We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yolanda Knox. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yolanda below.
Yolanda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My biggest mission when I started this company was to create non toxic, cleaner burning candles. Like most people, I bought any candle that I thought smelled good, never thinking about the health risks. After suffering many migraine headaches over the years, I found out it was the candles I was burning in my home. After much research and trial and error, I was able to create a safer solution with 100% Soy candles. I turned my mission into a passion that lead to a business. Now I not only make scented soy vegan candles, I also educate others.
Through my passion I’m building a legacy for my grandchildren and future generations.
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 Yolanda Michelle Knox or MiMi to my grandchildren. I’m the wife to my supportive husband of nearly 20 years, Thomas “PaPa” Knox. We’re the parents of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren. The name of my company is ArayaSunshine Candle Company named after two of my eldest grandchildren ( Aryah and “Sunshine “). I started this business to not only offer safer, cleaner burning candles but also as a way to leave a legacy for future generations.
I suffer from chronic pain due to post surgical spinal fusion to slow down the progression of congenital scoliosis. This has left me with limited mobility and unable to work a traditional job. Through candle making I’ve found my own pace. I work as much as I can and can take my time building my brand. It’s taken a lot of help from my family to get to where we are today. My goal is to hire people like me. People who have been counted out due to physical limitations but still are valuable.
I’m proud of what I’ve been able to build and how it allows me to help others see their potential.
We’ve expanded our product line over the last 2 years to include not only scented soy vegan candles but also wax melts, room and car deodorizing sprays and smelly jelly and car vent clip deodorizers. We also added more scents ( were up to over 50) and offer candle making classes that are a huge hit.
My next biggest goal is to get our products on big store shelves and become a household brand.
Any advice for managing a team?
This is simple. Treat your employees the way you want to be treated. I make sure that my employees knew that they are vital to the life of this business and they are a part of its success. Compensate your employees fairly. If you want minimum wage results and commitment, pay minimum wage. If your want top notch service and commitment, pay a fair wage.
The morale of my staff is always high because they not only believe in me they believe in our products and my vision.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
I started with a lot of research and lots of trial and error until I found my stride. Everything I make is made by hand, down to the labeling. I get all of the raw materials and put it all together to come up with a finished product.
I’ve learned that no matter how many videos, books etc you study, you still have to make your products your own. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arayasunshinecandlecompany.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thearayasunshinecandlecompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085234826308
- Twitter: @arayasunshines