Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Simon
Hi Natasha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I dreamt about being a business owner but I never expected my dreams to be delayed. I dropped out of college in my second semester because I was pregnant. Being a teenage mother was not a part of my plans but it was definitely a blessing. At the age of 22, I re-enrolled in college and began working on my undergraduate degree. While working on my Human Resources degree, I was a manager in the hair industry and learned a lot in the field; which allowed me to gain experience in problem solving and leadership. The end of 2006, to the middle of 2007 was an extremely busy, yet stressful year for me (i.e. birth of a baby, graduation and etc.). I did not know what route to take but I knew that being at home more was a necessity; therefore, I decided to become a teacher. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and my love of learning made me passionate about teaching. My interest in business allowed me to be the best business teacher I could be. In 2011, I graduated from Texas Southern University with my MBA. With many of my students facing multiple issues that were difficult for them to cope with, I decided to go back to school for my Masters of Education in School Counseling. When the pandemic struck our country in 2020, I seen it as an opportunity for growth and with my two boys being self-sufficient, it was time to start that business that I have always wanted. Anyone who knows me knows I love wine, music and candles, so I asked myself many times, how could I couple those things to formulate a business. Therefore, I began divulging in things that made me happy; which led me back to helping others by giving them a great way to express themselves. I enjoy seeing others laugh and smile and that is the principle that Wicks & Wine, LLC was founded on. Wicks & Wine, LLC is a mobile business in the sip and paint industry that allows freedom of expression through the candle art experience, as well as, providing custom soy-blend candles. Being brought into this world was not my choice but I’m definitely choosing my path!
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. I was a teenage mother that eventually grew into being a single parent for years raising my son. I received my bachelor’s degree while I was nine months pregnant and I did not have an easy pregnancy. I was constantly sick and I did not think that I would finish school because of the days I missed. When my oldest son was in middle school, he started playing AAU basketball and at that time, I was in school working on my masters at Texas Southern University and concurrently enrolled in real estate school.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a high school counselor and have been in education for over 14 years. I received my cosmetologist license while in high school and I am actively cutting hair to this day at Supercuts (sometimes when public school is not in session). In 2011, I concurrently obtained my real estate license and MBA in Finance. I went right back to school and received my Masters of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University in 2013. I am currently attending Our Lady of the Lake University’s PhD program in Leadership, while starting my business, working with clients in real estate and being a mom. Wicks & Wine, LLC is certified by the State of Texas as a Historically Underutilized Business and certified by the City of Houston as a Woman Business Enterprise & Minority Business Enterprise. I am known for helping and advocating for others. Overcoming adversity in positive ways is what sets me apart from others and my past experiences has transformed into the woman I am today!
What were you like growing up?
I am the only child so I am super spoiled. My parents divorced when I was young but neither one of them had children with their other spouses. I never had to share growing up and I was a person that stayed to myself but once I got comfortable with someone, I became very talkative. I have always wanted to be a hairstylist and that is why I took cosmetology in high school. Growing up, I loved dancing and entered a few talent shows throughout my years in school to showcase my skills, lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: wicksandwinehtx@gmail.com
- Website: www.wicksandwinehtx.com
Image Credits
Jay McDonald and Touche’
