BCMC Prepares for the Midwest Conference for Candle Makers – Meet Jewelz!

We were lucky to catch up with Julia “Jewelz” Amponsah-Gilder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jewelz, 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?

Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by the intersection of personal passion and the pressing needs of our time. In the tumultuous landscape of 2020, amidst the pandemic’s uncertainty and the anguish stemming from the injustices against George Floyd, Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, I found solace and purpose in an unexpected place: building a candle-making community for a small but growing demographic.

In August 2020, I founded the Black Candle Maker’s Club (BCMC), driven to create a sanctuary where individuals could find refuge in creativity and connection. Little did I know that this humble initiative that started with 100 members would flourish into a thriving community of over 13,000 members.

For me, discovering my purpose was less about seeking it out and more about allowing it to emerge organically from the depths of my heart. Many don’t realize that candle-making is a metaphor for resilience, transformation, and hope in adversity. It provides a tangible outlet for expression, a medium through which individuals can channel their emotions, and a symbol of light amidst the darkness.

As the community grew, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of providing a safe space for individuals to explore their creativity, share their stories, and find solidarity in shared experiences. It was a testament to the power of community and the ability of a simple craft to transcend boundaries and foster connection.

In retrospect, I realize that my journey to finding purpose was guided by something greater than myself. God has led the way, revealing the path before me and infusing my endeavors with purpose and meaning. Through the BCMC, I have found my purpose and a profound sense of fulfillment in serving others and fostering a community built on love, empathy, and inclusivity.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been an educator for almost 24 years now. I am currently the Director 2 of Assessment in the largest school district in Texas. When I started this candle-making journey with my husband in 2006, there was no community like BCMC where you could learn and grow in this craft. It was pretty much all trial and error! This is why I am deeply passionate about fostering community and driving positive change within the candle-making industry.

Currently, my team and I are heavily involved in organizing our BCMC Midwest Conference in Columbus, Ohio, this July. This event holds special significance for me as it represents a culmination of efforts to bring together BCMC members from across the Midwest and beyond. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our community in empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and artisans. Through the conference, our focus is on creating an inclusive space where our members can connect, learn, and grow together.

Professionally, I am committed to leveraging my skills and experience to elevate the conference experience, ensuring it serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration within the industry. I believe that by coming together at events like this, we have the opportunity to inspire and uplift one another, driving collective progress and success. We are excited about the impact we can make together and are fully dedicated to supporting the continued growth and success of BCMC and our members.

I say “we” because my team is more like family so without them, none of this is possible. I have to take the time out to say thank you to my amazing sister team!

  • Vice President, Shontelle Flowers(FlowEsScents Candle Co.)
  • PR Director, Nikkie Davis(Bubble Babez Bath Co.)
  • Vendor Services Director, December Miller(Wick926 Co.)
  • Member Services Director, Latrice Johnson (HeartBeat Candle Co.)
  • Projects & Events Director, LaShon Collier(1st of All Consulting)

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?
Looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:

Resilience: In every journey, there are inevitable setbacks and challenges. Maintaining resilience allowed me to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and persevere toward my goals. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, staying adaptable in the face of change, and seeking support from mentors or peers during tough times.

Continuous Learning: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has been crucial in my journey. Whether it’s staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, or seeking out diverse perspectives, the willingness to learn has enabled me to adapt to evolving circumstances and seize new opportunities. To those beginning their journey, I suggest actively seeking learning opportunities through formal education, our BCMC University online courses, or hands-on experiences and being open to feedback as a means of growth.

Effective Communication: Strong communication skills have been instrumental in navigating various aspects of my journey, from building relationships to articulating ideas effectively. Whether it’s verbal or written communication, conveying thoughts clearly and listening actively is essential. My advice for individuals starting to practice communication skills regularly is to seek feedback to identify areas for improvement and engage in activities such as public speaking or joining group discussions to build confidence.

These three qualities have played pivotal roles in my journey. I encourage those embarking on their paths to prioritize these qualities and skills, as they can serve as pillars of strength and growth throughout their journey.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations who share our passion for promoting diversity, inclusion, and excellence within the candle-making industry. Specifically, we are currently seeking vendor sponsors for our upcoming BCMC Midwest Conference and collaborators who can provide valuable resources and support to our BCMC community.

We are interested in connecting with companies and individuals who are committed to supporting our mission and contributing to the success of our events and community initiatives. If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating with us, whether as a vendor sponsor for our conference or as a partner for our community programs, we encourage you to contact us directly via email at [email protected].

We look forward to exploring potential collaborations and working together to impact the candle-making/fragrance industry positively.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,