Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Porter
Hi Toni, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I became an official business owner after being laid off from my job. I was also in college at the same time, in need of extra money. The economy wasn’t the greatest and lots of layoffs were occurring across MI. I’ve always burned candles to relax but was having difficulty finding a good brand that actually smelled good. My god mom started making them as a hobby and I loved them. So, I started selling them at the local hospital that I worked for. When I got laid off, I asked my godmother if she wanted to go into business together. I was pursuing a business management degree from Wayne State University, at that time. However, she was also already an entrepreneur and wasn’t ready to start another business on a full-time basis. So I asked her if she would teach me, and the rest has been history ever since. Toni’s Collection started in 2012, but I officially had to take the leap of faith on my own in 2013 after being laid off.
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?
I wish there was a such thing as an easy path or smooth road on this entrepreneurship journey, but it’s not. One of the biggest challenges I faced, has just been having working capital or finding lenders. As an entrepreneur, funding is limited to small business. You have to seek nontraditional options or exhaust investing your own funds. As a smaller business, the price breaks aren’t available unless you are buying in larger quantities wholesale, which is intimidating when you are first starting out if funding is limited. A huge challenge has also been marketing/advertising. You either need to have a nice budget, or learn how to do it on your own. I always say that you can have a great product, but if no one knows about it, it won’t sell.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Toni’s Collection LLC?
Toni’s Collection, is a passion-driven brand that specializes in creating high-quality, hand-poured soy candles designed to elevate your home and space. Founded in 2012, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse collection of fragrances that cater to all moods, occasions, and personal preferences. Our candles are known for their clean burn, long-lasting scent, and the luxurious ambiance they bring into any environment.
What sets us apart from other candle companies is our commitment to using only premium, eco-friendly ingredients. We exclusively use soy wax, a renewable resource, and source our fragrances from trusted suppliers to ensure every candle is not only beautiful but sustainable. We also offer unique, personalized candle-making experiences, allowing customers to create their own custom scents and designs, making every candle a true reflection of their personality.
We are most proud of our dedication to customer satisfaction. From our carefully crafted products to our exceptional customer service, we strive to ensure that every experience with Toni’s Collection feels like a moment of indulgence. Our brand is more than just candles; it’s about creating memories and enhancing everyday moments with warmth and fragrance.
At Toni’s Collection, we want our readers to know that our offerings go beyond candles—we are here to help you set the perfect atmosphere, whether it’s for a relaxing evening, a special event, or just adding a touch of luxury to your everyday life. Our services, like candle-making parties and custom designs, provide a unique opportunity for connection and creativity.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality to Toni’s Collection success is authenticity. Our brand is built on a genuine passion for creating high-quality, eco-friendly candles that bring joy, comfort, and relaxation into people’s lives. We stay true to our values—craftsmanship, sustainability, and customer satisfaction—ensuring that every candle we produce reflects our commitment to excellence.
Another key characteristic is attention to detail. From selecting the finest ingredients to designing an unforgettable customer experience, we take pride in perfecting every aspect of our brand. This dedication to quality and personalization sets us apart and keeps our customers coming back.
Ultimately, our success is driven by the strong connection we build with our customers. We don’t just sell candles; we create experiences, inspire self-care, and help people make meaningful memories through scent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toniscollection.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniscollection/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonisCollection
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-porter-a3695b56/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonisCollection
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/toniscollection313
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@toniscollectionllc
