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

Hi Sherod, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Actually, my business happened as kind of an accident. Several years ago, a former friend and I were looking for a creative way to make some extra money, so, we went to a local arts and crafts store with the idea of making bracelets LOL but, we realized that we knew nothing about making jewelry. So, we saw a candle making kit, bought it, went back to her place and made a fee candles. I must say they were so ugly LOL BUT, i actually sold those candles for $25 per unit. Needless to say, the friendship faded many years ago, and I kept moving forward and here I am today with the business still thriving.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Because I am a professional singer and has sang all my life as an independent and collaborative artist, my gift to create products on this level was total shock to me and quite honestly to everyone who knows me. I’ve always had a deep passion for fragrances even as a child, in fact my mother would always by me the best colognes when I was growing up and I know that it has stuck with me all these years. But, I never dreamed or even thought that I would create my own products, sale and distribute them. It really is amazing. However, my brand consists of the most amazing soy candles, eau de colognes, soaps, body yogurts and body oil elixirs. All of my products are made from natural, organic, undiluted and raw materials. It has become a passion. Ideas for new products and formulas literally flood my thoughts and I find inspiration in almost everything. However, to say that my beginnings were easy would certainly not be true. As a young black man creating cosmetics and candles it was absolutely unheard of and because of it I was looked at very strangely by those around me at the time. But, I didn’t care at all. I am one that is driven by passion and vision. And I knew that this gift would somehow and someday lead me to great platforms and success. And boy, was I right. So, I courage anyone that has a dream to follow it and to remain consistent and it will surely pay off.

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.
Atlanta is a great place for almost anything entertaining. I’d start with a very relaxing dinner at the Kimpton Hotel, then we’d go out the next day and do a historical tour around the city. Then of course if the weather allows, Stone Mountain park would certainly be on the list to either have a picnic or to climb up the mountain. The fox theatre would also be a must to check out either a play or a concert then we’d have to end it all with some shopping at Lenox Mall, Phipps Plaza and Perimeter Mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! Definitely my mother Sonja for being so supportive and always the 1st one to try out my new formulas LOL and my eldest Cousin Levetra for opening her home twice back in the early days of my business growth for me to host pop up shops to get the word out about my products. I greatly appreciate them both.

Website: www.SherodMarquez.com

Instagram: OfficialSherodMarquez

Facebook: Sherod Marquez Parfums

Other: TikTok: OfficialSherodMarquez

Image Credits
All images were photographed by Sherod Marquez and are the sole property Of Sherod Marquez

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