In Her Shoes: Tiffany
Every heart holds a story. It’s through sharing those stories that we learn, relate, and know that we are not alone. We translate these stories to also share them with our sisters around the world! Today we are honored to welcome Tiffany Trejo to the SheHopes family! Fix yourself a cup of tea, open up your heart, and let Tiffany tell you what it is like to be IN HER SHOES.
…
I was working at a law firm part-time when I delivered a box to a co-worker one day and asked about what was inside. She told me that it was candle-making supplies, and explained that she made them for fun - I was instantly intrigued. As a stressed-out, overwhelmed grad student I was always looking for another way to relax or unwind, and I thought candle-making could be a great fit. I ordered a candle-making kit that day and a week later, I began experimenting. When I began making my own candles, I was also in the midst of preparing to go to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to conduct research for my thesis project. If you know anything about anthropology (or academia in general), you know it is often underfunded. My research was no exception, and I was facing a financial hurdle to complete my project. This led me to the idea of selling the candles I was making as a way to fundraise for my trip.
With only a few months left until the trip, I posted on Facebook hoping that people would be interested in purchasing my candles. I distinctly remember asking my husband if he thought they would sell (I had no idea what the market was for handmade candles) and he was skeptical but said it was worth a shot. Starting that same day and over the following weeks, orders poured in. I was surprised and excited that so many people wanted to support me. I placed several orders from my supplier because I could never estimate how many candles I was going to make and how much material I needed - luckily, this is something I can look back on and laugh about now. My research trip came and went. I had raised enough money to pay for my plane ticket and meals. But even with the trip over, I still had people asking for candles since the Christmas season was near. This gave me an idea - what if I turned my candle-making hobby into a business?
My husband and I wanted to be debt-free, and business is something we were always interested in but never had clear ideas for. Specifically, my original goal for starting my business was to use it to pay off my student loan debt. So, in March of 2019, I launched Black Label Candle Company specializing in non-toxic, handcrafted, luxurious soy candles. I have always loved luxury items and I made sure that translated into the brand. However, it was important to me that my products were affordable and accessible. Along with affordability, I am also passionate about sustainability. My products are non-toxic and eco-friendly. I only use 100% natural soy wax, non-toxic essential and fine fragrance oils, cotton wicks, and recyclable containers. I launched in 2019 with four scents and now carry at least five scents year-round, increasing to ten scents as the seasons change. I am currently working on a new collection for the Fall of 2020 and plan to launch more home fragrance goods in 2021.
Starting a business has been one of the most exhilarating and exhausting things I have ever done. This business has taught me many lessons - big and small - and has been an amazing source of inspiration and challenge. The connections and community that have formed around my brand are what drives my passions. I never would have expected a personal hobby to bloom into a thriving business, and I truly had no idea how something as simple as a candle could impact a person’s life. I have learned that in a world that often feels dark and overwhelming, a candle brings comfort, joy, hope, love, and light.
…
A big THANK YOU to Tiffany for sharing her story with us today! You can find her on Instagram @blacklabelcandleco and at BlackLableCandleCo.com. Tiffany is the creator behind our SheHopes candle! You can order YOURS today! Every heart holds a story. It’s through sharing those stories that we learn, relate, and know that we are not alone. Are you willing to share your story with us? Find out more HERE.
Always remember that you are SEEN, LOVED, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Here’s to HOPE!