We recently had the chance to connect with Denise Wood and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Denise, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The one thing I’m most proud of building, is my confidence. No one really sees how I struggle with this on a daily basis. Thankfully, as I’ve been working more and perfecting my craft, the confidence is slowly gaining momentum, while the apprehension is, for the most part, at bay. Through many positive reviews and repeat customers, I have come to realize I’m putting out a great product. Times are tough and to ask someone to spend their hard-earned money on my wax, used to keep me from really putting myself out there and hustling. I’ve built a humble, yet very faithful community. I’m starting to believe people when they say my product is the best they’ve ever had. Imposter syndrome is quite real and has stopped me a few times from going full force and letting myself be proud of my accomplishments. I care deeply about what I’m doing and pushing through the doubt and fear is only making me stronger and more confident.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Denise, and I run a very small home fragrance business called Mom Mom’s Melts. I initially started this business as a means to make extra income after my husband suffered a stroke. I’ve gone my entire adult life as a stay-at-home mom of three daughters, one of which has cerebral palsy. I was almost 55 years old when I first launched. I still can’t believe I’m doing this, and people actually buy from me!
My product is highly scented wax melts. Currently I am working on my winter and holiday line. It’s fun coming up with different shapes and colors. I’ve since learned to use TikTok. That’s been a very interesting and fun (funny?) process for me. I’ll be 60 years old in March. Hopefully, I can keep doing this for a long time. I love making people happy through home fragrance.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful, is playing softball. I started at age 8 and practiced, mostly by myself, every day. I was short and fast. My mighty swing of the bat made people cheer and that encouraged me to get better.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I first started, I told my husband, “I want to get so busy that I can’t keep up with orders”. That day came and it scared me. I had roughly 45 orders on queue and my need for perfection and quick turnaround time had me shaking in my Vans. I work by myself – from label creation to cleanup, I am a one-person business. I told my Facebook group that I couldn’t keep up, and I was shutting down my website. I finished the last of my orders then pretty much gave up. What I didn’t expect, was feeling a loss. I had purpose, and a way to express creativity. I did keep making for local customers, and that helped a bit, but it wasn’t enough. Eventually, I got back into it. I still don’t have my website but now I do it differently. I build an inventory then put it for sale in my group. Then, all I have to do, is pick and ship! It’s much easier this way and so much less pressure. My confidence is ramping up, and I think I’m ready to start the website up again —- MAYBE!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. What you see is what you get. I am messy, unorganized and an all-around maniac. I believe in transparency and my group knows when I make a mistake. Believe me, I don’t like to admit to mistakes. I want to be perfect, but no one is. It’s taken me a long time to come to terms with that.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The beginning of the story they tell will be that I loved my family and grandchildren fiercely, and they were my driving force on a daily basis. I hope they remember that I was funny, kind and giving. They will remember the fun times and what a great cook I was and that my middle name is “Add To Cart”.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: mommomsmelts
- Facebook: Mom Mom’s Melts
