Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mier.
Hi Stephanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had a rough childhood that I’ve been running from since I came out of the womb. I settled down at the young age of seventeen, traded in my teenage angst for Martha Stewart/ Betty crocker type things. I was on a mission to Live Fast & Die Pretty until I gave birth to my first son in 2004. When he was born, my priorities shifted completely.
After being a stay at home mother and wife for about 7 years, my marriage ended, I needed to find a job but I had no previous work experience. Luckily, I managed to find one in retail where I spent 10 years of my life filling various leadership roles and to be completely transparent, I had a little mental breakdown which inevitably lead to a major breakthrough. My cousin passed away very unexpectedly at the young age of 33 and the fact that he was my age left me in shock…My drinking and depression got worse until I finally got the courage to take an L.O.A from work to figure things out in August of 2021. I spent that time detoxing my body, mind, & soul I was able to get back in touch with myself through journaling and meditation. By October, I was feeling like Steph again, and could fully step back into my power which meant that I could manifest a better life this time with more knowledge of self and knowledge of what my soul actually wanted to do so I sent in my resignation and got to work on creating a life I didn’t need to escape from. I had no idea what I was going to do. I knew that I wanted to work from home so that I could spend more time with my kids but didn’t know how I would be able to pull it off. After journaling for a while about wanting to be a successful entrepreneur, I had a dream and actually remembered it… I was making candles at home and I was happy. So I went ahead and ordered some supplies that ended up in my kitchen waiting for me to actually try for over a month. Let me tell you trying to motivate yourself is hard. Thankfully I have the most patient boyfriend in the world and he really helped push me when I’d dig my heels in. November rolled around and I decided to go for it. I poured my first batch of candles, I told a close friend about it, she suggested I try selling them at a market and got me in touch with the guy who gave me my first big break and the rest is history. Everything has slowly fallen into place since then and although I’m new to the market scene, I’ve been blessed to be welcomed with open arms by some of the best witchy female entrepreneurs in Houston.
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?
Of course not. When I made the decision to leave my job, I also left my comfort zone and sense of financial security which was incredibly hard for me to do as a single mother of 3. I was very nervous at my first few markets and didn’t think anyone would even be interested in my products but thankfully, I have an amazing support system that has been there with me believing in me and pushing me to keep going.
I’ve had some challenges with candle making in general like the occasional bad wooden wick here and there which used to completely paralyze me with anxiety. I’ve learned that it’s normal and impossible for everything to come out perfectly every single time but that’s where my excellent troubleshooting and customer service skills kick in!
As you know, we’re big fans of Persephone’s Sanctuary. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Persephone’s Sanctuary is more than just a brand, It’s a self love movement intended to help you tap into your own Goddess energy by cultivating a magickal self care ritual that nourishes your body, mind, and soul. We specialize in Eco conscious crystal infused intention candles and magickal self care tools.
The thing I’m most proud of would have to be the quality and general aesthetic of my products.
My candles are made with 100% organic soy wax hand poured in small batches, crackling wooden wicks sourced from FSC certified mills, Premium clean fragrance oils, and reusable tins that come with a recycling incentive…
Which means that you get a cleaner, more sustainable, eco friendly candle with a stronger scent throw!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many amazing humans have played an important role in the success of Persephone’s Sanctuary! First and foremost, my life partner Edgar Patino who’s done everything in his power to support me and my dreams along with all of my friends and family. They have been my support system through this transition of becoming fully self-employed.
My friend Danita Vanhoose who suggested I bring my products to the markets, Ruben Perez of New Heights Art Collective for giving me my first big break, The Whimsy artisan for carrying my products in their shop, Lilly Westcott for giving me the opportunity to join the Obscure Houston Market despite my business being so new, and Jessica Anderson of The Thorn & Moon Market who’s helped by having us at her magickal markets, sharing resources with me as well as carrying some of my candles at her shop, but most importantly every single person that has supported my dream by choosing to shop my products.
Contact Info:
- Email: Perstephones.sanctuary@gmail.com
- Website: www.PersephonesSanctuary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persephones.sanctuary/
