Meet Tito Nariznis: Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tito Nariznis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tito, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
This is one of the most complex questions to ever truly answer. Not one person has the end all be all response that can answer the question of risk taking; but each person has the ability to face it in their own way. What do I think about risk? Well, for one thing, it scares the hell out of me! Why would anyone take on risks knowing there is a high probability of failure? No one wants to fail, no one! But, how does one grow without knowing failure. You’ve hit rock bottom, where else can you go but up right?

With risk, I take it like most people; scared and over analyze each and every variable to see if it’s worth taking. But it’s not always the best way. What I have come to realize is, no matter what the risk is (unless someone is dying) try it and don’t over think! Like the Nike saying goes, just do it!

I’m always scared and nervous to try something new and different, it’s a natural human response. We can’t help but to feel a little scared. I just remind myself, jump into the deep end and swim. One stroke at a time, I will figure out how to manage the waters and find my path to success.

This candle venture I started with Stageway Candles is a completely and utterly new adventure for me! Like most of the world, 2020 was a very strange year that I found myself with a lot more downtime than I wanted. I looked around at new things to try and I stumbled upon candle making early on in the year. I fell in love with it! Candle making was something I would have never even thought of trying; let alone start a business! I started making batches here and there and would show them off to friends and family. I was surprised to find out they actually liked them! I mean, I practiced and perfected my candles but I didn’t think anyone would like them like they did! I thought they were just being nice. This little hobby of mine was starting to get some traction.

With very little money left in my account, I sat back and thought, is this something I need to pursue? The over analyzer in my mind was telling me, no save your money who knows what this year will bring; while the risk taker was thinking hey give this a shot. I went back and forth in my mind for a while and just remembered the Nike slogan, just do it. So I went for it! I started collecting materials to make more candles and decided to start selling online. Scary when most of the money disappeared after that, but I have to say it’s been a very fulfilling decision. I took the risk and have been successful selling my candles. I truly never knew what would become of selling candles, but my gut told me it was worth the risk. I figured why not actually do this, if it went south then I would pick myself back up again somehow.

Nothing is ever permanent when you have the power to change it!

Take all the risks you can! It’s always worth it! If it fails, change it and try something else. Eventually you will fall on something that will take you where you want to be!

What should our readers know about your business?
I come from a career of news and television. Candle making was something never on my radar. Never even crossed my mind until last year 2020 when I was learning many, I mean, many new hobbies.

Stageway Candles came about as a hobby but quickly became a business venture. What makes me keep going each day are the reactions of all of the customers. There is something special in seeing responses from people telling you how great something is when you created it with your bare hands. That’s what I love about the business. It is completely a personal experience for each and every customer. I feel this is true because each and every candle is hand poured. No mass production, just one hand poured candle at a time. Also, when a candle is ordered, each customer gets a hand written personal note directly by me. No pre-scripted printed thank you letters. Pure genuine hand written responses.

I feel this is what sets my business apart from most. People don’t write letters anymore. We long for personal connections, even more so after a year like 2020! I truly believe this has been the key to the success of Stageway Candles. Yes, the candles are great, but each customer feels a part of the family having a personal note written to them.

Like every business, it has not been easy. Inventory issues have plagued the candle world since the pandemic has slowed the supply chain down. How did we overcome it? Trying new things! For example, changing our brand look to newer jars that were in stock. That, actually, has been one of the best decisions! Many customers like the newer candle vessels and have received more sales out of them, even being more expensive than the originals! Never thought it would be something that would really help but hey, always try new things and take the risks!

Stay true to who you are, as a person and as a business. That in itself will bring all the success you will ever need.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite things to do is actually hiking!

When my friends visit, I take them to the East Palisades Trail and show them the awesome park that it is. Has trails everywhere and some run alongside the river. They even have a bamboo park, which is a section of the park covered in bamboo trees that you can walk through!

Highly recommend going!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to a few people:

Alyssa Walters, for letting me mess up the kitchen everyday to make the candles. She has been by my side supporting me and helping me figure out ways to better the candles. She has also been my second “nose” in deciding what’s a nice scent.

Jennifer Buforn, for helping me figure out how to properly do my numbers. If she wasn’t around I’d literally be completely upside down living in the red.

And everyone who bought a candle when I first started. If it wasn’t for them truly telling me their honest opinions, I wouldn’t be here today.

Website: www.stagewaycandles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stagewaycandles/