Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Smith.
Patrice, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Jamaica and obtained a degree in Dental Hygiene from Northern Caribbean University (NCU). In 2007 I migrated to the US to attend Dental School because at the time, there were no dental schools in my country. I completed my second undergraduate degree at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York and then attended Dental School and Orthodontics Residency at Howard University in Washington, DC. I am a practicing Orthodontist and love creating beautiful smiles!
However, I consider myself a bit unORTHOdox. I have other passions outside of Dentistry, some of which includes blogging and candle making. I started blogging in 2009 (Climb.Reach. Achieve and Stu-Dent Diaries) as a way to chronicle my life experiences. This passion led me to start a new blog after residency called The UnOrthoDoc, where the aim is to inspire, educate and help young professionals lead a balanced, purpose-filled life on the path to personal, professional and financial development.
Candle making began as a hobby in dental school, mainly because I didn’t have the money to purchase the candles I loved so much. I gave them as gifts to my friends and family, but when demand grew, I decided to turn it into a business. UnOrthoDoc Candle Co. was born in 2018 and has achieved steady growth, even through tough times.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been paved with challenges and obstacles. Some of which are the growing pains of starting a business. From creating a website from scratch, sourcing products and materials at the best price, navigating the nuances of shipping, balancing and maintaining a high social media presence all while having full-time employment.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about UnOrthoDoc Candle – what should we know?
UnOrthoDoc Candles are made from 100% organic soy wax, which burns cleaner than any other wax type. They are handcrafted and hand-poured in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. We use 100% cotton wicks and high-quality phthalate-free fragrance oils to ensure that our candles burn clean and produce toxin-free scents.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband has been one of my biggest supporters and a major contributor to my success. My vision, coupled with his ability to execute is what drove me to start the company. Since the company’s inception, we have worked tirelessly with marketing professionals and website designers to attract the desired customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theunorthodoc.com/shop
- Email: patrice@theunorthodoc.com
- Instagram: @unorthodoccandleco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unorthodoccandleco/
Image Credit:
Product Photography: Onye Creative Studios
Personal Photography: Joy of The Moment Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
