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Community Highlights: Meet Pashea Proby-Henderson of Shea Candle Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pashea Proby-Henderson. 

Hi Pashea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello, I’m 30 years old soon to be 31 and wrapping up my Saturn return ….THANK GOODNESS (iykyk) Also shoutout to my fellow Aries. I was born in Colorado Springs, CO but spent much of my life in Ohio . I’m a wolverine fan though don’t get it twisted! I attended the University of Cincinnati where I studied Early Childhood Education. Fast forward to now, I’ve been a Pre-K Teacher for over 8 years & while some days are truly exhausting, the impact they have on my life is priceless.

How I got to where I am today? God. Simple as that! But to be a little more specific, throughout this journey, I’ve been surrounded by the most supportive family & friends. They’ve encouraged me, pushed me (even if I didn’t like it), helped with marketing/photography, spoke my name in rooms I hadn’t been in & never asked for a discount!!! I’m beyond grateful for my village. Thank you. I love you. And to my Dad, the best single father a daughter could ask for, you did one hell of a job raising me. I know you’re looking down on me with a big ol proud smile.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think there’s anything smooth about starting your own business! It’s not easy wearing all the hats. Even though I was wearing all the hats before restructuring my business, I had a blast. The biggest struggle was my mental. It was silencing the negative self-talk, it was checking my ego, it was confronting my imposter syndrome that was telling me I wasn’t truly deserving of any of the opportunities that came my way. From time to time, I still struggle with imposter syndrome, but now I have the tools to overcome it. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shea Candle Co. is a black-owned, woman-owned business. I started this business in 2020 (during the pandemic). After being a part of the Next Great 50 (NG50), a program for entrepreneurs through Peace4Poverty (a non-profit organization working to educate those in underserved communities), I restructured my business & never looked back. Shea Candle Co. looks to provide candles that are safe to burn meaning they are free from the 5 main hazard groups (carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, and acute toxins). Each candle is made with high-quality ingredients, and we feel the look of each candle should reflect that. We want to ensure that our scents not only permeate a space, but that the aesthetics of the space are enhanced with our alluring vessels. Shea Candle Co. offers candles, reed diffusers & perfume ,all hand-poured in small batches.

I want readers to know – Shea Candle Co. is an e-commerce candle & fragrance business that ships to all 50 states. People can purchase Shea Candle Co. online or in person @ MainStreet Shop Studio (OTR) in Cincinnati, OH. Be on the lookout for our Spring/Summer collection. Coming soon!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
These have helped and are currently helping me in life 

Books: 

Atomic Habits- James Clear 

The four agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills 

The law of Attraction- Esther and Jerry Hicks 

Unlearn: 101 simple truths for a better life – Humble the Poet 

Get Good with Money- Tiffany Aliche 

Podcasts: 

Therapy for Black Girls & Small does by Amanda Seales 

I also journal (guided journals are more beneficial to me personally) 

Contact Info:

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