Today we’d like to introduce you to Mareca Williams.
Mareca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from Montgomery County, MD. I’m an optimist and most importantly, keep God at the forefront of everything I do. After receiving my Bachelor’s from Hood College in Business and Finance, I officially became a first-generation college student.
I began working in the Financial Investment industry. It was hard working to keep up in a very competitive and male-dominated industry. I then went and got my Master in Project Management. I used these skills to learn to manage my work and to perform better as a leader. I honestly hated my first job after college, but I am glad I stuck it out. When I moved to my next position, I realized that my very first “big girl” job was simply preparing me to excel at the Department of Defense. I was able to do more than I ever could imagine. Working here opened the door for me to work in Finance at the White House. When I was younger, I use to want to be the first female President, but once I gained a better understanding of politics, I QUICKLY changed my mind. I guess being in the White House was always meant for me, just not the way I originally thought. Working at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was an experience. I learned so much and worked side-by-side with some of the brightest individuals. I enjoyed my time there but needed a different pace so I ventured into the private sector as a Senior Consultant.
Once I was done working the numbers at my day job, I would go home and light candles while making dinner which usually consisted of pouring bowl a of cereal. I truly love candles, I used o restrain myself when in stores, reminding myself that I didn’t have the space nor did I NEED any more candles. The pandemic hit and there was no more going to the store to buy candles. I started to think about making my own to fill my obsession. I figured I could make as many as I wanted, exactly how I wanted. This started off with me simply being selfish. The more I started talking about all the candles I was going to make, my family and friends became excited and were anxiously waiting for candles as if I didn’t explain to them that this was something I was doing for me.
I started learning to make candles in January 2020 for myself and by April, I had a website, a license and more orders than I knew what to do with. I was a little confused and slightly overwhelmed, but I felt so blessed to have so much support. The pandemic didn’t help with getting inventory or being able to go to warehouses to see and smell scents and jars prior to purchasing. But every step I took and every swipe of my card was done by faith!
We are in our second year of selling candles online. We attend pop-ups around Maryland, especially during the holiday season. More candle sizes have been added to the line and new scents are always being tested.
I don’t know exactly what I see for the future of The Yelō Candle Co. but if it means continuing to spread happy energy and illuminate someone’s home, I am all for it!
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?
It has been a road filled with as many lessons as there have been blessings. I didn’t think my candle-making would turn into a whole business. When I first started making candles, I just was doing it for me! As someone who likes to plan their whole life, I didn’t properly plan for a business. There were many major administrative aspects that I failed to account for, but no matter what I didn’t think about or forgot to do, my family was there at every moment uplifting me and providing amazing ideas.
Selling candles online can be a little difficult because customers want to pick-up, smell and have an experience before they purchase the candle. With everything online, it takes that initial experience away, but I try to give a little bit of that experience back. Each order is packaged to provide an unforgettable experience when unpacking their candle.
Also, with starting in the middle of the pandemic, there were crazy inventory delays. I would find spend an immense amount of time researching vendors, only to have them increase their prices or to discontinue a product. It forced me to take risks, step out of my comfort zone and to remember to have faith that everything will work out. And everything has!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I provide upscale Soy candles and wax melts. All the candles are poured in small batches. This allows me to be able to pay close attention to every single candle. Some may think it’s just mixing an oil and a wax and the BAM! There is a lot of science that goes into ensuring each candle performs well. Each candle comes with an extra “sparkle” experience when lit. Along with the soy candles, we provide water-based room and linen sprays that are safe for kids and pets.
I get so excited when making candles because I know how they make me feel when I light one, so to know I could bring peace and light to someone’s home truly makes me smile.
All of our products are curated with a happy heart!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I am the major optimist. I love people and I stand on my faith and I know that if I keep myself fixated on God, I can do anything, literally. I come from a fairly large family that raised me to have these principles. I am the second oldest of seven. Six girls and one boy. I had a lot of eyes watching me, so I knew it was a must for me to set the tone and to be an example for all the little ones behind me.
Growing up, I focused heavily on my education. I wanted to be sure I was able to go to college and set a solid foundation for success. Not saying you have to go to college for that, but that was important to me. Aside from education, I have always enjoyed being creative and using my hands. I am sure almost a good portion of my art and furniture was either created or built by me. My mom is crazy creative with her hands, and my dad is a creative genius when it comes to words. I have to give them a little credit for my creative side.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theyelocandleco.com
- Instagram: @theyelocandleco
