Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shadejah Harper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shadejah, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Well one day my friend and I were running business ideas to each other. Then that’s when the idea of making candles came about. I love candles, when I say love candles I mean I LOVE them. for example I will take the time to smell each candle at a store like Walmart and forget what I ordinally went to the store for. So, I thought why not make my own line of candles? The next day I went to Michael’s and brought a candle kit and followed every step then BOOM that’s when I knew it was for me. But I realized I didn’t want to do it as a hobby, NO, I wanted to make a career and business out of this. So, I started doing my research for example, looking up waxes, jars, wicks, fragrances, etc. But it still didn’t feel complete because it had not meaning behind it. I didn’t want to be another candle maker on Youtube or TikTok. My candles are going to touch the world and their hearts. What do I mean by that? Well during this time I began my walk with Christ. My walk means so much to me, I have overcame so many obstacles because I had God on my side. My faith has brought me out of so much I can write a book about the trials I’ve been through. But instead these candles became my testimony and I’m beyond grateful sharing it with the world. These candles became my mission to bring my brothers and sisters to Christ with the light of our candles. When you decide to step onto the path of righteousness you become a light in the this world of darkness.

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?

My name is Shadejah but I like to go by Shay, I am the owner of Candles of Grace LLC. I started this business June 2022 and it has been an learning experience but in ma good way. I sell handmade candles here in the Dc area. I make candles in small and large jars, also wax melts. One particular problem I solved for my customers is offering a variety of different scents. Each season I try to have four main scents like sweet, floral, neutral, and even masculine to my line. But what really sets me apart from others is my message behind each candle is inspired by scriptures from the Bible. I’m so proud of the feedback I’m getting from customers and clients that support my business. It really means a lot, At first it’s a little nerve wrecking taking on a business like this but what I like to keep in my heart and in my mind is that if God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans8:31)

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes, recently I’ve learn when making candles you rely a lot on outside vendors for different supplies. I had a deadline to make for a certain event and I ran out of jars. I tried going to my usual store where I get my jars but they didn’t have them in stock, I drove to countless stores a not one had any left. So I tired looking online but it was going to take weeks to get in. I even looked online for similar looking jars but to no prevail. I came to the conclusion that I just have order them and wait. Well I did and it was the most stressful time. It got down to the wire and I had to improvised, meaning I had to sell other products for my event. As soon as I made that decision the jars came in. But unfortunately even then I still had to wait to pick them up. The store was so overwhelmed with other orders. So I made the decision to look into making my own jars. I wanted to eliminate the middle man and create a brand that is 100% hand made.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best new source of clients came from my church Mending House Ministries they are like family to me. When I introduce my candles to them they were so supportive. They purchased quite a few candles and even shared my business with other churches and family members. I am so thankful for them they’ve been more than helpful to me. They even came out in support of my first farmers market, words can’t express how grateful I am to have them in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://candlesofgracellc.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: candlesofgracellc
• Facebook: candlesofgracellc

Image Credits
{Shadejah Harper} {Candles} {09/15/2022}