Leslie Summerville shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Leslie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time, I thought my path had to stay the same. I poured my heart into Summerville Activewear and even though I loved it, I faced setbacks, frustrations, and moments when things didn’t go the way I imagined. Eventually, I had to make a hard decision step back, regroup, and focus on my career so I could rebuild my confidence and stability.
But even while I was focusing on work, something else kept tugging at me.
A quieter, more creative calling.
A calling to make things with my hands.
To pour beauty into something simple.
To create comfort, warmth, and feminine energy people could feel in their homes.
Today, I’m stepping into my next chapter with Summerville Candle Co.
Handmade candles with softness, warmth, intention, and a little wow factor. Shapes, molds, and designs that speak to who I am now.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Leslie Summerville, the creator behind Summerville Candle Co. My story didn’t start with candles it started with a dream to build something of my own. I launched Summerville Activewear with passion and big ideas, but like many first-time entrepreneurs, I faced challenges that forced me to step back and regroup. That time away taught me a lot about myself my resilience, my creativity, and what truly inspires me.
While focusing on my career and rebuilding my confidence, I found myself drawn to the calm and creativity of candle-making. It felt natural, peaceful, and personal, something that allowed me to pour my energy into creating warmth, beauty, and feminine comfort that people could feel in their homes.
That’s how Summerville Candle Co. was born. Every candle I make reflects a piece of my journey soft, elegant, intentional, and made with love. What makes my brand unique is that it’s rooted in real growth and real passion. I’m not just making candles; I’m creating something that feels like home, something that speaks to women who love aesthetic, cozy, meaningful pieces.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my designs, exploring new molds, and sharing my story with others who are stepping into their second chapter too.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my husband Joe. From the very beginning, he saw beauty in me that I didn’t always recognize in myself. I still remember when he told me I was beautiful with my natural hair, no makeup, just me. Hearing that from someone who loved me for who I truly was helped me build a confidence I didn’t grow up with.
He’s always been the one reminding me of my power. He calls me a boss, praises my creativity, and pushes me to keep going even when I feel tired or discouraged. Through every part of my journey my business wins, my frustrations, my restarts he’s been right there, steady and supportive.
Because of him, I don’t just see myself as someone trying. I see myself as capable, creative, beautiful, and deserving of everything I’m building.His belief in me has helped shape the belief I now have in myself.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be take every opportunity that comes your way and don’t let fear stop you. Fear is the one thing that held you back more than anything else but you’re stronger than you realize.
Remember who you are you don’t need validation from anyone to be worthy, talented, or capable, everything you’re looking for is already inside you.
If you trust yourself, take chances, and stop waiting for approval, you’ll grow into the woman you always dreamed of becoming.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They know how much I value creating my own path, building something that’s truly mine, and having the freedom to express my creativity through my work. Entrepreneurship isn’t just a goal for me it’s part of who I am.
And just as important, my friends know how deeply I care about my family. They’re my grounding force, my motivation, and the reason I push myself to grow. Everything I do every business I start, every idea I chase is not just for me, but for the people I love.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to say that I was the woman who didn’t just build a business, I built something that turned into a multimillion dollar legacy. A business that created opportunities, changed lives, and showed other women that they could do the same.
I hope they say I poured into others, that I helped people build their own businesses, and that I shared my knowledge instead of keeping it to myself. I want to be remembered as someone who lifted others up, encouraged them to dream bigger, and believed in their potential before they believed in themselves.
And most of all, I hope people talk about how deeply I loved and cared for my family. How everything I did was to give them better, show them what’s possible, and leave them with something strong, meaningful, and lasting.
That’s the story I want my life to tell.
Image Credits
Leslie Summerville
