Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Hester.
Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I created Velavida Candle Company with a little inspiration from my favorite TV show and a little anxiety.
At the time I was an expectant dad to a beautiful baby boy and decided to start this candle business after a late night anxiety attack and an episode from one of my favorite shows The Office. One of the characters Jan started a candle company called Serenity by Jan. I thought what is a better way to help with anxiety and overthinking than to put my mind to work on something that helped me relax, candles! Candles were something that I used all throughout his house as a way to relax and unwind from the day.
And so it began……
Velavida Candle Company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were definitely struggles along the journey. I started the company while working full time at a telecommunications company, while also recording my podcast Breathe Motivation, and had a baby on the way. This definitely was something that spread me a little thin from a mental capacity. To complicate things a little further, the pandemic happened as well.
We’ve been impressed with Velavida Candle Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a handcrafted candle business that started in 2019. We initially started online and have started to offer our products in stores and shops.
We recently began offering Private Label options to stores and other types of companies to help create brand awareness and marketing to their customers. We have worked with boutiques, salons, pet stores, realtors, schools, churches, and many other professionals and stores to create their own candle lines. We have built the business through business to business sales. We love working together with our clients to create their own special brand of candles.
How do you define success?
Success to me is finding the things and passions that you love and working in them. I think it is important to find what brings you joy and do that. It is important to set goals, timelines, and plan out what you want to accomplish but that is not the end all be all. You can overthink your way out of accomplishing success because of fear and a sense of lack. Success means taking action towards your ideas and goals. These ideas and goals may change over time but take action.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@velavidacandle.com
- Website: www.velavidacandle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velavidacandle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/velavidacandle
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/velavidacandle
