We recently connected with Melissa Mann and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Sometimes we don’t find our “why”; it finds us (and when we least expect it). As a registered nurse, wife, cat-mom, graduate student, and now candle-maker, I’ve embraced so many roles that have each contributed to my sense of identity and purpose. It wasn’t until an unforeseen challenge—an injury sustained while working in the operating room—that not only guided me towards a new role as a nurse but also ignited a newfound passion: candle making. God had big plans for me, even though I didn’t quite understand them at the time.
In early 2023, I sustained an injury while working as an operating room nurse. This injury, while initially seeming like a setback, afforded me an unexpected pause in my otherwise fast-paced life. During this period of recovery, I found purpose in the form of candle-making. What started as a therapeutic hobby to fill my time and bring a little light into my days quickly ignited a passion I hadn’t anticipated.
My journey into candle-making wasn’t just about finding a creative outlet; it was deeply rooted by my background in nursing and my personal life. The motivation to offer not just aesthetically pleasing but also health-conscious and pet-friendly candles stems from my nursing profession and the well-being of my asthmatic cat, Yoshie. With each candle, I’m on a mission to provide a safer and healthier alternative for you, your loved ones, and even your furry friends, while filling a gap in the candle market. My candle-making journey and new small business are a testament to the beauty that can come from life’s unexpected twists and turns.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
This transition was not just about finding solace in the art of candle-making; it was also a period of professional growth. The shift to becoming a surgical quality improvement coordinator came at a time when I was reevaluating my career and life path. The injury, while initially a setback, ultimately opened the door to an opportunity that would allow me to make a broader impact in healthcare and I’m beyond grateful for it.
What excites me most about my work, both in healthcare and candle making, is the potential for impact. In healthcare, it’s about improving surgical patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care. With candle making, it’s about offering a product that enhances people’s living spaces without compromising their health. Both paths are deeply intertwined with my core values, and I believe this connection resonates with people.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have impacted my journey the most are resilience, faith, and adaptability.
Resilience has allowed me to face challenges head-on and recover from setbacks, like my injury. It’s about bouncing back stronger, learning from experiences, and not letting the challenges you face define your path. I chose to define my own path.
Trusting in God’s plan and timing has been fundamental. There were moments when my future seemed uncertain, and my path unclear. Growing stronger in my faith provided me with the strength to persevere, knowing that every experience was shaping me for the blessings that were to come. I learned to put all of my faith and trust into God’s timing.
The ability to adapt has allowed me to embrace change, learn new skills, and stay open to new possibilities. My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone regularly. Try new things, learn new skills, and be open to change.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back to prioritize my tasks, focusing on what needs immediate attention versus what can wait. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed. I use to-do lists to help stay organized and check boxes as I go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weekendglowcandles.com/
- Instagram: weekendglow_candles
