Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Mentor.
Hi Veronica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Veronica Mentor and I am a Haitian-American woman born and raised in South Florida. As a child, I had a passion for all things creative. In high school, I took writing more seriously and become very involved in slam poetry. I had dreams of becoming a medical doctor and those dreams quickly faded after taking Intro to Chem at the University of Florida. Failing that class was the best thing that could have happened to me because it led me to discover my true passions. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, I had plans of going into the Peace Corps and fulfilling my dreams of servant leadership. The COVID-19 Pandemic put a pause to those plans allowing me to move to Dallas, TX.
As an avid candle lover, I found myself spending hundreds of dollars on candles and one day decided that I would stop spending the money and make them myself. After a quick Google search, I gathered up supplies from my local Micheals and was ready to create my candle masterpiece. That was the worst candle I had ever seen… I had no idea how meticulous candle-making was. I was still determined to figure it out and eventually found my way. From that, I birthed Campus Candles Co, a natural soy wax candle company inspired by the central theme of the college experience. I tested several fragrances and created scents like ‘Syllabus Week’, ‘Homecoming SZN’, and ‘Homesick’ and had almost instant success. People especially loved my UF-inspired candle that comes with a mini wax figure gator.
One day I thought, “What if there was a way to create your own candle for fun without the responsibilities of owning a candle business?”. The CandleLIT Experience was then created to be known as ‘The Date Night; you never knew you needed’. I had heard of the Paint & Sip classes and even the pottery classes, but I had not personally been to a candle-making class and thought it was a perfect idea. I had so much fun making candles for my business and wanted to bring that love to people who wanted to try a new leisure activity. I didn’t want it to be a typical ‘class’, but more of an Experience. I wanted anyone who booked to say this is an Experience unlike any other and give them the opportunity to explore their own creativity by testing fragrances and colors to create their very own candle.
I honestly never saw myself owning a business or even having the entrepreneurial spirit that I have today, but I am so grateful for the experience and I am enjoying the journey.
For anyone looking to ‘spark a flame’ in their date nights with their partner, friend, or even themselves, The CandleLIT Experience is just for you.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first started selling candles through Campus Candles Co. I didn’t understand how draining running a business could be. I had little knowledge about things like marketing and appealing to clients/customers on a social platform. I had a full-time job trying to respond to customers, fulfill orders and make it to the post office in time. I also had to learn the harsh realities of being a young business owner. There were and still are times where I will have to decline a dinner/ meetup to keep up with business demands or take the time to rest.
As a service-based industry with The CandleLIT Experience, I constantly have to show people why they would want me to host their Date Night instead of going to their typical weekly restaurant while staying true to my brand. There will always be people who will try to project their own fears or suggestions for your brand that don’t align with your goals. I say to take it all with a grain of salt. My biggest ‘struggle’ was realizing that many of my friends/ family were not going to be the ones making my sales/ bookings. While they were supportive in the beginning, it is strangers who have made my business what it is today. I have had so much fun interacting with different people and learning about their own experiences.
It has not been a smooth road, but I honestly would not have it any other way. I have learned so much about myself and grown as a person through this experience and I am only getting started.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The CandleLIT Experience is an immersive candle-making class meant to dive into the intimate intricacies of candle-making with a special person. As a creative, my goal is to always make people feel something. The CandleLIT Experience is just the same. When people book my Experience, I want them to come in not knowing much and leave inspired.
I curate these Date Nights for people to discover the creativity they maybe never knew they had. Most of my clients had never made candles before and just wanted to try something new. I think it’s amazing to create something with your hands and be able to look back and say, “I made that (and it smells amazing)”.
My goal is to make each Experience unlike the next. I work with you to create the special event that you or your partner want. I give my clients special touches like rose petals if it’s a date night or champagne if it’s a special celebration. I also offer packages to include private chefs and/or sommeliers for wine tasting. And all of this is done in the comfort of your own home or venue of your choosing.
How do you think about luck?
I have been blessed to find what I love doing in the most unconventional way. Any time I thought a door was ‘closed’, it wasn’t because I didn’t deserve it or because I didn’t work hard enough, but it was because that wasn’t what God had planned for me.
Pricing:
- CandleLIT Date Night ($100)
- CandleLIT Date Night + Private Chef ($300)
Contact Info:
- Email: CampusCandlesCo@Gmail.com
- Website: https://thecandlelitexperience.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecandlelitexperience/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theCandlelitexperience
- Other: https://g.page/r/Casfamb56F3bEAg/review
Image Credits:
Nedjina Dol
