After being diagnosed in 2011, Brandy Coffey refused to let this verdict dash her hopes and dreams, so during chemotherapy treatments to destroy the disease that seem to stake its claim on her colon and later her thyroid, she found life in candle-making.
Brandy immediately noticed a change in her mental and physical state. Making candles brought such peace and tranquility lowering the stress and anxiety created by the cancer diagnosis and rigorous treatment. Brandy tapped into her creative side and poured herself into learning how to make one-of-a-kind candles. She found inspiration in desserts, and Sweetly Created 4 U was born. Brandy combined her sweet tooth with candle making to create life-like works of food art that anyone can afford. In an effort to share the same calm with other colon cancer patients and their families, Brandy has partnered with Colon Cancer Alliance to offer a candle in honor of Colon Cancer awareness. Proceeds from each candle sale will go to support a cure for this dreadful disease. Learn more about Brandy below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Brandy,Brandy?
Brandy: What makes Brandy, Brandy- I am different, and I embrace that. I am quiet until I get to know you. I people watch when in an unfamiliar place, but once I get to know my surrounding I love to talk. I am flawed, but I stay true to myself always. I keep people around me that I can learn from, that push me to be the best me, and that has helped me on this journey called life.Â
Fancy: What sparked your interest in candle making?
Brandy: I started candle making when I was going through chemo. I actually found this lady through Craigslist that was selling a bunch of candle product for cheap and that was my introduction to candles.
Fancy: Now you also started your brand to supplement your income due to your health, correct? Can you share more about that?
Brandy: Yes, I was going through chemo for stage 3 colon cancer, so I was off from work and needed something just to help make ends meet and candles did that during this time.Â
Fancy: How are you doing now? Do you find relief in building your brand?
Brandy: I am a lot better. Just went through another health scare, but by God’s grace, I am still here, literally, so I am very blessed and thankful. Building my brand is my peace! It is one of the ways I feel closer to God, because this business is a Gift he gave me. Building my brand makes me smile, because it is my reminder of how faithful God is. It allows me to see where I started and how many doors he has opened. If I am having a day, I can go in my kitchen start creating and just be overcome with peace!
Fancy: So do you create everything yourself or do you ever have any help with orders?
Brandy: Yes I create everything I sell myself. I did hire someone last year for holiday help, but that was just a couple days. It was hard for me to open up my business to someone, because this is my baby, but I realized in order to grow to another level I have to allow help. My daughter does help when I do craft shows; she is very helpful that way. Next year I will be bringing someone on board to help with creating.
Fancy: What are three of your most popular scents and why?
Brandy: Our three most popular scents: Lemongrass and Sage, I think because it is so soothing and just a clean scent. Sweet Potato Pie, I think it’s a familiar smell and reminds people of special moments in time, and Eucalyptus and Spearmint because it is a fresh scent.
Fancy: Are there any other vendors you’d be interested in collaborating with? If so, what kind?Â
Brandy: Other vendors- good question. I actually brand for companies, creating a candle or melt representing their brand! I just want to be open to collaborating with whomever God puts in my path while staying true to my brand.
Fancy: What words of inspiration or wisdom would you care to share with our readers?
Brandy: Words of wisdom… Don’t give up!! It does not happen overnight. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. It takes a special kind of person. You may go through 10 different emotions, but dig your feet in. Stay true to the vision God gave you no matter what it may look like. Do not compare your journey with someone else’s. What God gave you, is for you! When you’re dealing with or going through things, use that. Every time I go through something personally, through pain, God births a new line he uses that pain for me to create. Walk in your gift unapologetically!!
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Brandy: I am always working. I just birthed my foaming soap line that I am super excited about. Just keep watch on my site and webpage; I am always doing shows when I can.
Connect and follow Brandy below.
Website: www.sc4ucandles.com
