Today we’d like to introduce you to Sela Munson.
Hi Sela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! It’s Sela. Okay, so I actually started making all-natural coconut wax candles when I was eight years old. My uncle taught me how, and I instantly loved it. What began as a little hobby turned into something with a purpose when I decided to start selling my candles to sponsor three girls in Rwanda, Africa, so they could go to school and have food on their plates.
“Why Rwanda?”, you might ask. Well, my family has been leading mission trips there for over 15 years now. We first visited when I was three years old, and my parents adopted 12 of my older brothers from there! Most still live in Rwanda, although one lives in Kentucky with his wife and kids, and one lives in Dubai with his wife! Africa is a huge part of my life and who I am. I usually visit 2-3 times a year, and get to visit my sponsored girls on these trips and bring them backpacks, clothes, school supplies, and food for their families.
Over the years, I’ve found other creative ways to keep supporting my girls; I used to make and sell jewelry, and now that I’m in college, I buy and resell shoes to raise money for them. I actually just got back from Rwanda last week for one of my brother’s weddings and a mission trip. Every time I’m there, I’m reminded of why I started in the first place. What began with one candle in my uncle’s kitchen has grown into something that’s changed my life, and theirs, in ways I never imagined. One day, I hope to work and live as a missionary here in Africa- although I’m unsure of which country yet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride. I’ve had my share of trial and error with the candles, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I definitely wouldn’t have been where I am without the help of my uncle. Sponsoring these girls and raising the funds each month hasn’t always been easy, but I trust that God will provide, and He always does.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make all-natural coconut wax candles. It first began as a little hobby and fun way to spend time with my uncle, but it turned into something much bigger when God prompted me to sell my candles to sponsor three girls in Rwanda. This helps them go to school and ensures they have food on their plates. I used to make them more often but now I do them once a year, around the holidays to make extra money for Christmas food and gifts for them and their families. Over the years, I’ve found other creative ways as well to keep supporting them. I used to make and sell jewelry, and now I buy and resell shoes to raise money for them. Currently, I’m in college attending Dallas Baptist University. My major is Intercultural Studies (Missions).
I’m truly thankful for the impact this work that God started has had on my girls’ lives. I’m honored that the Lord chose to use little 8-year-old me at the time, to impact others. I truly can’t take any credit for anything, and all glory is God’s. He’s the one who placed this in my life, and He’s the one who will continue to provide for them. To be able to meet them, watch them grow, and know that something God put on my heart to create is helping them have opportunities they might not have otherwise is incredibly meaningful to me.
What sets this apart is that it isn’t just a project or a hobby, it’s personal. Africa has been a huge part of my life since I was little. My family has led mission trips there for over 15 years, and I have 12 adopted older brothers from Rwanda. Visiting multiple times a year and seeing how God works through these efforts reminds me why I started and keeps me motivated to keep finding ways to make a difference. I pray this can inspire you to make a difference in someone’s life too! That’s the hope.
If you feel led to support my sponsored girls or upcoming mission trips by purchasing a candle, you can do so via any of the contact info provided!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Putting the Lord into everything, even simply praying before making the candles. I truly feel that God blesses things when He is at the center of them. I would also say being genuine and real. When I’ve made mistakes with the candles and they haven’t turned out perfectly, I’m honest with the customers about how they won’t be perfect. They’re handmade and hand-poured, and being genuine about any mistakes is vital.
Pricing:
- 22 oz. candle=$30
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selaaabobella/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selabratestyle/
- Other: Email: sela@saddlebackleather.com
