Meet Jackie Casiano

We were lucky to catch up with Jackie Casiano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I learned recently that imposter syndrome can come in many ways. I used to think that imposter syndrome meant that people thought they would get “found out” as a fraud, which never crossed my mind. However, imposter syndrome can also show up as self-doubt and feeling like you don’t belong. An example of this is not wanting to call myself an “expert”, or thinking I am not ready for the expensive equipment. Also, saying “who am I to invest in myself, I’m just making candles”. But that is imposter syndrome too. I have to remind myself that the way to become the “expert” is to try and invest. How else can we expect to get there?

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Wicks & Wonder Candle Co is a small business of hand-made home fragrances. We offer candles, melts, diffusers and seasonal molded candles. We offer custom orders for party or event favors like work events, bridal, and baby announcements. We have recently started hosting Workshops where attendees can make their own personalized candle and learn about what goes into our candles. It’s been so much fun getting to meet and interact with my long-time customers!

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?
As a single member business owner, it gets hard when there are so many things that need to get done, and you only have 24 hours in a day. Being resourceful is important because you have to “invent” solutions. The idea of fix things up as you go, has to be something you’re comfortable with. Rarely do things go according to plan!

I think patience and positivity are also great qualities to have because there will be times when you feel that the odds are against you, wether it be financials, deadlines, product issues – but you have to keep your composure and your eyes forward. It’s the only way to recover quickly!

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of improvement has been my ability to let go of perfectionism. I made it my goal, to stop getting in my own way. In particular, I found that my work space had dozens of unfinished candle ideas across the room. I was hung up on the idea that they all needed be absolutely perfect, when in reality, most of my customers just want a good quality candle which they already are! Looming over the tiny details was getting me no where, so I’ve made a promise to myself to learn to let go!

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Jackie Casiano

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