Today we’d like to introduce you to Latisha Bender
Latisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working in the health care industry when I finished high school and I did that for over 16 years. In 2019 my friend Serian (whom I met while working at UCLA Health) and I decided to go to a candle making class for a fun day out. I’ve always loved candles so I knew this would be a perfect outing. It was such an awesome experience. Who knew you could make a candle without a big factory producing it? The class was so much fun that I instantly ran home to let my husband know all about it. I told him that I wanted to create more candles and buy a kit from Amazon. A few minutes later he was showing me his phone and the order he placed for a starter candle kit. I was beyond excited!!!!! As soon as it arrived I ripped the package open to get to the fun and excitement. I literally made every candle in the kit that same day. Needless to say I was out of supplies to make another candle so it only made sense to buy more candle making supplies. Before I knew it I was waist deep in candle making supplies. lol. But it was okay because it made me happy every time I created one. Throughout my entire life I wanted to go to college and get a degree to be a broadcaster on the news, but I didn’t have enough self disciplined to complete college. But I quickly noticed that when I made candles I was at peace. I also noticed that when I was at work, I wanted to rush home and get back to it. And while I absolutely loved working in the health care industry, when I created candles I was finally content. I instantly knew my passion for candles could not be ignored and that I needed to turn my passion into my very own small business and Pleascent was born.
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?
No lol! Definitely not a smooth road. More like a rollercoaster lol. There are days when I got everything down and it’s smooth sailing, and then next thing you know I get a curve ball and I am totally confused. But the one thing I try to always remember is, to appreciate both roads. I never in a million years thought that I would be an entrepreneur. I come across struggles when it comes to shipping, website design, creating content, delays when materials are out of stock with my suppliers, and more. It can be hard to navigate but I always try to learn from it and keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the creator | founder of a home fragrance company named Pleascent. We specialize in handcrafted candles, linen + room mist, reed diffusers, and accessories. Pleascent is known for its luxury vegan coconut wax candles. Each candle is created free of parabens, beeswax, and phthalates. All candles are created with a lead-free cotton wick and in small batches to ensure every product is great quality. I believe the thing that sets us a part from others is the fact that sustainability and a clean burn is extremely important to me when creating products. I am immensely proud to be the founder of a Black-owned, woman-owned business that redefines everyday luxury. At Pleascent, I’ve transformed the art of candle-making into a safe, clean-burning experience—one you can confidently enjoy around your family, friends, and pets. Each product is crafted with care, blending elegance with peace of mind.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I think the most important lesson I have learned along my journey is to give my self grace. If I miss my own deadline for a collection release it’s okay! I think I am extremely hard on myself because I have a vision and I want to accomplish my goals but I have to remind myself to be patient and things will happen in God’s perfect timing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pleascent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleascent/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleascent
