Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Espinal.
Natalie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
First and foremost, before I continue, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. It is an honor to be interviewed by an amazing staff and magazine; I am truly humbled.
I have always loved candles all over my home and I would spend SO MUCH money on Glade Candles because they were my favorite… then one day I ran across a “Candle Making Kit” at a Walmart! I was so stoked! Bought it… only to be so mad at myself because the end result looked like a battle of Crayons!
There was wax everywhere, and I threw it all away, BUT nevertheless started my research. I experimented with different waxes, wicks, oils, and would always give them out to my friends and coworkers at the hospital and have them burn them. I wanted full reports on what was bad/good/needed improvement etc.!
I have some HONEST FRIENDS (BLUNT)! Geesh! 🙂 But it helped me finally get the right combo for 192 Candle Co. Formerly known as Scents You Love. Once I knew it was good to go, I obtained my DBA and just did candles on the side!
My main career was in the medical field. As time passed, my passion for law was kicking in, and I decided to pursue becoming a Frisco Police Officer. I had prepped and was ready to leave the medical field. Candle making was always a second source of income and therapy in many ways!
As I approached the end of my testing with Frisco PD, I notified the physicians whom I worked for and wanted a tubal! In the medical world “STAT” means ASAP! LOL! The joke was on me! My Physician told me that I might want to hold off because I was expecting! I didn’t believe it one bit because it was April Fool’s Day!
However, I was pressed for time, so I needed to know. Sure enough, I was expecting. My oldest son, Dylan, was 17 at the time, and I knew in my heart that if I was blessed with this pregnancy after years and years of trying with my partner, it was for a reason because God makes no mistakes.
Since I worked for the OB/GYN group that was in charge of my pregnancy, I had no worries! I was in great hands and continued my “normal life” as I knew it… until August 16, 2011, when my water broke while I was asleep. I was currently 22 weeks gestation, and as someone who worked with patients on a regular basis, I knew that was NOT GOOD.
I was terrified, sad, angry, in shock because I did everything right! When we arrived at the hospital, I was told that I had lost almost 96% of my amniotic fluid and my son was not going to make it. My own physician whom I worked for, told me she was sorry. But I was not accepting that!
While I was getting poked, plugged up to machines and being told this child would not make it, I grabbed the nurse’s hand, my spouse’s hand, and my oldest son’s hand and prayed. We claimed victory over this child. I am not a quitter, and I knew there was a purpose.
Fast forward a week later, a perinatal doctor was doing his hospital rounds. He was shocked to see me still on bedrest at the hospital. So he decided to do a quick scan. My son had turned completely and replenished almost 99% of is amniotic fluid. He told me, he had never seen that. Babies have a 50/50 survival rate at 24 weeks gestation.
My son was born 24 weeks and a 1 day. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know how to feel… and worst of all, I didn’t want to see him after delivery because it would hurt too much to see him and lose him (based on what the NICU team stated). And then… I heard his first cry. He was fighting off the nurses. At the moment, I knew my son was a fighter.
During his 5 months in the NICU, I continued to work at the hospital. Then… he was discharged. On oxygen, on heart monitors, on blood pressure and heart rate pulse sox. My career ended. I was scared. I was tired. But I was determined.
When we received our portable oxygen tank, I started dropping off samples at local businesses throughout the metroplex and was given the opportunity to sell in some amazing small boutiques. I was at a loss for words. Shortly after that, I went from a hobby candle maker to a wholesaler, retailer, and a Registered Trademarked company.
Fast forward to 2014. My preemie was diagnosed with Autism. You would think that would stop me? Not at all. The hardest battles are given to the strongest soldiers. And THAT is a portion of how my company came to fruition.
And Ashton who is my baby… like I said was born 4 months premature… stayed in the NICU for 4 months! His due date was 12/13/2011… He was born 08/29/2011! It was the scariest time of my life… what was even scarier was not knowing how I would be able to provide and contribute to this child financially!
With him being born so early… upon his arrival at home with the Oxygen tanks… Machines and all that came along with the care of a preemie I was homebound and not permitted to work from home. It was by far one of the hardest… most scariest times in my life and even though I was unsure of why all this was happening. I knew that God had a purpose…
Little did I know that less than a year later… God has BLESSED me… BLESSED my Company. Protected and provided for my family… and I’m doing what I love while caring for my boys… one of whom is a chunky 23-pound healthy baby boy!
Thank you ALL for the love… support… and allowing me to grow with you all… it’s an honor… a blessing and more than anything a great miracle! ♥ Never lose faith despite of what is happening in your life… have faith…
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, it has been amazing! Smooth? Not always. Owning a small business is A LOT OF WORK. Its lots of sleepless nights, tons of coffee on board and PASSION. If you believe in your product, and in yourself, nothing else matters. Do it with passion or don’t do it at all.
I’ve made some amazing friends/entrepreneurs and am currently in 17 states as a wholesaler. Every business is going to have its ups and downs. ALWAYS. But, In order for you to move forward, YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. No matter what.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 192 Candle Co. story. Tell us more about the business.
When I initially converted my hobby into a business, I was just doing candles. As time progressed, I was able to expand and incorporate Bath and Body Products, and Home Décor. Our products are cruelty-free, paraben free, vegan, phthalate free and sulfate free.
We offer a variety of custom made candles, sugar scrubs, body butter, body lotion, lip balms, bath bombs, reed diffusers, linen sprays, artisan soaps made from scratch here in the comfort of my own home and linen sprays. Granted, there are many talented artisans that have magnificent products, however, we make it a point to take a portion of all sales, and help families that need assistance.
Having a child on the spectrum is NOT easy, therefore, we want families to enjoy luxury products at an affordable price and STILL bless them with real struggles. I feel that in itself makes this journey worthwhile.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am optimistic and strongly believe that we will be in major retailers throughout the United States and international. I am extremely fortunate to have mentors like Kim Garst, Jesse Doubek, and Brendon Burchard. They have been there to guide me, and keep it going!
However, my dream is to have my own storefront in the city I grew up in, New York City… and the biggest dream is to own that storefront on the street and actual address where I grew up. 192 Orchard Street. That is where the heart of my company stems from. The Dragonfly, is a symbol of change, growth and the meaning of life. Stay tuned! We’ve only just begun.
Pricing:
- $5.00-$129.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 2031 W. McDermott Drive
Allen, TX 75013 - Phone: 469-888-0677
- Email: 192CandleCo@gmil.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
