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

Hi Shunkecia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am a natural go-getter, and anything I think I can make on my own, I’ll try it out first! As someone who loves candles, I always bought from mainstream stores without question – until I started getting headaches and allergy flares. In September 2021, I made the leap to try to make my own candles, and throughout testing, I kept getting headaches due to the constant testing of wicks and scents, so I decided to make an adjustment to produce items without soot, smoke, or open flames. I moved to wickless candles at the start of my business in November 2021 to cater to those who have my same sensitivities with asthma and allergies, but it was difficult for my audience to grasp the concept, which led me to relaunch in March 2022, strictly with wax melts in crumble form. I want those who enjoy my products to be able to create their own experiences, whether that’s mixing scents, a preference for lighter scents using fewer crumbles, or using as much as they want!


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently the Web Content Manager for the greatest civil rights organization, the NAACP. Previously, I was a volunteer for the NAACP since 2015, following the murder of Christian Taylor, who was unarmed, by an Arlington police officer. I take my social activism seriously, and I continued to apply myself until I saw there was an opening for the national headquarters in 2019. I applied in November and I secured the job in less than a month. The journey has been tough but moreso rewarding, as we’re currently living in an amplified civil rights movement with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and more to name. Knowing my purpose on this earth keeps me going – to help others find what they love doing and to do it consistently.

With my brand, I apply the same principle. As The Blvck Scentrovert, I want people to know that I am a Black-owned business from the start. For a business that strictly sells wax melts, it was imperative that I found a way to separate myself from typical companies that sell them in stores. I create my wax melts with love, purpose, and intention so that anyone that comes in contact with them can enjoy them, no matter what type of sensitivities they have. I’ve heard that my scents have the ability to trigger nostalgia, which gives me another way to connect with my customers!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First stop would be Trinity Groves! Between the art and the tasty places to try, I couldn’t resist – and the view of the Dallas skyline is always a plus! We’d also make a stop across the street to go to Soiree Coffee Bar for a smoothie and for a snack, and stop by Ice Wizards in Carrollton, TX for a sweet, cool, and super inexpensive snowcone! I also love checking out Deep Ellum’s art scene and the Dallas Farmers Market as I love supporting local businesses and artists. Another place that people must visit is the Dallas Arboretum and the local plant nurseries! As a new plant mom (I only have one year under my belt!) I love browsing plants and figuring out which would best fit my home!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to all first-generation business owners who continue to learn along the way. All you need is consistency for your business, and grace for yourself.

Website: https://the-blvck-scentrovert.myshopify.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/theblvckscentrovert

Facebook: facebook.com/theblvckscentrovert

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCilo197Ab-AD7S0IsJxnWRA

Image Credits
The first image of myself was taken by Dallas Millennial Market, but is free to use!

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.