Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharron Matthews.
Hi Sharron , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Why I Started My Business: The Birth of 12 Twenty Escentuals
Amidst the chaos of life in corporate America, there was one constant that offered me a moment of peace a deep inhale, a flicker of light, a serene escape. Every day, I found solace in the simple ritual of lighting a candle and taking a quiet moment for prayer. It was in this small yet meaningful practice that inspiration sparked and 12 Twenty Escentuals was born.
The idea for my business emerged from the need for a space where people could connect with themselves, take a pause, and embrace the simple joys of self-care. I wanted to create a sanctuary of scents and skincare that could offer others the same tranquility I found in those sacred moments. Each product we offer is more than just a physical item; it’s a whisper of comfort, hope, and joy. It’s an invitation to slow down, nurture the soul, and reconnect in a fast-paced world that often leaves little room for stillness.
12 Twenty Escentuals is a reflection of my journey—an endeavor to bring a little peace and balance to people’s lives. Through our candles, skincare products, and more, we aim to create spaces where moments of self-care can become moments of true connection and rejuvenation. It’s a reminder that in the midst of the hustle, we can always find time to breathe, reflect, and be kind to ourselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road?
The journey to building 12 Twenty Escentuals has certainly not been without its obstacles, but every challenge has been a lesson in growth and resilience. Starting a business is never without its hurdles, and I’ve faced my share from navigating the complexities of product development to learning the ins and outs of marketing and building a brand from the ground up. There have been moments of uncertainty and times when I questioned whether I was on the right path.
However, I’ve come to realize that every challenge was part of the process. As difficult as it was at times, it was all necessary for the evolution of both my business and myself. I believe that God doesn’t make mistakes. Every obstacle, every setback, has been a step towards the vision that was meant to unfold. Each struggle has brought me closer to understanding the true purpose behind 12 Twenty Escentuals—creating a sanctuary of self-care and connection that speaks to the soul.
While the road may not have been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding. The growth, the connections with customers, and the opportunity to share something meaningful with the world have all made every challenge worthwhile. And with faith, perseverance, and trust in the process, I know that every step, even the difficult ones, was always leading to something greater.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 12 Twenty Escentuals ?
**About 12 Twenty Escentuals: A Business Built on Love, Purpose, and Connection**
12 Twenty Escentuals is more than just a brand it’s a reflection of who I am, what I value, and the journey I’ve taken to get here. As a 42-year-old Black woman, wife, mother, sister, and friend, I’ve always believed in the importance of balance, self-care, and finding moments of peace in the hustle of everyday life. This belief is what inspired me to start my business, and it’s what continues to guide me today.
At 12 Twenty Escentuals, we specialize in creating high-quality candles, skincare products, and self-care essentials that nurture the body, mind, and soul. Our products are carefully crafted to not only smell amazing but to transport you to a place of comfort and tranquility. I wanted to offer something that would help people, especially busy women and families, to slow down and take care of themselves, even for just a few moments each day.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity, quality, and personal connection. Every product is infused with love and intention, and I ensure that our ingredients are natural, safe, and nourishing. Whether it’s the soft flicker of a candle or the soothing touch of our skincare products, I want my customers to feel like they are truly investing in themselves when they choose 12 Twenty Escentuals.
I’m most proud of how our brand has created a space where people can embrace self-care without feeling guilty or overwhelmed. As someone who wears many hats mom, wife, sister, friend—I know how hard it can be to find time for yourself. But our brand reminds people that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. What truly makes me proud is the community we’ve built. When people use our products, they aren’t just connecting with a product they’re connecting with a story, a purpose, and a vision that says, “You matter, too.”
To our readers, I want you to know that 12 Twenty Escentuals is more than just a business. It’s a labor of love, and I am truly passionate about helping others find peace, joy, and rejuvenation. We’re here to help you pause, reset, and prioritize self-care, no matter how busy life gets. Whether you’re lighting a candle during a quiet moment of reflection, indulging in our skincare, or gifting a loved one something special, I hope our products bring a little more light and joy into your world. Because in the end, we all deserve those moments of peace, and I’m here to help you embrace them.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was an only child, raised by my grandfather in a neighborhood where life was tough, but love and resilience were ever-present. I spent a lot of time observing the world around me, trying to make sense of it all, and often feeling like I didn’t quite fit in. Personality wise, I was shy and insecure, struggling with the typical challenges of adolescence, but also battling a deeper conflict within myself: the tension between who I wanted to be and who I felt God had created me to be.
I didn’t have many interests growing up at least, not in the way that others seemed to have clear passions or hobbies. I wasn’t always certain of my place in the world, and I spent a lot of time trying to find myself, questioning who I truly was and what I was meant to do.
My grandfather was my rock, and his influence shaped me in ways that would only make sense much later in life. He taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Despite the external struggles we faced, he always reminded me of my worth and the purpose I carried with me. He showed me the value of self-love and resilience, and it wasn’t until much later that I realized just how much his guidance shaped who I am today.
During those early years, I was quieter than most, often keeping to myself or spending time in reflection. I wasn’t the type to go after attention or try to fit into the crowd. But looking back, I can see that all those moments of introspection were laying the foundation for my journey of self-discovery. And even though I didn’t always know where I was headed, I always had a quiet hope deep inside that there was something more for me—something beyond the insecurities and fears I struggled with.
It wasn’t until adulthood that I started to embrace who I truly was and understand the path God had for me. All those experiences, the doubts, and the quiet moments of reflection, shaped my purpose today. I realized that the person I had spent so much time trying to be was already within me. And that, to me, is what my brand, 12 Twenty Escentuals, represents a journey of becoming who I was always meant to be, and helping others do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.12twentyco.com
- Instagram: @12twentyescentuals
- Facebook: @12twentyescentuals
