjoy seeing others laugh and smile and that is the principle that Wicks & Wine, LLC was built on. Wicks & Wine, LLC is a mobile business in the sip and paint industry that allows freedom of expression through the candle art experience, as well as, providing custom soy-blend candles.

I am the proud owner of Wicks & Wine, LLC because it’s my company. I started and I am grooming this company by myself. It took me many months to per-fect the cold and hot throw of each candle scent. I studied different waxes, wicks, fragrance oils, temperature mixture melts, and measurements. My customers are able to request certain candle scents, and I make it a priority to supply their wants. I stand firmly behind the brand of Wicks & Wine, LLC and my goals are to pursue profitable growth, while ensuring customer satisfaction. On March 10, 2022, my candles debuted on Amazon, and that is my biggest accomplishment thus far.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I do have website but it is tailored to the sip and paint service, and not the selling of my candles. Being a part of Amazon’s Black Accelerator Program has more pros than cons, to me. The platform has allowed me to expand my brand nationally versus locally. Also, marketing was not my major in college; however, I am learning about the marketing trends, and the many ways to create visibility within the industry.

Since my candles are prepared in glass jars, I have to package the candles so they do not break during the transition from warehouse to customer. Some delivery drivers are not as cautious as others, and I have had broken candle jars delivered to customers. Of course, the customer is sent a replacement; however, damaged goods cost me money.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele was launching my products on Amazon’s platform. By using FBA (fulfilled by Amazon), Wicks & Wine, LLC has the ability to focus on customers and business strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wicksandwinehtx.com
• Instagram: @wicksandwinehtx
• Facebook: Wicks Wine
• Other: Amazon: Wicks and Wine Candle