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

Hi Tamika, 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?
In 2001 I was a 26 year old single mother struggling to get by. One Sunday after church I was brainstorming a way to make extra money. That would not take me away from son during the evening. I have always been a candle lover and bought them regularly and decide I would make candles for extra money. So I began to research books on how to make candles at Barnes and Nobles. Once I had an idea on what to do I found a candle supply company and began practicing. I even sold a few to co workers. Once I realize that I pretty good product I decide to come up with a name and seek my lincenses to become a business own. This is when Embraced by the Light Candle was born. A portion of the name is from a book I read while pregnant with my son. This book gave me the courage to press through my fears of becoming a mother. From there I began developing and building my brand.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business journey has not been easy. But who has it been easy for? I started my business brand 21 years ago, in a time when there was no social media and limited internet. But I think what has set me apart from the rest I am willing to change and advance with the times. It is important for me to take time and shop the stores. See what is new and trending in the candle-making world, and also be able to take constructive criticism. I have a group of faithful customers that I allow to test my product before putting them on the market. Never get too big for your britches and think your business does not have room for improvement. One thing I had to overcome is not believing that my product is good enough and not allowing people to mishandle my product. I have lost so much product to people claiming to help market but taking my product for their own personal use. I would like the world to know that my brand was developed with love. Candles have always given me peace and light in my darkest days. It has been my passion to share that peace with the world. My candle names are also a reflection of that. Some of my best sellers are Celebration of Life and Spirit. What I am most proud of is how I have grown as a person and a business owner from that young scared 26-year-old first starting in her kitchen. To now a knowledgable well verse business owner, that I am today. What It all comes down to I hope that I have been pleasing to God and the people will see my good work and glorify God.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend to visit the city we would have to first visit Spiral Diner in Bishop Arts District. Yes, I am vegan. We would also visit downtown Dallas Clyde Warren Park and the food trucks. Also, visit the Art Museum in downtown Dallas. I would also take them to Joe Pool Lake and do some boat riding. Most of the time when a friend visits there are concerts going on. So we would attend concerts and see live bands.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Embraced by the Light Candles could not be where it is without the love and support of my Mom. I watched her work a full time job at night and run her business during the day going up. As a wedding consultant she baked cakes, designed the flowers and sewed dresses. Watching her press through gave me courage to become a business owner. Her wisdom and love has guided me for many years. Not to mention investing money and the many hours she spent working for free helping me build my business.

Website: www.ebtlconline.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracedbythelightcandles/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamika-willis-157352a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracedbythelightcandles/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDf1UfEt57IPFGjfTav26Dw

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.