Inspiring Conversations with Alexia Williams of NotaBum Candles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Williams. 

Hi Alexia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Alexia, and I am the owner of the company NotaBum Candles. 

Back at the beginning of 2020, I just had my daughter, and the pandemic struck. I was working a 9-5 call center job at the time, and (like everyone else at that time) I was unsure of what was going to happen. After weighing out our options, my fiancé and I decided that I should leave my job and focus on raising my daughter in a safe environment. 

Even though I felt like mother of the year as a full-time mom, I couldn’t shake the fact that I was not working anymore, and I felt like I could be doing more than what I was doing. To be honest, I felt like a BUM! I was overwhelmed with self-doubt and depression, so I started using healing practices like meditation, journal writing, healing crystals, and making candles to feel at peace. 

I always had a love for candles, and I have always used them to create a sense of peace and positivity in my home. I found tutorials on YouTube and TikTok to figure out how to make them, and I quickly realized that it wasn’t as easy as it seemed. I experimented with different scents, wax, colors, jars, and mixing temperatures until I created a candle that I truly loved. 

Candle-making inspired me to start my small business because it not only gave me a creative outlet that I needed at the time, but it made me realize that I have always been a boss, and never a bum! NotaBum Candles was created to remind everyone to take care of themselves, manifest positivity, and never doubt themselves! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is learning how to run the business by myself while being a full-time mom. There have been many times when I have had my daughter on my hip while I’m wicking candles and making labels. Naptime is my critical work time, and I always take full advantage of the time slots I have to operate every aspect of the business. It has NOT been easy, but it is so rewarding when I finish my tasks and I see that someone loves the candle that I made for them. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NotaBum Candles LLC?
NotaBum Candles is the first black-owned, mood-boosting, wooden wick candle company in Michigan. These candles are intended to protect your inner peace and positivity. Each candle is topped with Clear Quartz crystal to promote emotional stability or Black Obsidian crystal for protection from negativity. 

There are many colors and scents to choose from in the 7oz tin line. 

I also make seasonal candles that come in 7oz and 12oz sizes. The seasonal candles are all about fun and the holiday that they have centered around. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The most important quality of my success is never giving up. Staying consistent, managing time, and learning all aspects of running a business can become very overwhelming. Sometimes hard work does not pay off, and it is very easy to give up, but I have learned to take failure and turn it into a learning experience. Mistakes are made, and there are better outcomes because of what was learned through those mistakes. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/notabumcandles
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notabumcandles/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@notabumcandles