We recently connected with Salimah Scott and have shared our conversation below.
Salimah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Salimah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
When I set out to create my brand (Urban GLŌ) in 2019, I never gave it any thought that I would be in situations where I would be the only woman of color in a room or enter a space where there’s not a lot of exposure to people with similar economic backgrounds, etc. You never really think about how your childhood truly help mold and prepare you for life until you’re living through adulthood.
When I look back, I’ve always been prepared for being underrepresented in some instances and still persevere through it. I grew up in the Lafayette Gardens housing projects in Jersey City, NJ. Even though economically my family wasn’t in the best position, my mother always made sure that I had the best possible education. Thankfully, I attended an elementary school that was extremely diverse and had me enthusiastic about learning and exploring more! Having exposure to people from all different ethnic and economic backgrounds helped me adapt to any situation in a compassionate and empathetic way. I thrive in any situation by being open and teachable. So when it comes to maneuvering in business, I feel like everyone has a common ground that can bring them together no matter their race. Everyone has a story that you can learn from.
Being in the self-care space, there’s an automatic common ground between myself and anyone that I come across. We simply want to relax! Our handmade candles are for everyone and the fragrances that I create transcend race or economic backgrounds. Whether I am the only one in the room that looks like me or not, my product speaks for itself and appeals to everyone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Urban GLŌ® is a candle company that create beautiful aromas for any mood. Our aromatherapy soy wax candles include calming fragrances such as lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass. We have over 15 candle fragrances to choose from within our various collections. Our highly fragrant handmade candles will help freshen up your space instantly.
All candles are handmade in small batches and hand poured by founder, Salimah Scott. Urban GLŌ® soy wax candles are layered with high quality fragrances until the perfect scent combination is created. Visit our website www.urbanglobrand.com for more information about our brand and candle selection. In November 2023, the Urban GLŌ® retail shop opened its doors. We are the only brick and mortar candle shop in Union, NJ. We also offer candle making experiences either privately at our shop or off-site as well as collaborate with local businesses and city government, where participants gather with the community to create their own handcrafted candle.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
From the very beginning, I have been dedicated to not only just crafting candles for my brand Urban GLŌ, but elevating the brand through education, mentorship, and pure olfactory joy. The three areas of knowledge that has been most impactful in my journey has been practicing consistency, focusing on branding, and budgeting. The key piece of advice that I would give an entrepreneur just starting out is to truly focus on building your brand. When I say focus, I mean cutting out all of the distractions and honing in on your craft or area of knowledge. I knew very early on that in order for me to develop my brand into something that I could sustain, I had to stay true to the vision that I had set out for my business without trying to figure out what the next person is doing. Literally, stay in your lane in order to grow your brand organically.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I am a believer of taking self-care time whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. One of my favorite ways of decompressing is lighting candles. Candles became my peace after my divorce in 2019. What started as a selfish hobby of trying to fulfill my own need to have more candles in my house – turned into something I couldn’t never imagined. Not only does my handcrafted candles provide relaxation for me but Urban GLŌ candles has entered the hearts and homes of many people across the US.
Another way that I decompress is going to the spa! It’s something about the steam and even cold plunge that rejuvenate my soul. Lastly, spending time with my family and friends is the best reset button for any overwhelming moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.urbanglobrand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanglobrand
- Facebook: www.instagram.com/urbanglobrandllc
Image Credits
Trade Photography LLC
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