Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Tahilramani.
Sheena is the co-founder of the LA-based public relations agency SVN Public Relations. Back in 2014, she was in search of a unique holiday gift for her clients so she learned how to make scented soy candles. An avid entrepreneur and expert on branding and all things travel, style and luxury, her homegrown hobby soon turned into what is now Banter & Bliss Candle Co. In addition to the company’s retail products, Banter & Bliss is the leading provider of on-location candlemaking activations and experiences on the West Coast having worked with major brands such as Westfield, Lincoln Motor Company, Maker’s Mark and more. Banter & Bliss has become a go-to for PR, experiential marketing, and media agencies looking to elevate their clients’ brands with unique on-site candlemaking experiences. For the casual DIYer, Banter & Bliss offers candlemaking workshops every weekend at their studio located at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. Getting married? Come by their studio and design a signature scent and custom label for your big day and they’ll bring their candle baristas on site to help your guests create their own custom candle wedding favor! Banter & Bliss also offers high-quality custom candles in a variety of exceptionally fragrant scents for both wedding and corporate clients. Their custom candles and candlemaking experiences will set your wedding or event apart from the rest.
Previously, Sheena worked in Washington, DC, at The White House Office of Political Affairs and for a former Presidential adviser (she jokes that she’s the “Chandler in Chief”). She earned her B.A. at University of California, Irvine and received an M.S. in Journalism from The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. She was named to OC Metro magazine’s annual “Forty Under 40” list in 2013 and recently completed the Tory Burch Foundation Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program for female-owned businesses.
Has it been a smooth road?
I love the saying “Ready, Fire. Aim.” It’s never a smooth road and if you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll be waiting your whole life to get started. My best advice has a cautious confidence in what you’re about to embark upon but don’t be so invested and tied to what you’re doing that blinders prevent you from being able to step back and pivot when things aren’t working out. Know when it’s time to build a team and when you do, make sure you surround yourself with people who have complementary, not overlapping, skill sets. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Every member of my family and friends have helped me at some point in building my businesses.
We’d love to hear more about Banter & Bliss Candle Co.
Banter & Bliss is the leading provider of on-location candlemaking experiences on the West Coast having worked with major brands such as Westfield, Lincoln Motor Company, Maker’s Mark and more. Banter & Bliss has become a go-to for PR, experiential marketing and media agencies looking to elevate their clients’ brands with unique on-site candlemaking activations. For the wedding industry, our goal is to make candlemaking the next cigar rolling. We’ve really created a new category for weddings that make the wedding favors category more experiential, allowing wedding guests to make their own candle favors on-site. Couples can come by our studio and design a signature scent and custom label for their big day and we bring our candle baristas on site to help their guests create candle wedding favors. Our custom candles and candlemaking experiences will set any wedding or event apart from the rest. Wedding Services Offered: • Custom Scented & Labeled Candles • On Location Make and Take Candle Favors • Custom Wedding Scent Designed by the Bride & Groom • Bridal Showers and Welcome Receptions • Bridesmaid Pour Parties (Party while you make your wedding favors!) • On-Site Scent Exploration for wedding guests.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
My first experience with entrepreneurship was buying candy in bulk at Smart & Final and selling it on the school bus in middle school. Unfortunately, it was also my first experience with the downside of business stifling policies, too. The school principal put the kibosh on my business and I was forced to stop selling candy. On a serious note, probably, the best experience I had growing up, is that my parents really made me work for everything I wanted. As a result, I’ve been working since the day I turned 16 and in multiple different types of jobs from sports to law offices to media outlets, etc. I really was able to develop an extensive skill set that has allowed me to pretty much set up and run my businesses with very little outside consulting help.
Pricing:
- Retail products range from $6-$27.50
Contact Info:
- Address: Banter & Bliss Candle Co.
CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles
112 E. 22nd St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Friday-Sunday
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone Number: (202) 340-5536 - Website: www.banterandbliss.com
- Phone: 202-340-5536
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @banterandbliss
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/banterandbliss/
- Twitter: twitter.com/banterandbliss
Image Credit:
@aromerophotography https://armandoromerophotography.smugmug.com/The-Blogosphere-X-Casper-Valentines-Day-Soiree/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
