HIGHLIGHTING WALLESKA RODRIGUEZ
Walleska Rodriguez has always been motivated to build upon customer relationships, which has certainly helped her to build a following. She's also learned how to properly position herself within various markets against competitors in her previous roles. So when furloughed from her job as a senior sales executive, she took those skills with her to create a new successful candle business she calls, 3 Daisies Candle Co. Walleska is proud to offer the highest quality soy candles, with a versatile aesthetic that is on the market today. Read her interview below to see how she got started as a candle maker, and to learn more about her business.
H&F: Please describe your career prior to this venture.
Walleska: Senior Sales Executive. For 14+ years I was committed to one of the nation's top hotel brands, and largest hotel. I was positioned to sell an amazing hotel/brand (among other roles prior to 2012) within several markets and attempt to solidify a working relationship with corporate customers and meetings professionals around the world, to host their meetings at my hotel, versus others.
H&F: How has your career prepared you for what is next?
Walleska: My career has prepared me by instilling what external customer relationships are and the value they play in everyday business. It has also taught me how to conduct market research/comparison and how to position myself amongst a market that is saturated with several candle makers just like me. So making my brand stand out and apart from others is important.
H&F: Tell us about how you have redefined yourself. Describe your project, business, brand and/or platform.
Walleska: I am now my own boss. Produce, market, and sell my very own products that are carefully hand-poured using all-natural, safe, and toxic-free ingredients. I educated myself and learned an entirely new world/business to make 3 Daisies what it has become in such a short amount of time.
H&F: When/how did you get that light bulb moment to start this brand?
Walleska: The idea actually was inspired by my husband, Jason. We were in the car one Saturday morning on the way to get coffee when I reminded him we needed to grab some candles from a local retailer. That’s when Jason asked, “why don't you make candles." I laughed and responded, “I don't know how." Curiosity got to me and soon after I began to research and practice my new craft. Learning so much along the way.
H&F: Tell us something unique about your brand.
Walleska: The brand 3 Daisies stems from my 3 Daughters (Nevaeh, Janiyah and Jaelyette), Daisies symbolize purity and innocence.
H&F: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Walleska: Our inspiration comes from candle-making hashtags, social media, and candle photos on the web. We wanted to offer a different aesthetic for our buyers. A vessel our buyers could repurpose/upcycle and something that would look great in any space.
H&F: What encouraging advice would you offer someone unsure about starting their own venture?
Walleska: “Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing” -Warren Buffett.
And you won't know the outcome of different ventures if you don't take the leap and jump and if you fall at least you can say you tried.
"And you won't know the outcome of different ventures if you don't take the leap and jump and if you fall at least you can say you tried." - Walleska
H&F: Anything else you want to share?
Walleska: I’d like to use this platform that H&F has so graciously provided to thank our customers and the local Central Florida venues who have supported 3 Daisies from day one. Your love and support are truly humbling and we appreciate you more than you’ll ever know!
Follow Walleska at https://3-daisiescandleco.square.site and on Instagram @3.daisiescandleco
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For more inspiring Innovator stories by H&F Redefined, visit our blog, and learn how furloughed and laid off professionals from around the world are redefining themselves. We also offer Lifestyle content, Seasonal Solutions, and Industry Insights.
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