Diagnosed in 2011, Brandy refused to let this verdict dash her hopes and dreams so during chemotherapy treatments to destroy the disease that seems to stake its claim on her colon and later her thyroid, she found life in candle-making and immediately noticed a change in her mental and physical state. Making candles brought such peace and tranquility lowering the stress and anxiety created by the Cancer diagnosis and rigorous treatment, she tapped into her creative side and poured herself into learning how to make one-of-a-kind candles. Finding inspiration in desserts, SweetlyCreated4U was born. Brandy combined her sweet tooth with candle making to create life-like works of food art that anyone can afford. In an effort to share the same calm with other colon cancer patients and their families, she partnered with the Colon Cancer Alliance to offer a candle in honor of Colon Cancer awareness. Proceeds from each candle sale will go to support a cure for this dreadful disease also goes towards a local organization in Akron, Ohio.
BC: I am Brandy, mother of Sequoia 24, Sariena 23, and Nonnie (grandmother) to KyLee Nicole who is 7 months. I am a two-time cancer overcomer and 2 years ago I was on my death bed. I had bowel blockage went into respiratory failure, had a tracheotomy, septic in my body and here I sit healed!! I love to smile because life is not promised. I keep some amazing family and friends around me. I like bowling, not a pro I just enjoy playing. I love to help others however I can. I just enjoy life because I was near death so there is a purpose for me.
LM: Tell us about your business.
BC: I love creating and candle making has allowed me to tap into a gift that God has blessed me with. My business allows me to create candles that make my customers relax after a hard day or think of their favorite childhood dessert. I am a candle lover and was tired of candles that smelled like wax middle way through me burning and I wanted to solve for that. I created candles that the scent lasts throughout the entire candle life. I have been blessed to branch off with quite a few different lines under my candles. I also create wax melts, room and linen spray, car freshener, prayer line, sanitizer, and our healing virtue box. I am currently starting my home decor line where we have kicked it off with our dough bowls candles.
LM: What prompted you to start your business?
BC: I started as a hobby while I was going through chemo for the 3rd stage and thyroid cancer. I went to the library in the DIY section and started reading a “how to make candles” book. I found a lady online that I bought over $200 of product for $60 and it evolved from there to my actual business. Everything I learned, in the beginning, was self-taught. The first person I sold to was my oncologist nurse and from there family and friends. I stopped creating for a while then regrouped and came out stronger!
LM: Have you always aspired to be an entrepreneur? Why or why not?
BC: Yes, I have always known I wanted to have my own business however I did not know in what. Not until I got sick and walked through that process was the vision giving to me of being a candle maker. I know my ministry is in my candles. I have had customers tell me how my candles have helped them while they were going through hard times and that is just confirmation of what God has trusted me with his business.
LM: Who’s your inspiration? Why?
BC: My inspiration is creating a legacy for my granddaughter and future grandkids because I want to leave a foundation for them to build off of. Having my granddaughter here pushes me more every day!
LM: List some of your greatest achievements.
BC: I have been apart of some amazing programs. ICorps with the University of Akron, eBay Retail Revival. I am carried in 4 stores and 5th as of August 1st in PA. I have had my candles given to Brandy the singer. I have sold internationally. I have birthed out Private Labeling where I bring others vision forward.
LM: What advice would you give a new entrepreneur?
BC: The advice I would give if you truly know that this is what you were destined to do, this is your purpose stick with it. There will be times when you want to give up or feel overwhelmed however those are the moments that you dig in deeper. Push yourself harder. It is not easy but it is so worth it. My bad days make me go harder in my business. If it were easy everyone would be cut out for this. Always remember your why!!
You can connect with Brandy here:
FB: Brandy Coffey
FB: SweetlyCreated4U
IG: SweetlyCreated4U
http://www.sc4ucandles.com