Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashanna Johnson
Lashanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always considered myself a creative person, but this business is truly a tribute to the loving memory of my dearest uncle, Augustine Mena, who passed away in January 2023 from an ischemic stroke. Starting a candle business was never something I envisioned—I was already fully occupied as a braider. However, to honor my uncle’s life, I crafted bereavement candles for his repast. The overwhelming positive response took me by surprise, and I was even more astonished when people began asking to purchase them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a candle business comes with its fair share of challenges—even though I’ve always known how to make candles, refining my skills to meet commercial standards was a whole new journey. The candle industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated has been key to keeping my products fresh and appealing.
One of the biggest lessons? Hidden costs add up fast. Between insurance, vendor events, and testing materials, expenses can quickly eat into profits if pricing isn’t strategic. And speaking of testing—I can’t even count how many vessels, wicks, and fragrance oils I went through before finalizing the perfect combination. But every trial was worth it. The process was demanding, but it pushed me to create a product I’m truly proud of. In the end, all those errors didn’t just lead to improvement—they birthed excellence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sage And Creek?
At Sage & Creek, we pour passion into every product we create—from our signature organic soy wax candles to our luxurious room & linen sprays, soothing bath salt soaks, enchanting mystery candle boxes, and rejuvenating bath teas. While we offer a variety of handcrafted goods, our aromatic container candles remain the heart of our brand, beloved for their clean burn and long-lasting fragrance.
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality. We meticulously source only the finest ingredients—premium soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances, and lead-free wicks—to ensure our products are safe for your home, family, and pets. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing because we believe you deserve nothing less than excellence.
The name “Sage & Creek” holds profound meaning. It’s a homage to my late uncle, who was born in Stann Creek Village, a serene district in Belize, Central America. Every evening, his return home was marked by the comforting ritual of burning sage and frankincense. My daughter, even as a toddler, would perk up and say, “Mommy, Uncle’s home!” When I’d ask how she knew, she’d giggle and reply, “I smell sage burning.”Those moments, once simple, are now treasured memories—ones that inspired this brand’s soul.
Beyond everyday indulgences, we offer personalized creations to honor life’s milestones:
– Baby showers & weddings
(custom scents and labels)
– Bereavement candles
(thoughtful tributes for healing)
Every flicker of our candles carries the warmth of tradition, the purity of nature, and the love of a legacy that continues to glow. Welcome to Sage & Creek—where fragrance tells a story.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The future of Sage & Creek: Growth, Innovation & Becoming a Household Name
The candle industry is projected to experience tremendous growth over the next 5 to 10 years—and beyond. As the market expands, so does my ambitions for Sage & Creek.
Here’s what’s on the horizon:
– Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Store – I envision a cozy, immersive space where customers can experience our fragrances in person, attend candle-making workshops, and take home their favorite scents.
– Staying ahead of trends –
From sustainable packaging to innovative scent profiles, I’m committed to keeping Sage & Creek fresh, relevant, and ahead of the curve.
My ultimate goal? To make Sage & Creek a household name. I want our candles and products to be on Christmas wish lists, birthday must-haves, and everyday self-care routines, Imagine walking into a home and seeing our signature vessel glowing on a coffee table—that’s the future I’m building.
This isn’t just about selling candles, it’s about creating moments, memories, and a brand that people love and trust. The flame is lit—now watch us grow.
Pricing:
- Blood Orange (10oz) $36 (70+ hour burn time, premium fragrances)
- Peach Delight (10oz) $36 (70+ hour burn time, premium fragrances)
- Allure (10oz) $36 (70+ hour burn time, premium fragrances)
- Citrus Grove (7oz) $28 (50+ hour burn time, premium fragrances)
- Cedar Musk & Lavender (7oz) $28 (50+ hour burn time, premium fragrances)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sageandcreek.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoperu4O9irYSoM7tUxyDiAiY_T1frZsjxifLvNp7L45gCVD5HQY
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageandcreek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairvendorsmadesimple2020?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Lashanna Johnson
