Today we’d like to introduce you to Silvana Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the Catholic faith but drifted away during my younger years. However, there came a point in my life 5 years ago where I felt a profound longing to reconnect with my faith. It was as if a dormant spark within me had been reignited, prompting me to delve deeper into my Catholic roots. This reversion was a journey of rediscovery, relearning, and, ultimately, a reaffirmation of my faith in God. As I am learning and sharing my faith with my then fiancé Wayne, He was drawn to the richness of Catholic tradition, its sacramental life, and the depth of its teachings. Wayne’s conversion from Methodism was a pivotal moment in our lives. Through prayer, study, and guidance, Wayne found himself increasingly drawn to the Catholic Church. It was a decision that was deeply personal yet one that also brought us closer together spiritually and led to a beautiful Sacramental Church wedding.
Our desire to evangelize and share our faith with others stemmed from the profound joy and fulfillment we experienced in embracing Catholicism. We felt compelled to share this transformative experience with those around us, to be witnesses to the light and love of Christ that had touched our lives so profoundly.
For Wayne and me, candles symbolize the light of Christ illuminating our lives. There was a time when we felt as though we were living in darkness, unsure of our path and searching for meaning. But with the grace of God, Jesus’ light shone into our hearts and dispelled the shadows of doubt and uncertainty. Lighting candles became a tangible way for us to symbolize this spiritual truth, reminding us of the presence of Christ in our lives and the hope that he brings.
“We were driven by a desire to provide people with tangible reminders of their faith that could infuse their everyday lives with prayer and beauty. That’s why we embarked on the journey of creating prayer candles that not only serve as tools for prayer but also delight the senses with their fragrances and aesthetics.
Our vision was to craft candles that could accompany individuals through various moments and challenges in life, offering prayers tailored to specific situations. Whether it’s seeking guidance, finding peace, or expressing gratitude, we wanted our candles to be a beacon of spiritual support. It was a labor of love that required patience, perseverance, and a lot of experimentation.
Finding the perfect combination of scents, wicks, and designs wasn’t easy. It took us a year of trial and error, countless scent tests, and meticulous attention to detail. We wanted each candle to evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence, so we worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect, from the scent profiles to the quality of the materials, was just right.
But seeing the final product come to fruition made every moment of struggle worthwhile. Each candle became not just a product but a testament to our journey of faith and creativity. And knowing that these candles could serve as companions on others’ spiritual journeys filled us with immense joy and gratitude.
They are more than just candles; they are vessels of prayer, symbols of hope, and reminders of the enduring presence of God in our lives.
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?
“Smooth road? Far from it. Our journey in creating these prayer candles has been marked by numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. From finding the right materials to grappling with financial constraints, every step of the process has tested our faith, resolve, and perseverance.
One of the biggest struggles we encountered was in sourcing the right products and materials for our candles. We wanted to ensure that every component, from the wax to the fragrance oils to the wicks, met our standards of quality and excellence. But finding suppliers who shared our vision and could deliver on our requirements proved to be a daunting task.
We work with coconut soy wax and 100% beeswax, which are natural, good for the environment, toxin-free, and healthy for people and pets.
Financial challenges also loomed large on our journey. As aspiring entrepreneurs, we faced the harsh reality of limited resources and competing demands on our finances. Investing in equipment, raw materials, and marketing initiatives stretched our budget to its limits. There were times when it seemed like our dreams were out of reach, and the temptation to give up was strong.
But through it all, we held fast to our faith, trusting in God’s providence and guidance. We learned to surrender our fears and uncertainties, placing our trust in His plan for our lives and our business. It was a lesson in humility and resilience, reminding us that true success comes not from our own efforts alone but from aligning ourselves with God’s will.
Indeed, every setback, every obstacle, served as a reminder that when you’re doing something for God, you will face opposition. But it also strengthened our resolve and deepened our trust in God’s faithfulness. For every challenge we encountered, we emerged stronger, more resilient, and more deeply rooted in our faith.
So, while our journey may not have been smooth, it has been profoundly transformative. It has taught us valuable lessons in perseverance, resilience, and the power of faith. And as we continue to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a steadfast reliance on God’s grace.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“Thank you for your interest in our work. We’re passionate about creating prayer candles that not only enhance the spiritual journey of individuals but also add a touch of elegance to their homes and prayer altars. Our candles are more than just decorative pieces; they’re vehicles of prayer, symbols of faith, and sources of comfort and peace.
What sets us apart is our dedication to crafting candles that are both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually enriching, with a white and gold design that matches any decor.
But what truly makes our candles unique is the inclusion of actual prayers within each candle. These prayers are carefully selected to address specific moments and needs in life, be it guidance, healing, gratitude, or protection. By incorporating prayers directly into our candles, we offer individuals a tangible means of connecting with their faith and finding solace in moments of prayer and meditation.
Moreover, we take pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our candles. Made from a blend of coconut soy wax and cotton wicks, our candles are toxin-free and environmentally friendly. We also offer 100% beeswax candles adorned with beautiful shapes of religious figures, harnessing the natural air-purifying properties of beeswax.
What we’re most proud of is the impact our candles have on people’s lives. Beyond being beautiful gifts for loved ones, our candles serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and reflection. Lighting them with family members creates a sacred space for shared prayer, meditation, and contemplation, fostering a sense of unity and peace within the home.
In essence, our candles are more than just products; they’re symbols of hope, faith, and love. They embody the timeless tradition of prayer while infusing everyday life with beauty and spiritual nourishment. And as we continue on this journey, we’re committed to empowering individuals to deepen their connection with their faith and find comfort and peace in the midst of life’s challenges.”
Each and every one of our candles is hand-poured with love and care in our home studio located in Camarillo, California.
This personal touch ensures that every candle receives the attention to detail it deserves; it’s a labor of love.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Prayer Apps Regnum Christi, auxilium Christianorum
Books: Trustful surrender to Divine Providence by Father Jean- Baptiste saint-Jure and Interior Freedom from Jaques Philippe
Pricing:
- Scented Candles $50
- Besswax Candles From 20 to 60
- Jewelry from $35 to 60
Contact Info:
- Website: liveyourfaithcatholic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/liveyourfaithcatholic
- Facebook: facebook.com/liveyourfaithcatholic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-your-faith-catholic
- Youtube: @liveyourfaithcatholic
Image Credits
Chelsea Barret Photography
