We had the good fortune of connecting with Peggie Lyons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Peggie, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks can be extremely uncomfortable and scary, I started my business in the middle of the pandemic. I had a choice to make: either continue to let one entity control my livelihood or take the reins over my own life. Though I had previously considered candlemaking years prior, I never truly believed I could run a product-based business. Who would buy from me? What would separate my candles from any other company? There are so many other candle companies out there. It just didn’t seem like I could be successful. Sometimes we have to be forced out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Taking the risk to launch PJL Candles taught me that I am capable of more than I’ve ever imagined. I had no idea that I would receive the response that I’ve received, but now I’ve proven to myself that what is for me, is for me. If you believe it and you do the work, you truly can achieve it.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My brand is all about spreading Peace, Joy, and Love, hence the PJL. I take significant care in making sure I’m offering a product that exudes a positive experience. I love when my customers tell me how they use their PJL. For example, some customers light the 4:44 candle during their meditation sessions. I’ve even had a customer be so excited to use his PJL spray when he bought his new car that he’d been saving up for. I had another customer stock up on candles in anticipation for her new apartment. She was so happy to send me a picture of a lit candle on her first night in the new place. I’m proud that I’ve been able to create something that is a part of special moments in people’s lives.
To get to this point, I’ve worked very hard. I am the candle maker, marketing department, customer service, social media manager, shipping department, and so much more. Balancing everything, on top of being an actress and a real estate agent, has not been easy at all. Sticking to a schedule and prioritizing tasks has helped me maintain order. Proper time management has been the biggest lesson to learn. That’s the key.
I want the world to know that if I could come out of the pandemic with a successful business that I was previously terrified to start, you can do anything you put your mind to. 2020 was a hard year for all of us, but I’m sure we all became well aware of how unpredictable life can be. Create the life you dream of. Start the hobby. Call that person. Design your life and lead with Peace, Joy, and Love.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, we would have such a good time. I’m a foodie so we’d mostly be eating. For breakfast, we have to go to Milk and Honey. We would definitely have a picnic at Piedmont or book an Elevated Picnic (@elevatedpicnics). I would also take her to Ponce City Market and walk the Beltline. I would also take her to the High Museum and go to Sweet Water Creek for a hike.
We’d slide to Dat Fire Jerk Chicken and later check out my favorite, Cafe Bourbon Street.
Of course, we’d have to find a comedy show and get some drinks at Bar Vegan.
We’d also have to squeeze in the Georgia Peach at Plant Based Pizzeria and some Slim & Husky’s.
I also love Bar Taco! Get the falafel taco. Trust me!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A major shoutout goes to one of my closest friends, Enoch McKie (@walkwithenoch). He has given me the push, advice, and shoulder that I’ve needed throughout this entire process. He has always been dependable and his unwavering support is a constant reminder that I can be as successful as I choose to be. I truly appreciate him for lending his expertise, time, and so much more. Book him for all of your film, photography, and videography needs!
I would also like to shoutout my brother, Darius, and my sister, Precious, for their amazing support. They are always down to give me their honest feedback on all my crazy ideas.
Website: PJLCandles.com
Instagram: @pjlcandles
Twitter: @pjlcandles
Facebook: PJL Candles
Image Credits
Enoch McKie Cory Marcus