We recently connected with Shonta Eastern and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shonta thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

After so many failed attempts to find a candle that doesn’t throw toxic chemicals in the air was my idea of starting Mahogany Essential Candle Co. Candles gives an ambiance when lit, the aromas throws a sense of peace that makes everything seem just a bit better.

Creating a candle that’s non-toxic, allergy sensitive and eco-friendly was my dream that I brought to reality. I hear so many customers saying that “ they use to like candles but stopped because of the chemicals it releases was making them sick and their walls black”. Well, this was my problem along with headaches and allergy flare ups. Here at Mahogany Essential I’m allowing people to enjoy that ambiance again but in a more natural healthier way without breaking the bank.

My first order was at a farmers market and a few days after that I’ve received more orders from customers telling their friends and families about how clean my candles burned. At that point I knew my vision was coming to light and it was definitely worth every sleepless night.

I understand that there’s different types of waxes for the type of hit throw your trying to achieve but here at Mahogany Essential we craft our candles with 100% soy wax which is a wax that is derived from soy beans also known as a vegetable. From the wax, wicks and jars took months of testing until the right amount of hot throw was achieved as well as an even clean burn.

I’d like to think I’m offering a unique approach. Why, is because not only am I creating a non-toxic candle but allowing customers to enjoy candles again without the harmful effects that comes along with most candles.

Shonta , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a woman of many talents and several colleges degrees. I’ve attended University of Phoenix up until I received my Masters in Health Care Administration back in 2018. I’m a mother of an upcoming high school graduate and a wife of five years.

I got into the business two years ago after so many dissatisfying candles and cluttered space. My passion is to continue handcrafting candles and other household essentials to every customer that experienced what I’ve experienced many times before.

Not only do I handcart my products, and attend vending events and farmers markets, but I also teach candle classes for anyone who’s interested in creating their their own custom scents. When a customer runs into a problem with their candles, I always provide support on proper candle burning such as reminding them to trim the wick in between each burn for a better burn time.

What sets me apart from others is I allow every customer to custom make their own candles, from the scent to the designs on their labels. I also provide them with my contact information as a courtesy if they experience and burning complications in between each burn.

I’m proud of how far Mahogany Essential has come but most of all I’m proud of what I’m able to provide in a package to please every customer that shops with me. The Google reviews are definitely amazing to read and the five stars are a dream come true that everyone is enjoying the aromas from my products.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I utilize Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with creative content as a way to not only build my audience but getting them engaged in my posts.

Daily posts of products and engaging videos is what helped build my brand. Customers enjoy seeing the face behind the brand, it helps with knowing who the creators are and it helps growing your business.

Advice that I have for new business owners is to always be honest, engage with you’re audience and know your products. When you know your products customers will feel good about making a purchase.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Relationship building and communicating with customers has been an effective strategy in growing my clientele. When customers feels good about their purchases they will always come back to support while spreading the word to their friends and families.

Giving discounts and givebacks to customers is rewarding and much appreciative from every supporter and fur me, it’s life changing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mahoganyessential.com
• Instagram: Mahoganyessentialllc
• Facebook: Mahogany Essential Candle Co.
• TikTok: @ mahogany essential