We had the good fortune of connecting with Kitra Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kitra, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea of my business was actually my husband. I owe all the credit to him.

When Covid happened and we were all in our homes on lock down I was on FMLA from my medical job and wanted something to do. I love candles and my daughter had came to me with her business plan to start an lipgloss company, so my husband suggested to me to start my business. I had already purchased an candle kit previously from an candle supplier but never used it so I decided why not try it out to see if I would like it. I would spend over $100 at Bath and Body Works during there Semi-Annual sales on candles. So I figured why not make my own while on leave from work. So I started with my samples and loved it. It was fun and I had fun learning something new. So I figured why not invest into the idea even more and start selling them, so I bought jars from one of the candle suppliers after doing extensive research on YouTube. I research how to measure the wax and fragrance and decided that I wanted it to be a business and something I wanted to grow for my family. But I eventually decided that candles would not be the only things that I would sell. I would do everything candles, shower steamers, body butters, wax melts, handpoured soaps as well bathbombs. I wanted my business to be well rounded.


Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Registered Medical Assistant. I have been a medical assistant for 19 years, 17 of those years have been in Pediatrics and 2 of those years in Cardiothoracic Surgery. I actually started going to school for medical assisting while I was pregnant with my son. I went through school had my son a month before my last class which he was 3 days early I actually had him the day of a test which was the day to go to my last class which is what I was testing for. After having him 6 weeks later I was not suppose to be driving I drove to school and took my test to go to that last class. Talk about determination right. I passed and went back to school 6 months later and finished, And have been a medical assistant ever since. I also went to Massage Therapy school while working full-time, raising 3 kids, and dealing with a troubled marriage. I finished school graduated while working full-time raising 3 young children one of whom was in all activities. So I was very busy. I eventually ended my troubled marriage and got remarried to the Love of my Life my First Love my oldest daughter father we reconnected and got married. And he is the one who has encouraged me to start a business go back to Community College which I started after high school and will be graduating in December. He is my encouragement, my partner, the person that helped me start this company and this brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Well I am what you would call an introvert I like staying in the house watching television or movies but if I had to go out with a friend we would go to. Eat at Pappadeuax, Olive Garden which are my favorite restaurants to visit.

I only drink water or herbal teas. I am a park kind of person and I like going to farmers markets or going to get my nails done on the weekends. Bowling or Rollerskating is something I love to do as well. And of course shopping and cooking new recipes.


Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserve a shout out and the credit to me starting this business. If it was not for him and his encouragement and push I would not have started it. He pushed me to start this company and step out on faith to try something new and gives me new ideas all the time. My family as well are my cheerleaders and support system.

Website: Soothe-n-me-candle-and-soap-company.myshopify.com

Instagram: Soothenmecandleandsoapcompany

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