Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Walsh.
Brenda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My obsession with candles started when I moved to the US from Asia 7 years ago. I would light a candle each night to help me relax and unwind after a long day at work and also to help me feel a little less homesick being thousands of miles away from family.
I then transitioned into buying candles during my travels because different scents equate to different memories. I have in those places.
After having tons of leftover candle wax, I started to re-melt them to make smaller candles. I then went into a rabbit hole of research into candles and how to make them. I discovered that most ingredients in the mass-produced candles I bought are harmful to our health when burned and harmful to the environment as well.
This is when I decided to create The Good Place.
I’ve always wanted to start a business that gives back or does good to the community, to sell something more than just a product but to build a brand that is socially responsible in spreading goodness. This is why I have decided to plant a tree with every candle purchase.
A month into the business and we have gotten some great customer feedback and following!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, perfecting candles is much harder than it looks, it requires patience in testing and getting to find the right materials for each scent. There were a lot of times I felt hopeless and wanted to give up but I decided to move forward and work even harder. Also, starting a business during COVID-19 has been tough because most of my suppliers have had delayed shipping times.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Good Place – what should we know?
The Good Place candles create eco-friendly soy candles inspired by beauty & goodness in the world through different languages and cultures tied into scents.
We do our best in selecting sustainable materials, from the formula to packaging in our efforts to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible for our candles & to do our part in helping Mother Earth.
We use tin cans and wood wicks for our candle, which isn’t really a common choice of materials when producing candles and I think this is one thing that sets us apart from others.
I am proud that through each candle, we plant a tree on your behalf, an initiative that is so helpful during this time especially in California.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My boyfriend, Emman, who has been so supportive in the whole process, for driving me to all my suppliers, carrying all the big boxes, smelling each scent when I’ve become nose blind and listening to all my frustrations
Jennifer Avanceña from Calajo Catering who has been such an instrument in growing and understanding the business side of things, she has always been a text away for any questions I have.
All my friends and family who has been cheerleaders by supporting, following, liking, commenting on posts and purchasing candles, their honest feedback, comments and suggestions has helped us a lot.
Youtube, FB groups, Discussion Forums, the internet basically where I pretty much spent most of time learning without these tools, I wouldn’t have been able to start this business.
Lastly, all who have purchased and supported TGP candles. Each purchase inspires us to strive even more!
Pricing:
- Candles (All scents) | 8 oz- $22
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegoodplacela.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodplacela/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoodplacela/
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