We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Denetro Tealer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Denetro below.
Denetro , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience for me has been a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. It has been forged through adversity, from navigating moments of depression and anxiety to overcoming the profound loss of my mother, who was my anchor and the person I cared for until her last breath. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself, but it also marked the beginning of a transformation.
During my mother’s illness, one of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing her care with my own well-being and household responsibilities. I was committed to making sure that all her needs were met, even if it meant sacrificing parts of my own life. It was a delicate balance, trying to take care of her while managing my household. I made sure she was my number one priority, believing that love requires sacrifice. Despite the overwhelming weight of it all, I pushed through, driven by the love I had for her. This taught me that resilience sometimes means putting others before yourself, even when it’s difficult.
After she passed, I fell into a deep depression where it felt like the life was sucked out of me. I didn’t want to get out of bed; I couldn’t work, and I often found myself sitting at my desk crying. I felt utterly lost and disconnected from myself and the world around me. The pivotal moment that reignited my will to live and move forward came during a trip to Colorado with my daughter. As we drove through the mountains, surrounded by hills and under clouds, the stillness and beauty of nature made me feel closer to God. In that quiet space, without music or distractions, I felt a sense of peace and purpose again. It was just us, between the rocks and under the sky, and I knew I had to keep moving forward, not just for myself but for my family and the legacy of my mother.
This experience transformed my view of self-care. Before, I never valued it. It was never a priority. Now, self-care is essential to my survival—it’s like food for my soul. It’s no longer optional—it’s as vital as drinking water to survive. I’ve learned to enjoy the moment and do what I love, making self-care an integral part of my daily routine. My passion for scent mixology became a form of therapy for me. When I feel overwhelmed with anxiety or hurt, pouring myself into my art brings a feeling of calmness and joy. It sets me free and brings me to the present moment. It’s not just about creating scents; it’s about creating an environment of peace and tranquility, both for myself and for others. Seeing people come to my booth and watching their faces light up as they smell a scent I created is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that even through pain, I can bring joy and comfort to others.
Throughout this journey, my husband has been a constant source of support and strength, both personally and in our business. He is my backbone when attending our vendor events, supporting me every step of the way and helping me navigate the logistics. His belief in my vision and his willingness to be a part of “Scentify Essence” have been invaluable. He is not just my partner in business but my partner in life. When my mother passed away as I held on to her, I had a panic attack and felt completely ungrounded. I wasn’t in my right mind, but he was there, his voice being the only thing that could reach me. His calm, steady presence brought me back to the present moment. I truly don’t think I could have made it through that dark time without him.
His support extends beyond our personal life into our business. His background in customer engagement and sales has been a game-changer for “Scentify Essence”. He works with customers, connects with people of all races and ethnicities, and brings fresh, innovative ideas to the table. He’s taught me how to engage more effectively with our clients, sharing his skills and knowledge to make our business stronger. His resilience and dedication have shown me new perspectives on entrepreneurship, and together we have built something beautiful.
In my lowest moments, he motivates me and supports my self-care. He is the support and the engineer of our business, the person who steps in when I’m overwhelmed. He’s taught me that business and personal life can be intertwined but must also be balanced. His presence in my life has made me more conscious of my own well-being and the importance of maintaining a healthy partnership, both at home and in business.
To anyone struggling to find their purpose during tough times, I would say allow yourself to sit in your feelings and identify them. It’s okay to not be okay. But once you’ve acknowledged your emotions, focus on doing small things that positively impact you. It could be as simple as taking a walk or indulging in a creative activity. These small stepping stones will eventually lead to bigger steps and, ultimately, to a renewed sense of purpose. Day by day, you will build a path forward, just as I have. Through all of this, I’ve found that my purpose lies in creativity, connection, and in turning my pain into passion. And with my husband by my side, I am confident that we can continue to bring peace and tranquility to others through the power of scent and resilience.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Scentify Essence, we pride ourselves on crafting handmade, all-natural products that enhance and elevate everyday environments. Our 100% coconut soy wax candles are hand-poured with care, ensuring each one is crafted with attention to detail and quality. We are dedicated to creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with our signature products, all made from natural ingredients.
In addition to our candles, we also specialize in natural carpet fresheners, scented oil diffusers that our customers can use in their homes and cars. We carry reed diffuser oils, Ultrasonic diffuser machines and fabric & linen sprays. Each product is designed to infuse your space with tranquility, bringing a sense of calm and rejuvenation through carefully blended, all-natural scents.
Recently, we participated in an event with the Natural Urban League in New Orleans Family and Community Day, where they providing back-to-school supplies to the community. We also showcased our brand at ShopBLK Market, a platform that highlights Black-owned businesses, and have several exciting upcoming events, including Texas Trade Days in Kemah and the AfroTech Convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
At Scentify Essence, we are more than a candle company; we are a lifestyle brand committed to supporting our community while offering high-quality, handcrafted products that enhance any environment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Passion – is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. I always advise people to tap into something that genuinely lights up their soul. But once you find that passion, you have to nurture it. This often takes years of hard work, learning, and growth. Whether it’s taking classes, seeking mentorship, or networking, passion alone won’t carry you forward—you have to invest in it. Be adaptable and open-minded as your passion will likely change and steer you in unexpected directions, but that’s part of the journey.
Willingness to Take Risks – Nothing worth having comes without some level of risk. Every step forward in my business and personal life has required a willingness to step outside of my comfort zone. To anyone early in their journey, I’d encourage them to take calculated risks. Don’t be afraid to fail; sometimes failure is the best teacher. It’s through these moments of uncertainty that we learn the most about ourselves and our potential.
Vision – You have to know where you’re going. Having a clear vision of your goals and ideas is critical. It’s not enough to simply have passion; you need to know what direction you’re headed in. A strong vision keeps you grounded and allows you to make strategic decisions, even in the face of challenges.
What do you find challenging with your business?
One challenge I’m currently facing is advertisement and marketing, especially when it comes to inorganic marketing and social media. I come from an old-school background where we used to go door to door, and connecting with people face-to-face. However, the new age of digital and social media marketing is definitely different for me. Learning how to effectively use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even newer methods for promotion has been a learning curve. It’s a shift from the traditional ways I’m used to, but I’m committed to adapting and finding ways to engage with my audience in this digital space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scentifyessence.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scentifyessence
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScentifyEssence45
Image Credits
Daishia Marie – casual photos
Nicholas Jones – business photos
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