Meet Tameka Richardson | Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, and Business Owner

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

Hi Tameka, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Before reading this question I thought success looked like daily sales, followers, and fast growing bank account now don’t get me wrong I’m asking God and claiming all of that (lol), But I was talking to my daughter’s about this question and I told them I didn’t know how to answer this because I hadn’t reached all those things I first spoke about. And that’s when they reminded me that everything leading up to this moment has been a form of success from writing out the plan, getting the LLC, and launching the website. So for me, believing in myself and my products and putting myself out there right now is the most important factor behind my success now and in the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from other’s for me is in a way candle making aided in saving my life not that I was suicidal or anything but for over two years I was extremely ill so ill in fact that at the age of 42 I was in heart failure. Every day and all day I thought about leaving this world and my kids that’s literally all I could think about so you can imagine the mental effect everything had on me. Now I always loved candles and purchased them in abundance and one day while on was on the phone talking with a tax professional starting a business came up. She asked had I ever thought about starting a business I told her I once thought about making candles because I loved them so much.

Eventually I was properly diagnosed with  Graves Disease which was attacking my heart and other organs. I received the proper medication to put my symptoms in remission this lasted for about a year . When the symptoms began to resurface I focused more on researching candles than worrying about my mortality, and that’s when Flare Candle Company was born on paper. I elected to have a Thyroidectomy April of 2022 and I officially launched Flare on June 18, 2022.

I’m most excited for whatever God has in store for me, because I know this is just the beginning I can literally feel the blessing that are surrounding me, I can’t even explain this feeling all I know is it’s there and it’s coming. I’ve gotten this far by believing in myself more and more daily I truly love making candles and each candle is my baby and I make them with love.

I’ve learned that candle making isn’t as easy as I thought… there is so much research and trail and error that goes into making a single candle no two fragrance oils, wicks, vessels, or waxes are the same it takes time and patience to create a candle, and the learning will never end.

I want the world to know that like everyone else in the world I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but that I haven’t let those mistakes define my life. I really believe in order for any of us to love who we are and what we do we have to forgive ourselves. When I make my candles it’s one of the times that I love myself the most when I’m most at peace, and I hope when people light my candles they experience that same love and peace.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well that’s a hard one…. there are so many places and honestly I don’t get out as much but these places have been the most enjoyable for me.

Illuminarium was such an experience

Stoney River in Cumberland Mall is a must I love the Cheesesteak Eggrolls

IPIC Theaters on Peachtree the bar is nice and the outdoor scenery as well.

The King Center is a also a must see.

Nouveau in Jonesboro is a nice spot to eat, drink, and vibe to music.

Pin & Proper on Grant Street because I’m very competitive and it’s a great stress reliever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly my husband Robert ,for understanding why I spend so much time focusing on my products. My daughters Jasmine, Mariana, Ashlee and bonus child Kimeon for making time to assist me at vendor events, and giving me their honest opinions about any and everything from the scents and my naming of a candle. My closest friends I like to refer to them as Fantastic Four in no particular order Starr, Shametha, Gina, and Chris they all continue to breathe life and encouragement into me they have been my biggest supporters in terms of purchasing and sharing my social media content and referring business to me. I also made a new friend since I began my candle journey Brandi Arrington she also runs a Candle Company in Shreveport LA. called Liquidscentz and Beyond she has been so helpful in my journey it’s nice having someone to chat with that understands the growing pains and all that comes with candle making . Diamond Sellers out in St. Louis Missouri, I actually took a couple of her online classes, she also featured me to her IG followers by doing a live review of two of my candles she was instrumental in helping me gain my confidence. And lastly my classmate Niecy Starks we haven’t seen each other in years. I reached out to Niecy via messenger and asked a question and she has been instrumental in assisting me with getting my LLC together, and any other question (s) I may have.

Website: www.flarecandlecompany.com

Instagram: @flarecandlecompany

Facebook: Flare Candle Company

Other: TikTok : @myflarecandleco