HOUSTON – If you ever had a dream to work for yourself, doing something you love but didn't know how to get started, this Click2Daily report is for you!
Shanquita Greggs is CEO of Simply Scents Candle Co.
The Air Force veteran built her business from the ground up after a series of job losses. The first was right after 9/11 when she was laid off from her job as a United Airlines flight attendant.
"I was in the process of being laid off and I was watching Martha Stewart talking about making candles for the holidays and I thought maybe I can make candles for gifts since I won't have any money to buy gifts for Christmas," Greggs said.
That first batch of candles was a big hit, so she made more, selling them out of the trunk of her car to friends and strangers.
Soon she was able to open a brick-and-mortar location. She now has two storefronts with plans to open a third in Pearland in 2018.
Her successful startup even caught the eye of the Walgreens drug store chain.
"One of the district managers came in and said we'd like to give you a try at one store. We went from using one or two units a week to 60 units a week," she said.
She ended up expanding to 25 Walgreens stores across the Houston area.
Greggs' advice to aspiring business owners: Do what you love and expect to fail a few times before you get it right.
"Whatever you decided to do, make sure you're passionate about it. You have to be there even when the money's not there even when the customers aren't there, you have to be consistent that passion is what keeps you going." she said.
You can learn more about her products here.
Follow reporter Syan Rhodes on Facebook and Twitter for a look behind the scenes at the unique small business success story.
The sweet smell of success at Simply Scents Candle Company! Making magic icing candle cakes! Simply Scents by Shan Candle Co.
Posted by KPRC2 Syan Rhodes on Tuesday, October 10, 2017
