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

Tarence, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Being successful can mean different things to different people. For me being successful is all about risks! Yes, you can follow set goals, work hard, continuous learning, but it all sums up to taking a risk at the end of the day. However, it’s important to note that not all risks are created equal, and some risks may be more calculated and thought out than others.

Taking risks can involve stepping outside of your comfort zone, trying something new, and facing potential failure. However, successful people often take calculated risks, meaning they weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. They may gather information, seek advice from others, and carefully evaluate the potential outcomes before taking action.

Ultimately, being successful can mean different things to different people, and the path to success can vary depending on your goals and aspirations. However, taking calculated risks can certainly be a valuable tool in achieving success.

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

My journey began in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where I was fascinated with candles since my high school days. Despite my interest, I focused on pursuing higher education and securing a well-paying job. In 2016, I established my own Dropshipping E-Commerce Store with the hope of achieving my dream of owning an online business. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced me to shut down my store in 2020, which left me feeling like a failure. However, my passion for candles reignited, and after a trip to Dallas, Texas, I made the brave decision to leave my job, relocate, and start a candle business with only $300.

With my little knowledge from researching and watching YouTube videos, I created five essential oil scents that came in the form of candles and wax melts. Despite having no marketing strategy and little time, our net sales for 2020 ended in the thousands, a true testament to the power of following your passions. Although the pandemic was a difficult time, I view it as a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to turn my long-time dream into a reality.

When the pandemic hit, I realized how much my employers consumed my life, time, and creativity, which led me to prioritize my candle business, Âme Scents. Initially, I was proud to have a physical product with my name on it and hastily launched it into the market. However, I soon realized that candle making involves more than just mixing scents and buying a vessel. I had to create a formula for my candles, select the right wax, fragrance load, and wicks that worked best for my products. As a result, Âme Scents has evolved and improved over time, leading to its current thriving status.

Throughout my journey, I learned to remain focused on my path, not compare my progress to others’, and keep my emotions in check. My experiences have taught me that with persistence and determination, everything will fall into place. And now, Âme Scents is a flourishing business that fills your home with incredible scents.

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

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was to stop depending on everyone to support you. Learning that not everyone will support you can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s natural to want the approval and encouragement of those around us, especially from friends and family. However, the reality is that not everyone will understand your dreams or see the potential in your endeavors. It can be discouraging when you don’t receive the support you were hoping for, but it’s important to remember that your success is not dependent on the opinions of others. Instead, focus on your own goals and surround yourself with people who do support and believe in you. Ultimately, the most important validation comes from within yourself.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Initial I use $300 of my Stimulus that was received in 2020 to fund the business. Most of the merchandise was purchased on Amazon and local surrounding candle companies. Funding a business out of pocket can be a challenging endeavor, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By using your own money, you have complete control over the financial decisions and the direction of your business. However, it also means that there is no external funding to fall back on, and any financial loss will be directly felt by you. It requires careful planning, budgeting, and a willingness to take calculated risks. While it can be tempting to seek external funding or loans, funding a business out of pocket means that you can maintain complete control and ownership of your business. It also forces you to be financially responsible and make sound decisions that will benefit your business in the long run. Ultimately, it is a personal choice that requires a careful consideration of your financial situation and your business goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amescents.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/amescents
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopamescents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amescents
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/amescents