Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Bell-Alexander.
Hi Tamara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I got started making candles in 2020. I began as a form of therapy to deal with the overwhelming grief I was dealing with. Over the years from 2018-2020, I had major deaths in my family. I lost my mom, my uncle, my cousin raised as a brother, and my grandma all in the span of 2 years. It was all so much death back to back. I also was ending a marriage of 23 years, in the midst of all this death as well. I never got a chance to truly grieve any of it.
I was feeling overwhelming sadness and falling into depression. I needed something to help me deal with everything. My daughter bought me a candle-making kit for my birthday in June 2020. Once I opened it and began to play around with it, it made me feel some joy again! So I began to purchase wax, buy cute candle jars, and scents to play with. I would burn what I made around the house and give them away to my family. My daughter suggested I sell my candles. I began to watch YouTube videos on how to properly make candles, enrolled in some candle-making , and how to start a candle business classes. I launched my business and webpage on May 1, 2022.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Lol. No it has not been a smooth road. There is still so much I have to learn about running a business.
I’m new to this, so everything about this is a learning experience. Trying to get my products in front of people, finding a way to stand out, making sales, figuring out creative ways to market my products, investing in myself, and getting out of my head with fear.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Laboratory Liaison Technician. I draw blood and process for Quest Diagnostics from 8-5, Mon – Friday. I am an entrepreneur every day for my company, Flavor Flames Candles. My 8-5 allows me to have the capital for my business. One day in the near future I plan to retire and only work for myself. I love to care for others, I’ve done it my entire life. I put a lot of love and care into my products.
I choose scents that smell great of course but also give you a sense of calm and relaxation. I use vibrant colors to give you a feeling of joy and happiness. My products aren’t overpowering, for those like me who suffer from allergies and sinus issues. I make sure to think of those who love smell-good products but are afraid to use them for that very reason.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Lol, growing up I was the biggest tomboy. I played football with my brothers, wrestled, skateboarded, bike raced, and all that. We used to make Barbie dolls and He-man, and wrestling men fight each other in the rink. I love all things football, gymnastics, track, and field. I ran track from 7th thru 9th grade. Entering high school I leaned into dance more. I love dancing. I was on the Pom squad from 10th through 12grade.
I was the choreographer last 2 years of high school. I performed in plenty of competitions across the mid-south. I got a chance to perform at the Mid-South Fair when it was at Liberty Land (telling my age lol). I was pretty well-rounded.
Loved to talk and meet people. I still love to talk and dance!!
Pricing:
- Candles $16
- Wickless Candles $8
- Room Sprays $5-7
- Wax Melts $4-7
- Candle Warmer $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flavorflamescandles.com
- Instagram: https://www.flavorflamescandles.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlavorFlamesCandles?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Tiktok: @tiktokflavorflamescandles
Image Credits
Erica Dunlap, Tamara Bell-Alexander, and Takeyah Alexander Washington
