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

Sherry , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Wow–I love this question! We are leaning into our 2nd year of business and it has been amazing. My daughter, Lauren, is 9 and will soon be 10 years old on January 6, 2024. Most importantly, it has been a pleasure teaching her concepts and business practices that she can employ in every area of her life. She’s still eager to learn and lead in all aspects of candle making. I enjoy watching her take charge and insert her thoughts unapologetically. I am learning to sit back and watch her be creative with the table set up, packaging, new scents, and designs. What has worked well for us is that I am intentional about making this process a fun, learning experience for both of us. I look for ways to enjoy the process of selling and marketing at venues that will serve our mission and values. Also, we have maintained a good balance by continuing to enjoy our interest/activities. I still enjoy exercising, volunteering and reading new books. Lauren is taking Piano, Ukulele, Taekwondo, and acting classes. I want her to take time to explore her interest and build meaningful friendships with her peers. This year, we are working on keeping our priorities in the right place. Yes, the goal is to teach Lauren how to run a successful business. However, it’s important for her to get involved with activities that interest her at this stage of development.

One of the pitfalls we are encountering this year is trying to keep up with marketing and expanding our presence on Social Media. We have social media platforms. However, we do not utilize them to promote our products consistently. I am still learning to discipline myself to just post and log off. This has prompted me to take long breaks from opening the Social Media pages until I gain control in this area. I am less distracted and more creative in my thoughts when I am not on Social Media. Needless to say, we are still a work in progress with this pitfall:-) And, we are open to suggestions! Please send your responses to lauren@bumblecandles.net:-)

I am very pleased with my decision to include Lauren in every aspect of the business because she’s learning skills that will help her be successful in life. We are enjoying this journey of building a business that inspires others to cherish the small moments that are priceless. Spending time with my daughter–in this space–on this journey-is a dream come true.

There are several experiences that helped to shape my view on family businesses. My extended family has owned several businesses. I have seen it done –but this is my first time pursuing a business model that serves the values that I want to instill in my daughter. For me, making money is not the main focus. It’s about serving others in a capacity that does not compromise my values and morals. I understand that money is needed to remain in business. However, I believe that if we continue improving our skills, put in the work, and time-the money will come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Bumble Candles & Scents was influenced by the birth of my daughter, Lauren Camille Scott. I began to research candle making in 2019. However, I did not start the business until 2022. I enjoyed lighting candles after a long day with Lauren. It was my peace, my tranquility, my time to think–to meditate–to unwind. Being a 1st time mother was both challenging and the most rewarding experience of my life. My view of the world changed. I was intentional about how I wanted to spend my time and what kind of energy I want in our home. I knew I needed to take care of my own needs as well as hers. Making candles provided an outlet for me to express myself. It provided a way for me to be creative and to create a product that I would be proud to sell to others.

Our main venue for selling our candles is at the Cooper Young Festival and online. Our goal is to do 5-6 vendor events per year in the Memphis-Southaven area. We are in the process of introducing our candles to corporations and non-profits. I believe our candles will be a great gift for companies/non-profits to provide for their employees and/or clients. We are also searching for a non-profit organization to partner with in 2024. At this time, we donate coats to our local school district. However, I would like to serve in a greater capacity to impact the lives of young girls in the mid-south.

I am very proud to say that making candles is the best down time I have when I am not spending time with my family. It’s still something that I look forward to doing. The people we meet at our events and the conversations we have with our customers are SO uplifting and encouraging. We had repeat customers to return to our booth at the Cooper Young Festival and it was great to hear how much they were enjoying their candles. Also, our customers receive a scripture and an affirmation in their bag after each purchase. We had customers to share that they still have their scripture/affirmation posted somewhere in their home. This was awe-inspiring for us! I strongly believe that true happiness stems from doing things that bring you personal joy and peace. It’s a joy to prepare a product that help others relax. It’s a joy to share a simple smile and an uplifting word of encouragement. Our candles will infuse your surroundings with an aroma that will soothe your soul.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I am blessed to be surrounded by a supportive group of friends and family. When I became serious about starting Bumble Candles & Scents, I used my own money to build the business. My initial start up cost was a little pricey for my budget. But, I believed in our business and the vision God gave me for it. After exhausting my budget, I called a long-time friend who has helped me process some of the most difficult times in my life. It was my first time asking someone to help me fund a dream. And yes, I was afraid to ask. However, I felt strongly about my vision for BCS. I told my friend what I was doing and they were very happy for me–excited! My friend provided the revenue that I needed to purchase products to sell candles at the Cooper Young Festival. This was definitely a boost to my confidence. The timing was perfect! I used the revenue from the Cooper Young Festival to reinvest in the business. At this point, it’s all about reinvesting in BCS and continuing to make candles that our customers want to buy. Our slogan is “Ignite your light-Buy a Bumble” Well that light we ignite daily is striving to treat others like we want to be treated. While teaching Lauren about the importance of respecting herself as well as others, we were able to form our slogan. I want to continue producing a product that I would buy if I saw it on a store shelf. I want to deliver the award winning customer service I expect from businesses that I patronize. It’s important that we remain focused on our mission. When my friend heard the story and my passion about BCS, they were thrilled to invest.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I have listened to countless books, videos, and podcasts on self-improvement, business and entrepreneurship. My daily/weekly book to read is the Bible. My favorite books in the bible are the Books of Proverbs and Psalms. I am constantly seeking knowledge on how to be a better business owner–a better person. I’ll always be a learner and researcher at heart. I enjoy reading. There are several books that I have read over the years like: The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach, The Hard thing about the Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.

I am inspired by so many people–Right now, I am listening to Oprah Winfrey, Brian Tracey, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, John Assaraf, T.D. Jakes, and Alex Hormozi. I have read the book: The 7 habits of Highly Effective People several times. (Love this Book!) This book seems to keep me focused on growing our business by doing habits that are beneficial for a lifetime. I am not interested in growth that will interfere with my desire to be a “present” parent. I still want to enjoy the precious moments of being a parent. I am blessed to have a life full of joy–I am not willing to sacrifice that for immediate gratification. I believe the growth of Bumble Candles and Scents is in God’s hands. I am simply the willing vessel to carry out the work:-)

Contact Info:

• Website: bumblecandles.net
• Instagram: candlesbumble
• Facebook: bumble candles
• Other: Email: lauren@bumblecandles.net