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

Sierra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I started back in 2020, 2021. Needing an outlet during the shut down. I started out making goddess candles. I had no experience and just jumped right in. I joined Facebook groups and met people on there that gave me so much free game! It was only right that I make something of it! In winter 2021/22 I experience a bout of homelessness that I did not expect to happen. While I was living in a shelter, there was a vocational counselor there who I became close with. Him, along with my candle mentor/ friend encouraged me to utilize my candle hobby I had and turn it into a real business. QueenLuxe Essentials turned into LuxuriousLuminaries LLC! And it’s been history from there!
Although my idea isn’t original, there was nothing like it in MY particular area. I was working for an electrician who I shared my idea with and he thought it was golden! He taught me about writing a business plan, using quickbooks, and about being assertive as a business owner. I was able to form my LLC and also form Pour Your Heart Out Candle Making Experience. (Pour Your Heart Out Newport).

I started off making candles that my friends and family bought. Eventually salons and shops in my city started carrying them on their shelves. Unfortunately, business had slowed way down and so I decided to start teaching people how to make their own candles!

My first candle making experience was a brunch that I put together. I had just lost my job and was super broke. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to pull it off. I had $150 to my name and invested every penny into my business.
I bought pastries and charcuterie ingredients from Aldi’s and BJs and decor from Dollar Tree! My candle mentor/ friend had send me a case of vessels and I already had the other supplies. An old coworker let me set up in her diningroom and the rest is history! The ladies who came posted on social media which led to me now being booked through the rest of the year!

Looking at the videos posted, one wouldn’t even be able to tell! It looked so polished and even catered!

I had to get past my fears, insecurities and anxiety and channel my ambition to actually be able to launch. I know that it is only up from here!

Sierra, 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?

My name is Sierra Jones. I’m 36 and I’m from Newport, Rhode Island. I’m the owner of LuxuriousLuminaries LLC and Pour Your Heart Out Candle Making Experience ( Pour Your Heart Out Newport)

I found an opportunity during the COVID pandemic to pursue many interests, and the one I felt most connected to was the candle making industry. This pursuit allowed me to expand upon my creative talents, while providing a fun outlet. The products, specifically, are candles and fragrances, but there is a more focused approach to promote body positivity and acceptance through my candle design. The services provided go beyond the simple candle design and approach a more community based experience for people from all walks of life. Through my experience in this field, I have found a lot of my customers facing various struggles with accepting their body image, sexuality, and general self-love. My objective is to create a positive outlet for them to explore these areas and grow as people. I am also helping clientele be able to use their untapped creative abilities to cope with personal issues in their lives. My passion comes from the emotional support and growth I felt while creating these products, and I want to share this experience with others, while also bringing another unique activity to Newport, where tourism is booming, yet there’s not much for tourists and locals to do. My business is able to bridge that gap and be enjoyable for many demographics. To sum things up, my company is about growth and inclusivity.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My story of resilience started before I discovered the art of candlemaking. I was always artistic and expressive but never quite found a medium that I was drawn to. There has been so many ups and downs even since starting my business. The loss of friends, estrangement of family members, chronic pain, my

Own personal self love, growth, and acceptance journey all contribute to my reasons candles became such an outlet for me. Dealing with a muscle disease like Polymyositis, is difficult as it gets worse with exertion. Candle making became an easy, low risk hobby that wasn’t too strenuous. Learning about different fragrances and candle colors, how they affect your mood, and their therapeutic aspects really sparked my interest.  When I gained the confidence to share my newfound craft, the feedback I received from my peers was astounding! It showed me that I was in fact seen, and that people really do love and support me. Candles have time and time again filled that void for me. I’m so grateful that I’m in a position now where I can share that with people and being people together to experience the art of candle making. When QueenLuxe Essentials turned into LuxuriousLuminaries LLC, it was very surreal. I feel as if I was catapulted into an entire different realm. Thinking about just 3 years ago, I would have NEVER imagined being booked and busy! LuxuriousLuminaries LLC and Pour Your Heart Out Candle Making Experience is my story of resilience and how every loss I have experienced, I have bounced back better than ever each time! Knowing that keeps me going! There are days where I still can’t believe I’m a business owner. There are times where I’m exhausted and in pain, but I continue to strive to reach my goals! Every person that has patronized my business, every mentor that has given me advice, and every naysayer that doesn’t think I’ll succeed, have added more fuel to my flame! My light continues to shine because of my art, my business. I want to show black girls that they too can be bosses! Don’t dim your light, there’s room at the table for all of us!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the lessons that I had to unlearn was that your friend and family are NOT your biggest supporters. The ones who claim to be the closest to you are the ones who are not. A stranger will support you before your family does. I am STILL working to prove that I am a legit business owner and Artist. I’m sensitive about my ish!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @luxuriousluminaries / @pouryourheartoutnewport
• Facebook: Luxurious Luminaries LLC / Pour Your Heart Out Newport

Image Credits
Photo credit: Mariah Harris (@mariah811)