Doing What You Love

Ever been told "Its more fun when you do what you love?" Well, I must say I've heard that phrase more times than I can count, but it wasn’t until I discovered what I loved that made that phrase make so much sense.
When I first stumbled upon the craft of candle making, i must say that I was very intimidated. There were so many different types of waxes, scents, and wicks to choose from, that in the very beginning I was ready to throw the towel in and stick to what I knew which was other bath and body products. But as time grew, and I began to seek more knowledge on the craft, I soon discovered how much I really enjoyed it!

Family and friends would find me lost in the candle sections in various stores and I’d find myself drifting in thought on my next candle making experience. I must say that it is refreshing to do something you love. Waking up in the early hours to start on a task that doesn’t seem like “work” is an excellent way to start your day. I am constantly thinking of new ways to mix candles, or new containers that I’d like to try with new scents. It’s a never ending thought process I must say, but I’m doing what I love . .and I encourage you to do the same!!

Fall is Near!!

With summer closing in on us, I can’t help but get excited about my favorite season . . . Fall! Every since I was a young child, I was always fascinated with the way nature changed. I loved the colors of fall, the way the leaves fell, the clothing one wears, and more importantly my favorite holiday Thanksgiving!
While making candles, I can say that I have learned how to recreate the warmth of this season. Upon entering my candle making studio, one could expect to be greeted with the warm scents of apple pie, pumpkin soufflé, pecan pie and other baked deserts. I am so excited about fall. What about you? What is your favorite season and why?

Back to the Basics!!

Good Afternoon fellow Bloggers and friends! It's been a long time since I've posted to my blog, and in that time a lot of has happened and a lot of thinking has occurred! I am so thankful, that I come to realize how much I loved the craft of candle making and couldn’t stay away from what was calling my name!
I guess I should first tell the story of why I stopped posting blogs, making candles, and selling my products. About a year ago, I lost a close family member at the age of 25 to pancreatic cancer. It shook my world completely! I couldn’t understand how such a young man could be diagnosed with such an aggressive form of cancer; I couldn't understand how he could leave four small children to be raised without a father. Now of course, I didn’t blame him or anybody, but I just couldn’t understand. Upon diagnosis, it only took six months for the cancer to eat away at his body and the time afterwards really left me depressed and without reasoning to want to continue selling or even making my craft.
One would probably think otherwise, that if nothing else, his passing should have encouraged me to continue on. .that life is short. And in some parts of my life, I can say that he did teach me that. However, when it came to entering my craft studio, and begin creating I could not bring myself to do it. I needed time, and I took full advantage of that time. I cried a lot, I asked a lot of questions, I developed new friendships, I laughed, and then I told myself I was ready!
I can honestly say that it was not without help. A special friend told me could I could it. They offered encouragement, they were patient and I thank them for that. I needed someone to listen and to believe in me and they did that, and I thank them for that also. In all areas of my life, I was one who offered encouragement to others, but often neglected to offer that for myself. Now I can say, I understand the power of friendship, motivation and encouragement from others.
So now . . . here I am! Back to the basics! Back to creating what I love! This morning my oldest daughter came to me and said “Mommy, let’s go make some candles!” Wanna guess what we did today?!?!?! Made some Candles! I’m Back!!!!

The image above is my oldest daughter helping to measure the soy wax. Go Ajah!!

Full time . . .Part Time?!?!?!

For days I have been pondering the idea of leaving my 9 to 5, and focusing on my business full time. I find myself in deep thought, thinking of all the risk involved and asking myself can we as a family afford to leave it behind. On some days, I say yes, of course I can! Especially on those days when my girls are sick, or I've failed to make an appointment because I'm exhausted from my day job. Its on those days when it takes little thought to leave and more to stay.
I have to be honest, there has definitely been moments when I've day dreamed of saying goodbye. Its not that I hate my job, its just that I see myself doing so much more with my time. . . Doing something I enjoy. Of course I know there's so much more to leaving my structured day job than just leaving. I'm mentally prepared to work longer hours and everything else to make my business work. Winning the lottery would be great. . . Maybe I should play more often :) Anyway, Its definetly a thought in progress. What are your thought?

Social Networking

O.K. So as the days pass and I surf the wonderful web, I find myself a bit overwhelmed of all the social networking sites available. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Linked, mycraft and many others, all in an effort to help promote businesses and network within your industry. The idea of social networking . . . .Awsome, the feeling I get when looking at all those sites . . .Overwhelmed! Why Can't I choose just one?!?!?!?
Well, the truth is, I can and I will! I've found that with trying to maintain so many sites, I've had little time to work on my craft. My goal . . .well it's to clip a few ends and to keep only a few under my belt. I must admit I was going overboard with my social networking attempts . .with very little success. . .and what good is that?
Now, I plan to work a few and focus on my craft . . . now the question is which few should I keep? Any suggestions?

Anticipation

Hello Everyone,
So ok. Tomorrow will be my first social networking event. I'm alittle excited and whole lot scared because I have no idea of what to expect. My hubby has agreed to come along, so this makes me feel alittle more comfortable just in case noone finds me or the products I sell interesting. Partly, I'm joking but I can say that's my fear. Of well, tomorrow is the big day! Atlanta, Ga here I come . . anyone have any suggestions?

It's been a while!!!

Hello Bloggers,
I hope that you all find this entry in great spirits! I know that it's been awhile since I've last made an entry, but to be honest so much has changed in such little time. The vision for Jahyah's Beauty had made many changes, and I thought it would be only right to adjust accordingly.
So . . .I now call this journey Jahyah's Beauty 2.0 . .lol! I have just decided to throw ourselves into what we believe in and go for it wholeheartedly. There will be no excuses just hard work that's consistent.
I've decided to turn this blog into our journey of revamping Jahyah's Beauty. To illustrate the ideas and stumbling blocks my husband I will come across. In that way, I feel that it will make it easier to look back and to see how far we've come. I hope I dont lose any followers. . . .come join in on the ride!!!

1 love :)