We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Evans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

As a business owner, I often find myself juggling a myriad of emotions, oscillating between satisfaction and doubt. There are certainly days when I feel elated, reveling in the creative control I have over my products. Crafting something from scratch and watching it come to life is incredibly fulfilling. Yet, this freedom comes with its challenges, particularly the financial instability that accompanies entrepreneurship.

One of the stark realities of owning a business is that you don’t earn a paycheck until you make a sale. There have been countless moments when I’ve wondered whether returning to a regular job would provide the stability I crave—especially when faced with the uncertainty of steady income.

The last time I grappled with this thought was particularly vivid. I had just launched my online store, pouring in weeks of hard work and passion, excited about the launch. But as days turned into weeks, I experienced the unsettling silence of an empty shopping cart. A month passed with no sales, and my excitement began to wane, replaced by anxiety and self-doubt.

In those moments of despair, I envisioned what it would be like to return to a traditional job. I pictured a steady paycheck, predictable hours, and the potential to network with others, which might open doors for my products in ways my online store hadn’t. I imagined the comfort of routine—the simplicity of clocking in and out, without the weight of marketing strategies and customer outreach weighing on my shoulders.

However, as I sat there, contemplating this possible return, I dug deeper into my feelings. I realized that the thought of leaving behind my business filled me with a pang of sadness. I had invested so much time and passion into it, and part of me rebelled against the idea of giving up. I reminded myself of the small victories—every positive feedback, every moment of joy I felt when someone appreciated what I had created.

Ultimately, I came to understand that the challenges I faced were part of the entrepreneurial journey. It was a process of learning, adjusting, and growing. While the idea of a regular job seemed appealing in moments of struggle, the freedom and passion I felt when working for myself were compelling reasons to persist.

In the end, I chose to stick it out, refining my marketing strategies and exploring new ways to reach my audience. The experience taught me resilience—not just as a business owner but as a person. While the road may be rocky, the potential for fulfillment and success on my own terms makes it all worth it.

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?

Marley Magic Candle Company was born from my personal journey through profound grief after the stillbirth of my daughter, Marley, on March 26, 2019. The pain I experienced was overwhelming, leading me to seek help and ultimately discover therapeutic tools that facilitated my healing. I found immense comfort in creative expression—dancing, writing, painting, and meditating—along with the simple act of lighting a candle. This ritual became a powerful means of emotional release, allowing me to process my feelings and find moments of peace.

In launching Marley Magic Candle Company, I aimed to create a space where others facing emotional trauma could find solace, too. I offer a range of chakra-inspired candles, each designed to align with specific emotional and energetic needs. By lighting these candles, my clients are invited to take a moment for self-care and reflection, allowing them to reconnect with their inner selves and harness the energy needed to navigate their healing journeys.

What sets me apart is my commitment to continuous personal growth and healing, which is infused into every aspect of my business. I understand firsthand the challenges my clients face, and I strive to create not just products, but a supportive community grounded in empathy and shared experience.

I am immensely proud of my ability to find light in the darkness and use my experiences to inspire others on their paths to healing. My ultimate goal is to expand Marley Magic Candle Company into a non-profit organization focused on supporting women dealing with child loss and postpartum depression. I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that through every candle, every scent, and every flicker of light, there is a heartfelt intention to guide others toward healing and self-discovery. Together, we can create a compassionate community where personal transformation is possible, and no one has to feel alone in their journey.

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

My journey toward resilience blossomed in the aftermath of heartbreak when I lost my daughter, Marley. It was a loss that shattered my world and left me grappling with an intense fear of trying to have another child. The thought of enduring the pain of loss again was paralyzing, and for a time, I felt like I was trapped in a cycle of fear and uncertainty. However, amidst that pain, a flicker of hope emerged, leading me to believe in the possibility of bringing life into the world once more.

After much contemplation, I made the courageous decision to try for another child. When I discovered I was pregnant, terror flooded my mind—the overwhelming “what-ifs” and doubts surged within me. At one point, I even considered abortion, but deep down, I felt a profound connection to the life growing inside me and couldn’t bear the thought of ending it. Instead, I leaned into my fears and chose to educate myself about having a healthy pregnancy after a cesarean. I researched everything I could about natural birth and the body’s incredible capabilities.

This journey of education transformed my anxiety into empowerment. I envisioned how I wanted my labor to unfold. I imagined taking peaceful walks in labor, surrounded by the love and support of my husband, despite many doctors insisting on a repeat c-section. This vision not only provided comfort but also fortified my confidence in my body’s ability to birth again.

The day I went into labor, it wasn’t a dramatic moment. I was at home watching “One Piece,” blissfully unaware that I was entering the first phase of labor. Wanting to keep things normal, I didn’t mention to my husband that I was in labor and even sent him out to wash clothes. As soon as he left, my contractions began to intensify, and a quiet determination filled me. I had planned a home birth, but in the face of overwhelming pain, my priority shifted—I wanted my baby to be safe and healthy.

When my husband returned, I finally told him I was in labor, and we rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, I was placed in a labor room for monitoring. However, the pain was relentless. The nurse’s insistence on keeping the baby monitor on frustrated me, as I was increasingly focused on the intensity of my contractions. I could feel the baby descending, and what I thought was a bathroom urge turned out to be the unmistakable sign of imminent arrival.

With my husband’s support, I was helped off the bathroom floor, and the urgency of the situation became clear. I was quickly wheeled to the labor and delivery floor, and in that moment of chaos and vulnerability, I gathered every ounce of strength within me to push forward.

Against all odds, I successfully gave birth to my beautiful son, Zahir, naturally. The moment he was placed in my arms, a wave of pride and accomplishment washed over me. It was a powerful affirmation of my resilience—to trust myself and my body despite the noise of doubt from others. This journey wasn’t just about bringing Zahir into the world; it was a testament to my spirit and ability to reclaim my narrative in the face of fear.

Through this experience, I’ve learned that we can rise above our circumstances, forge our paths, and, most importantly, embrace the strength within us. This realization fuels my work at Marley Magic Candle Company, as I strive to create a supportive community where others can also find their light in the darkness. Knowing that I can face my fears and triumph, I want to inspire others to believe in their own strength and healing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn on my journey of healing is the expectation that my relatives would be there for me in the way I needed them to be after I lost Marley. The reality of grief is isolating, and in my most vulnerable moments, I longed for connection and support from those I loved. I wanted someone to check in, to sit with me, and to understand the overwhelming tide of emotions I was navigating.

After returning home from the hospital, I remember calling my aunt, hoping for comfort and understanding. Instead, her response shattered my expectations; she bluntly told me that she wouldn’t take time off work to be with me. It was a pivotal moment that pierced through my already fragile heart. Here I was, trying to share my grief, and I was met with a reminder of the everyday realities of life, which left me feeling even more alone.

In the wake of that conversation, I had to confront a hard truth: I couldn’t rely on others to fulfill my emotional needs or to be my anchor during such a tumultuous time. While I deeply desired their support, I realized that those expectations were setting me up for disappointment. This painful lesson forced me to take responsibility for my own emotional well-being. I learned that I had to show up for myself, to be my own source of support and strength, and to honor what was in my heart, irrespective of whether others understood or agreed.

This shift in perspective allowed me to start prioritizing self-care and nurturing my own healing. I began to cultivate practices that brought me comfort—whether through creative expression, meditation, or simply lighting a candle to create a soothing atmosphere. I learned to voice my needs, even if it felt uncomfortable, and to seek out communities that resonated with my experiences.

Unlearning this expectation has been liberating. It taught me that while I might not receive the support I hoped for from those close to me, I could find it elsewhere—within myself and through connections with others who truly understand. This lesson has become the foundation of Marley Magic Candle Company, where I strive to create a warm community for those navigating their own losses. I want others to know that it’s okay to seek support on your own terms and that prioritizing your well-being is not only necessary but profoundly empowering.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marleymagiccandleco.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marleymagiccandleco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarleyMagicCandleCo/

Image Credits

The family photo was taken by Des Harden
The rest of the pictures are made by Sarah Evans