Candle Company
Let's Get to Know Autumn
What inspired you to start your business, and what keeps you going?
I was inspired to start my business for two reasons that beautifully aligned. I’ve always had a passion for creating the perfect vibe, whether it’s calming, romantic, uplifting, comforting, grounding, nostalgic, or simply joyful. I wanted to create something that would allow myself and others to experience those curated moods through scent, by creating a fragrance for every feeling or occasion.
At the same time, my deepest inspiration comes from my grandmothers, Grandma Zena (Azena) and Grand Jenny (Geneva). They were both incredible women—strong, resilient, and deeply rooted in their New Orleans heritage. To honor their legacy, I created a signature scent called 'Nolia Shorty.' This fragrance blends vanilla with magnolia, the Louisiana state flower, capturing that Southern essence. The name 'Zeneva' is a tribute to the both of them, combining their names and those beautiful spirits they had.
As a social entrepreneur, how does your business positively impact your community?
As a social entrepreneur, I believe in the power of scent to enhance emotional well-being, which drives me to create products that resonate with people. I’ve been moved by some of the feedback from customers who have shared how my candles have brought comfort to their lives. For instance, 'Halo' honors my lost loved ones with its airy and heavenly scent, while also offering comfort to others who have experienced loss as well. 'Zen Out' promotes relaxation and peaceful decompression, which helps to unwind after a long day. The soothing lavender and chamomile combo in 'Take It Easy' fosters calmness and reminds us to prioritize self-care amidst everyday stress.
These candles, along with our wide variety of other scents, not only provide a sensory experience but also serve as gentle reminders for individuals to connect with themselves and each other. By promoting these products, I aim to cultivate a culture of self-care, especially during challenging times when we all need a little extra support.
Can you share a time when you took a significant risk in your business? What did you learn from that experience?
One of the most significant risks I took was accepting a 1,200-unit order for a high-profile company’s conference. With just two weeks to create 1,200 candles and room sprays, I knew it would be a challenge. However, by organizing my time wisely and reaching out for help from a few family members and close friends for packaging, I successfully completed the order.
Initially, I hesitated to accept this opportunity because I was worried about if I could meet the deadline and to my delight, not only did I fulfill the order on time, but I also became and remain the creator of their signature scent. To this day, I continue to receive compliments on it, which reinforces the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. (JUST DO IT!)
This experience taught me that taking risks can lead to incredible opportunities both personally and professionally.
How do you define success, both personally and in your business?
Success to me means having the freedom to pursue my passions without any limitations other than my own. I believe in the saying, "When you do something you love, you never work a day in your life." Finding joy in my work while also being able to support myself is key. And throughout this journey, I strive to move with an honest heart, good morals, and genuine values. Success for me is also about making a meaningful difference in others' lives. When someone shares that something I’ve created has had a positive impact on them, that’s when I truly feel successful both personally and professionally.
What’s the "why" behind your business? What motivates you to keep pushing forward despite challenges?
The "why" behind my business is rooted in the freedom to do what I love, honoring the legacy of my grandmothers while building something that reflects both their mark and mine in the world. I am deeply motivated to see how far Zeneva can go! Even though we’re still a small, one-woman operation, I believe in its potential to grow into something greater than I can currently imagine. I push forward because I know we’re capable of achieving big things, and one day, I hope to see Zeneva become a household name, available in stores and recognized globally. This vision is what drives me, even when things get tough.
How do you see your business evolving over the next few years?
Over the next few years, I see my business expanding its reach and visibility. I plan to focus on growing my clientele by improving with my marketing. I’m preparing to start participating in more pop-up events and creating opportunities for customers to experience my products firsthand. Additionally, I aim to get my candles into local boutiques and shops, and eventually somewhere down the line, you just might see a store with Zeneva on the front! 🙂 My overall vision is to continue expanding in all ways and pushing forward towards Zeneva’s growth while staying true to our roots.
What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business, especially in your field?
JUST START. It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to take that first step. Start scared. Start nervous. But just start! Make sure you have the necessary funding to cover your basic business needs, but also remember, you don’t need thousands and thousands of dollars to begin. Do your research and test out your products too. Be sure that you would also enjoy the product or service that you are putting out. Also, keep in mind that every business is different, and it may take a year or two to see a decent profit for some, but don’t let that discourage you. They call it a small business for a reason (and that's okay); we can’t expect to see results overnight but keep pushing forward! The world needs and will appreciate your product or service as long as you're doing it with a good heart. That is KEY!
How do you maintain balance between your business life and personal life?
Balancing my business life with my personal life can sometimes be challenging, especially since I also have a 9-to-5. However, creating our products is my passion, so it doesn’t quite feel like work to me; it’s genuinely fun. I strive to maintain a good balance, and when I start to feel tired or overwhelmed, I step back for a day or two to recharge. One important rule I follow is to avoid creating when my headspace isn’t right because I believe in only pouring positive energy into my work.
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, traveling, exercising, or doing something adventurous. I also make sure to relax with my own candles, which is a great way for me to unwind and remain grounded. 🙂
We shine brighter together. What we are looking for:
- Location:
The entrepreneur must be based in the State of Georgia. - Business Stage:
Businesses that are less than 3 years old. - Impact:
The business should have a positive impact on the local community, either through its mission, community involvement, or other contributions. - Innovation:
The entrepreneur should demonstrate creativity and innovation in their business model, products, or services. - Resilience:
Consideration of the challenges the entrepreneur has overcome in building their business. - Ethics and Integrity:
The entrepreneur and their
business should operate with a high standard of ethics and integrity. - Nomination and Support: Self-nominations are allowed, but be sure to include supporting stories or testimonials.