Meet Carlotta Jones | Chandler

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

Hi Carlotta, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The most important decision I have made throughout this process has been believing in myself. I have always struggled with self worth or feeling as if I have never been enough. I knew that if was truly going to start a business and have it be successful I could not have those thoughts. The months leading up to launching my business I did a lot of soul searching to remove those negative thoughts. Believing in myself has opened so many doors not only in my business but also in my personal life. I am honestly disappointed in myself that it took me this long to believe in myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Chandler or a candle maker. I make all the candles in my home in small batches. All labels and candle care cards are deigned by me as well as all my social media content. Starting my business has not been easy to say the least. I struggled with coming up with the right formula and wanted to quit because I just couldn’t get my candles to produce a strong hot throw (scent when burning). There has been many sleepless nights and longs days trying to figure everything out. Not to mention I started in the middle of the pandemic and there was a shortage on everything I needed from jars, wicks, lids, wax, you name it.

Looking at where I am now one would never know that barely graduated high school and finished my first year of college with a 1.3 GPA. To be honest having that 1.3 GPA lit some type of fire in me because now I have a total of 3 degrees (Associates from Glendale Community College, Bachelors from Arizona State University, and a Masters from Grand Crayon University). Never in a million years did I think I would be the owner of a candle company. I honestly didn’t realize that I had a creative bone in my body until I started making candles. Everyday I walk past my candle stock I just smile and say I really did this! This journey has been truly rewarding.

If there is one thing I would say to the next person, as cliché as it may sounds, it would be don’t give up no matter how hard it gets. I once read a quote that said “Do it persistently. Sometimes, it may get hard, but we still got to do it if we wish to be really successful.”

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?
Whenever my family and friends come visit the first place I always suggest is Sedona. Sedona is my absolute favorite place to go in Arizona! Sedona is so peaceful and tranquil, not to mention they have some amazing wineries and breath taking views.

I would consider myself an introvert but when I do get out I like to look at the many murals that around the city. I like to eat at Angry Crab (I could eat sea food every single day!). I am not a big on physical activity but hiking in Arizona is amazing and you can always catch an amazing sunset or sunrise. If I’m looking for a drink I am always down for bottomless mimosa or flights at one of the many brunch spots here in Arizona (Snooze, Hash Kitchen, etc.). If I’m looking for a fancy dinner Houston’s is always my choice.

I am big sports fan so anytime I can catch a basketball, baseball, or football game I’m down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am unable to to narrow it down to just one person as there are so many people that have helped me to get to where I am. The first person I want to shoutout is my amazing better half! He likes to call himself my Stedman because he doesn’t want any credit and would prefer to stay in background. He pushed me to start my candle business and did just as much research as I did if not more. Every roadblocked I hit he was right there to help knock it down. There has not been a day that goes by that he doesn’t tell me how great I am and how successful I’m going to be. To have someone who believes in me they way he does is a feeling that I can’t put into words.

The second group of people I have to give credit to is my amazing family. My dad, mom, granny, and all six of my sisters. They kept me sane during this process and continue to do so everyday. My dad sends me tweets and articles about different things I could be doing and tells me what business books to read. My family have been my guinea pigs with testing new candles for me and giving me their honest feedback! Listening to me cry when I had days that felt like nothing was going right.

Last but certainly not least, the man above, God. I would not be here without him! I am truly blessed and he really derives all the credit!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LottaScentsCandleCo

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lotta-Scents-Candle-Co-365539901097160