Today we’d like to introduce you to Celena Swaby.
Hi Celena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
PlummShoppeStudio came to be right after I graduated college. I worked full-time and spent my nights/weekends at Sacred Heart University for about ten years getting my Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. I was used to long days but after I graduated, I found myself with a creative itch that needed scratching and a ton extra of time on my hands.
I started experimenting with all types of crafts to express myself and fill my nights. I taught myself how to do my own acrylic nails and hair extensions. I did a lot of doodling and photography. I even got my Make Up Artistry certification. Anything to unload all those years of pent-up creativity.
About six years ago, I learned how to make my own soap, body lotion and hair creams which I would gift to friends and family. I got rave reviews…mostly! Turns out friends and family members are the perfect test subjects!
My soap and skincare gifts introduced me to the world of olfaction which eventually led me to candles! I haven’t looked back since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As much as I’d love to say it was a smooth road, it wasn’t. There were more than a few times where I had to take a break from PlummShoppe because I simply couldn’t afford to do the research and development necessary to build a quality product that I felt was good enough to offer to my customers. Experimenting with scents, buying tools and even cost of wax had to come from somewhere in my budget.
When those times arose, I felt like maybe candle-making wasn’t meant to be similar to the other hobbies I’d tried but my love for blending scents and recreating scent memories always brings me back. Instead of giving up completely, I’d focus on what I could do to keep moving forward but also would be little to no cost. I dove head first into any free resources I could find like blogs, YouTube and even reusing jars for testing!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
PlummShoppeStudio is a black-owned and operated one-woman show that is here to bring a little light and warmth to your home. I offer hand-poured original scented candles + wax melts.
Each scent in my collection represents a memory, thought, place or maybe even a person that has brought light to my life. Now I get to share that light with everyone else.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Consistency. Showing up every day/week/month etc., toward your goal- whatever that goal maybe – is the key to success. Sometimes the outcome may not look the way we intended but I believe that putting in consistent effort and energy is the formula for growth which to me is a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.plummshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PlummShoppeStudio
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/109569437262834/
Image Credits
Celena Swaby
