Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Orellana.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was at a point in my life where I wanted to work for myself to have a steady income but also be home to see my kids grow up. I had many passions, but out of so many, I couldn’t fully focus on one. I tried makeup and that didn’t work. I tried photography, but it was more of a hobby than a profession. I tried a few more potential careers but none caught my attention enough to devote my all into. So I tried candles. I shared my idea with my family and what pushed me to succeed was when they didn’t believe in my vision. I started off with mason jars with metal lids and no labels. I thought they were the most beautiful candles in the world. Which makes sense because I really tried so hard. I was so ecstatic to have poured my first batch I sold it all to my friends and family. I look back and appreciate them so much because I know it was their way to show me support in my process. I couldn’t get my candles out of my head and how to elevate my look. I wanted better jars, a logo, and a distinctive look. So I created my logo and started researching. I knew I had something good in the works when not a day went by without candlemaking on my mind. It’s all I wanted to talk about. Anyone who would lend an ear, I would share. So as time progressed, I kept working on it. What really pushed me to strive was Covid. When schools closed down, I didn’t have anyone to leave my son with. My husband pushed me to leave my part-time to not only watch my two sons, Andrew (7) and Leon (3) but to also dedicate myself to my business. I had always wanted to make that change but leaving my independence was so hard for me, as my mother taught me to never depend on anyone but yourself. But life happened and I appreciate the good and the ugly because now I am here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a first-time aspiring business owner, I was shocked to see how my “friends” support was very situational. When I first started, I had surface level support. I assumed that support was genuine but as time continued, I realized that love was only to their convenience. This journey really opened my eyes to see that not everyone is a real supporter. They don’t want to share too much to contribute to your success, but only enough to have bragging rights. I would say that was my biggest obstacle, starting my journey alone. I will say along this journey, I have made the most amazing friendships in the small business world that I treasure so much.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hand pour scented candles and woman body candles. They are crafted out of soy wax and only use high-quality oils to create a luxury experience for all my customers. I also make chic boho style car diffusers. I would say I’m definitely known for my XL Goddess candles and my car diffusers. My scented candles are easily distinguished by my self-branded lids. Details like branding my own lids is what I am most proud of. I always push myself to be unique.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
One thing that has really stuck out to me during the pandemic is how apprehensive people are when it comes to removing or lowering their face covering when smelling my products. Even after I tell customers that it is fine to lower their face covering to truly appreciate the scent of my products they hesitate to do so. The crisis also brought to my attention to how many things we touch when we are at events. I now bring hand sanitizer to all my events and encourage my customers to sanitize before and after visiting my booth.
Pricing:
- Scented Candles $20 (Blue Lavender, Creme Brûlée, Mahogany Teakwood, Ocean Breeze, Eucalyptus, Tropical Fruit, Pumpkin Spice) $25
- XL Goddess $50 (Colors: Ivory, Tan, Brown, Black)
- Car Diffuser $15 /Refills $10 Scents: Eucalyptus, Blue Lavender, Bad Boy, Black Ice, Ocean Breeze, Watermelon Bubblegum, Mahogany Teakwood, Tropical Fruit, Peaches
- Goddess Candles $25 (Colors: Tan/ Ivory)
- Pregnant Woman Candles $25
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Candalierbyjenn.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: Candalier_byjenn
