Exploring Life & Business with Tiffany Rendon of The Rendon Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Rendon. 

Hi Tiffany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Who doesn’t love a good candle? I’ve always loved candles and was often curious about how they were made. Before becoming a candle maker, myself, I would lite 2, 3, and sometimes even 4 different scented candles in a single room to “create my own” scent. (Still my favorite part of candle making today- blending scents) 

I began my candle-making journey in 2018 as a creative mental health outlet. I started researching how & where to begin, I took candle-making courses online where I quickly learned candle-making is truly a science! I was excited for a challenge. 

I bought and tested several types of wax, wicks, other supplies & equipment- when I poured my very first candle, I was immediately hooked! I fell in love with the craft, but I took my time testing, branding, and learning about sourcing raw materials before officially launching my business online in 2020. 

After a successful online launch, I decided to look for other selling options. We began setting up at vendor events, small business pop-up shops, and farmers’ markets. In 2021, the unthinkable happened, I was presented with a wholesale opportunity from an amazing retailer- LoversLane! They now carry a line of my candles in 33 of their retail locations. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was not smooth, at all. However, the majority of my initial struggles were based in fear and self-doubt. I was only able to overcome that with the help and support of my family, and the Lord. There were many times when self-doubt almost prevented me from starting my business at all. How could a small-town girl like me, be an entrepreneur? Why not do something easier? How are you going to make this work with already having such a busy schedule as a wife and a mother of 3? -Thoughts I would have to combat regularly. One day in prayer, I heard in my spirit “Why NOT you, Tiffany?”, which was a pivotal moment for me- I ditched the plague of self-doubt, launched my business, and here I am approaching year 3 as a business owner! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are proud artisans who specialize in hand-poured scented soy wax candles, and wax melts. We are expanding and adding bath & body care, so we will soon launch a line of body scrubs, body butter, and handmade soaps. 

We’re known for the quality of our ingredients, our commitment to using sustainable eco-conscious products, and our dedication to quick, personable customer service. 

Our tagline “Where Family Makes Scents” is meant to affirm to customers near and far that we are real people, a real family-owned and operated small business. Each of our scents is named after something in or relating to our family; places we’ve been, or things we love. 

We want people to know how much love and care goes into each item we make. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It was hard finding a mentor for me since I didn’t know many business owners, especially not any in the candle-making field. What worked for me was networking at small business pop-up shops and joining social media groups/communities. 

Sharing your struggles strengths and accomplishments makes the load lighter. I now have several candle-makers and we share upcoming trends, social media marketing ideas, and sometimes even scent blending ideas. It has blossomed into genuine friendship and accountability partners. 

Pricing:

• 15% off all items with code: Voyage22
• Free Shipping for orders $50+
• $5 off coupon upon submitting review

Contact Info:

• Website: www.therendonco.com
• Instagram: @therendonco
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/therendonco/

Image Credits
Matt Borsa