Meet CaTyah Pendermon: Candle creator

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

Hi CaTyah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business Stax of Wax Collection is a hand-made soy candle collection and it was inspired by my love for candles while using environmentally friendly products. I recently graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and I wanted to make sure to incorporate my environmental beliefs in my brand as well. I never thought that I would be an entrepreneur, I would see many people with their on clothing, hair, baking, photography brands, etc, and I definitely salute everyone with their own businesses but I knew none of those were for me. My love for candles came from my grandma, she has so many candles around her house for decorations, soothing purposes, and just to keep the area smelling fresh. In college my roommates and I would take trips to bath and body works, wal-mart, and dollar general, and would somehow always end up leaving with a candle no matter what our purpose for being in the store that day was. I believe candles can be very therapeutic and it gives me a sense of passion and adds the finishing touch to a clean house or room. One day I came across this youtube video on how to make my own candles and I instantly knew that was what I wanted to share with everyone else. All candles are hand-poured and all scents that I offer are all custom scents. I only use soy wax which is 100% natural, and the wicks I use are either wooden or braided but both are lead and zinc free, which are harmful to the environment as well as humans. Soy wax also has a slower burn than paraffin wax candles which means they last longer when burning. Overall, Ive never been an artsty type of girl so Stax of Wax Collection is the way I express my creativity through my love of candles.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I customize all of the candle scents that I offer and hand-pour each candle individually, I am most proud of the fact that I am able to play around with fragrance oils and create amazing scents that people love. I love being able to tell people I hand-make every candle, I can see their face light up with shock and excitement afterwards. People are more willing to support my brand because they respect the fact that I work hard to make each individual candle. I just recently launched my brand in October of 2020 so I am still learning and growing but I am thankful this business gave me the knowledge and skills to run a business, network, build customer service, and time manage. I am currently a Masters of Public Health student, and I have a full-time job, so I am constantly developing better professional skills but this business has helped me grow tremendously.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend to some of the best restaurants, for brunch im choosing Stax Omega, another broken egg , Up on the roof, and Tupelo Honey. I could also incorporate Up on the roof and some of the bars dowtown for a night out. There is also a couple of nice lounges such as Vibez and Red @ 28th with some great drinks, food, and hookah.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out God for keeping me grounded through the process of being a young entrepreneur. I would also love to shout out my family and friends because they’ve been extremely supportive, whenever I have needed anything pertaining to candles no one has hesitated to come through with their help and efforts.

Website: www.staxofwaxcollection.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/staxofwaxcollection

Facebook: Stax of Wax Candle Collection

Image Credits
Walter Parson