Today we’d like to introduce you to Venishia Marthrel.
Hi Venishia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My entrepreneurial journal started when I was just a young girl. I can vividly remember growing up in Flint, Mi., cutting grass, shoveling snow, raking leaves, sweeping dirt or whatever I could do to earn my own money. I came from a very poor family, and I would mostly have to take care of my younger siblings, even as a kid myself. So, entrepreneurship is where I could make ends meet and help pay for school field trips.
I have many different business ventures in various start up phases, but Moods By Monet was my first “real” business baby.
Moods By Monet is a budding aromatherapy powerhouse that I use to peddle peace through products and services. I currently offer vegan scented candles, room sprays, wax melts, and organic tea. I pride myself in partnering with other minority women business owners, and have begun the planning stage for Moods By Monet community wellness services. Our first event is coming up soon! This event will be a group yoga class where we will provide fresh pressed juice for each participant as well, spreading our wellness movement throughout minority communities.
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?
I don’t believe any road to be smooth, at least none of the roads I’ve taken so far. Life is filled with obstacles and challenges that force us to grow in ways we would never imagine.
I launched Moods By Monet in January 2020, and almost immediately after that our country shut down due to one of the worst pandemics we have ever experienced.
I experienced product and material delays, and even had to stop sales completely to ensure the safely of my customers and community.
Since then, Moods By Monet has found innovative ways to continue servicing our community virtually.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Moods By Monet is a budding aromatherapy powerhouse dedicated to raising mental health awareness, and promoting mindful living practices in the African American community. I currently specialize in 100% vegan, hand poured, coconut wax candles, melts, room sprays, and organic herbal teas.
Created in Seattle, WA., I launched my business January 2020. As a PTSD survivor, I struggled with my transition to Seattle and needed a healthy way to shift my perspective. I began making my own candles back in 2018 and was shocked by how therapeutic pouring wax and blending scents really is.
Candle-making sparked the flame that ignited my mental health journey, and I am sharing this flame with the world.
My entrepreneurial journey was inspired by my grandmother’s hard work and tenacity. I grew up in Flint Michigan where “getting it out the mud” is a natural way of life. My grandmother worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections, but found joy in the host of “side hustles” that allowed her the freedom to truly live life on her terms. I watched my grandmother sell Avon, Tupperware, artwork, hand-sewn clothing, and hand-made home decor items just to name a few.
Although she dedicated 35 years of hard work to the prison system, nothing made her smile more than her entrepreneurial ventures. With major help from her side hustles, my grandmother was able to travel the world with her four children, exposing them to a lifetime of memories and experiences.
Her journey has encouraged and taught me that, with entrepreneurship, the world is your oyster.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is, believe in yourself and your talents wholeheartedly. Sometimes we look to our family and friends for affirmation and support, not realizing our greatest support comes from within.
Many people won’t understand your dream, and it simply isn’t meant for them to see clearly. It is your dream. It is your journey. Believe in yourself and a world of opportunity will reveal itself to you.
Pricing:
- 9oz vegan hand poured candles: $17.50
- 13oz vegan hand poured candles: $30
- Herbal tea: $8.50
- Wax Brittle: $8.50
Contact Info:
- Email: Moodsbymonet@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoodsByMonetLLC
- Instagram: @moodsbymonet
Image Credits:
Patti Parker
Arianna Elizabeth
Venishia Marthrel
