Today we’d like to introduce you to Verda Mohsin
Hi Verda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was a child, creativity has been at the core of who I am. Growing up in a big family, I was always the artistic one—whether it was drawing, painting, or decorating my room. As I got older, I took on a bigger role in decorating our home and helping my mom with interior design. I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but in college, I discovered my love for graphic design and decided to turn it into a career.
I’ve always been drawn to home décor, and candles, in particular, fascinated me. Every time I walked through stores like Michaels or Target, I found myself lingering in the home décor section, admiring the different styles and scents. But at that time, I was a newlywed with many new responsibilities, juggling life as an undergraduate student at the University of Houston while struggling to pay for tuition.
With the encouragement of my amazing husband, I decided to turn my passion into something tangible. I took a small leap of faith and bought a candle-making kit from Amazon for about $60. My first batch consisted of just two candles—one I took to my parents’ house, and the other I gifted to my friend Hira. The response was incredible! My second batch was three jars of succulent candles, and it was my younger sister, Zobia, who encouraged me to post them on social media. I was blown away by the love and support I received from friends and family. That same week, I decided to take a bigger step and participated in my first pop-up event with my sister-in-law, Kiran.
From there, I dove headfirst into farmer’s markets, pop-ups, and community events, receiving encouragement and appreciation everywhere I went with my products. Seeing people’s reactions, hearing their kind words, and watching them fall in love with my handcrafted candles fueled my motivation even more. What started as a small passion project quickly turned into something much bigger than I had ever imagined.
Last year, I took a major step forward and officially launched my website, making my small business an online store. Now, more than two years later, Rose & Remedy Works has grown into a thriving brand, and every day, I feel incredibly grateful for this journey. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, family, and friends.
Looking back, I realize that
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been a stepping stone toward growth. When I first started Rose & Remedy Works, I was a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Houston, juggling coursework, a part-time job, and the responsibilities of being newly married. Financial struggles were a big hurdle—I had tuition to pay, and starting a business required resources that I didn’t always have. I had to be strategic with every dollar I spent, which meant starting small with just a $60 candle-making kit and reinvesting every bit of profit back into my business.
Beyond financial challenges, time management was another major struggle. Balancing my studies, personal life, and business wasn’t easy. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, working late into the night after long days at school just to perfect my craft. On top of making the candles, I had to handle everything on my own—branding, marketing, customer service, and creating content for social media. It was a complete one-woman show, which was incredibly difficult, especially with everything else I had going on in life. However, with my husband’s unwavering support every step of the way, things slowly started to fall into place, and what once felt impossible began to happen.
Another challenge was getting my business out there. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if people would even be interested in my candles. But with the encouragement of my sister, Zobia, I took a leap of faith and posted my creations on social media. That one small step changed everything. The love and support I received from my friends, family, and community pushed me to keep going.
Pop-up markets and events were another hurdle. As a new vendor, I had to figure out how to set up an appealing display, attract customers, and compete with more established businesses. There were times when I invested in an event and barely made any sales, but I took every experience as a learning opportunity.
Despite these struggles, I never gave up. Every setback only made me work harder, and every small win reminded me why I started in the first place. Now, looking back, I see how every challenge shaped my journey, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. This journey has been anything but easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a graphic designer, digital media specialist, entrepreneur, and model, I have always been deeply passionate about creativity, innovation, and storytelling. My journey began with a love for art, design, and aesthetics, which eventually led me to pursue a career in graphic design and digital media. Over the years, I have honed my skills in branding, marketing, content creation, and social media strategy, helping businesses and organizations build strong visual identities.
I specialize in branding, social media management, and creative design, bringing ideas to life through visually compelling graphics, websites, and marketing materials. Whether it’s designing logos, banners, websites, or managing content calendars for brands, I thrive on creating designs that leave a lasting impression.
Beyond my work as a designer, I am also the founder of Rose & Remedy Works, where I channel my creativity into handcrafted, organic soy wax candles. What started as a small passion project has now grown into a thriving business, complete with an online store, a loyal customer base, and regular participation in farmer’s markets and pop-up events.
Additionally, I have stepped into the world of modeling, another creative avenue that allows me to express myself and connect with different brands and audiences. Currently, my husband and I have temporarily relocated to Los Angeles to pursue our dreams. While he is studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, I am actively taking on modeling gigs and exploring new creative opportunities.
What sets me apart is my versatility and dedication to everything I do. Whether it’s designing branding materials, managing social media content, modeling, or crafting candles, I pour my heart into every project. I take pride in my work ethic, adaptability, and ability to turn ideas into reality. I am most proud of my entrepreneurial journey, my ability to balance multiple creative roles, and the impact I’ve made through my work.
At the core of everything I do is a passion for storytelling, creativity, and making a difference—whether through design, content, modeling, or handcrafted products. I believe that creativity has the power to inspire, connect, and transform, and I strive to bring that vision to life in every project I take on.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creativity, growth, and making a meaningful impact. From a young age, I have been passionate about art, design, and storytelling, and I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to inspire and connect people. Whether through graphic design, branding, content creation, modeling, or my handcrafted candles, I strive to bring beauty, emotion, and purpose into everything I create.
Growth is another core value that drives me. Pushing boundaries, evolving, and constantly learning—whether in my career as a designer and entrepreneur or in my journey as a model—keeps me motivated. I believe that challenges and new experiences shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals.
Equally important to me is the support of my loved ones. My journey wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering encouragement of my husband, family, and friends. Their belief in me fuels my ambition, and I hope to inspire others in the same way—to pursue their passions, embrace their creativity, and chase their dreams fearlessly.
Ultimately, what matters most is leaving a lasting impact through my work and creativity. If my designs, my brand, my modeling, or even a single candle I create can bring joy, inspiration, or motivation to someone, then I know I am fulfilling my purpose.
Pricing:
- Handcrafted Candles: $6 – $35 (Includes classic jar candles, seasonal shaped candles, and custom options)
- Succulent Planter Candles: $15 – $35 (Small, medium, and large)
- Specialty & Gift Candles: $6 – $60 (Includes Matcha Latte Candle, luxury gift sets, and wax melts/mini candles)
- Blaze Boot (Match Striker): $12 (Single piece), $25 (Bundle with candle)
- Bulk Orders & Event Favors: Starting at $5 per piece (Custom pricing for corporate and event orders)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roseremedyworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseremedyworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseremedyworks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verdamohsin/
- Other: https://www.verdadesigns.com/
Image Credits
Verda Mohsin
