Meet Lakesha Coleman of Sinai Candles in San Jacinto (Riverside County)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakesha Coleman.

Lakesha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had the idea of starting my own business, especially after I got out of the military and pursued my Master’s in Business Administration. After receiving my degree, I came up with many ideas but nothing actually called to me. One day I thought about what I loved and I love candles.

Growing up, I have always had candles of different types. That is when I came up with the idea of making candles. I started researching the market and I found that this is a billion-dollar industry. I noticed that many people make candles so how can I have my candles stand out and have people want to buy? I saw that people were making candles using paraffin wax, palm wax, beeswax, soy wax but coconut wax was rare. I decided to use coconut wax but I could not use 100% coconut wax because it would not be able stand up in the heat.

I then decided to go with a coconut/soy/palm mixture with 90% coconut and 10% soy/palm. I found that this combination had an excellent scent throw and still be able to offer a natural wax without the harmful health side effects. Next was coming up with the name and I decided to use my niece middle name. I decided to establish as a sole proprietorship and got my fictitious business name. I had my website and business up and running in June during the pandemic and I have to say it was the best decision I made. I am happy to know that I can bring people a high quality, clean burning candle at an affordable price.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Some of the struggles I have noticed is supplies. I have switched my candle jars three times due to the supplies being sold out and no date as to when they will be back in stock. More recently, the candle wax has been sold out as well so I had to buy 100% coconut wax and soy/palm blend and mix the wax myself.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sinai Candles – what should we know?
I have actually always been in healthcare, even when I served in the military and became a civilian, I was still working in healthcare. As far as my business, I specialize in candles specifically coconut wax candles which I am very proud of. Using the coconut wax set me apart from everyone else especially with the market being flooded with soy wax.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family plays a big role in success. They are always continuing to encourage me and help me with ideas with promoting and marketing. My current and previous co-workers have all been supportive and purchased items helped with promoting and reassuring that what I am doing is what I should be doing.

Pricing:

• Price range is 12.73-14.83 this includes taxes and shipping per candle.

Contact Info:

• Address: 534 Divine Way
  San Jacinto, CA 92583
• Website: sinaicandles.com
• Phone: 951-665-3896
• Email: sinaicandles@gmail.com
• Instagram: @sinaicandles
• Facebook: Sinai-Candles

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