We were lucky to catch up with Marsha Guillory, PhD. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marsha, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
I always try to stay positive and not let negativity get to me. There will always be people who try to bring me down, criticize me, or doubt my abilities. But I know myself well enough to recognize my strengths, skills, and passions that make me who I am. My main focus is on chasing my goals, dreams, and achievements. I purposely surround myself with positive and supportive people who inspire and lift me up. Of course, I make mistakes along the way, but I don’t dwell on them. When I succeed, I don’t get too comfortable. I keep pushing myself, improving my skills, and appreciating the good things in life. These strategies help me stay strong against those who spread negativity or doubt.
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?
As a certified medical coder and candlemaker, I have two passions and businesses that may seem very different, but actually complement each other. Medical coding is a precise and technical skill that requires attention to detail and accuracy. I enjoy the challenge of translating medical records into standardized codes that can be used for billing and research purposes. Candle making is a creative and relaxing hobby that allows me to express myself and make beautiful products. I love experimenting with different scents, and seeing how they turn out. Both activities require patience, concentration and problem-solving skills, but they also balance each other out. Medical coding gives me a sense of order and structure, while candle making gives me a sense of freedom and fun. What is special about my combination of skills is that I can use them to help others in different ways. Medical coding helps me contribute to the healthcare system and ensure that patients and providers get fair reimbursement. Candle making helps me create gifts and sell them online to grow the Guillory Candle Co. brand. I am proud of being a certified medical coder and candlemaker, and I think they make me a well-rounded and happy person. Guillory Candle Co has expanded to including refreshing washes, nourishing lotions, and invigorating sugar scrubs. We’ve partnered with exceptional coffee producers to create our very own blend of gourmet coffee.
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?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the greatest impact on my business journey are creativity, communication, and leadership.
Creativity is crucial in generating new and innovative ideas, solutions, and products that meet the needs and desires of both my customers and the market. It also helps me overcome challenges, adapt to changes, and stand out from the competition.
Effective communication is another vital skill that has played a significant role in my success. Being able to express myself clearly, persuasively, and respectfully to various audiences been instrumental. Communication also helps me build trust, establish rapport, and develop collaboration with others. Additionally, it allows me to receive valuable feedback and learn from others.
Leadership is the third quality that has greatly influenced my business journey. The ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards a common vision and goal has been invaluable. Leadership also enables me to delegate tasks, manage conflicts, resolve problems, and cultivate a positive and productive work culture.
For those who are just starting their journey and want to develop or improve these qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge, I would offer the following advice:
To enhance creativity, seek inspiration from various sources such as books, podcasts, art, nature, and other people. Experiment with different methods, tools, and approaches. Don’t be afraid of failure or making mistakes; instead, learn from them and try again.
To improve communication skills, practice speaking, writing, and listening regularly. Seek feedback from others and work on both your strengths and weaknesses. Maintain an open-minded and curious attitude, respecting other perspectives and opinions. Use simple, clear, and concise language that suits your audience and purpose.
To develop leadership abilities, find a mentor or role model who can guide and support you. Look for opportunities to lead or participate in projects, teams, or groups. Be confident, positive, and enthusiastic in your approach. Set clear expectations, goals, and roles for yourself and others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a candle business that also offers bath products and gourmet coffee, I am actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with businesses that share my passion for cultivating a cozy and tranquil ambiance. In my opinion, candles have the remarkable ability to infuse warmth and illumination into any space, whether it’s a home, office, or store. I would be interested in collaborating with businesses that provide complementary products or services, such as home decor, aromatherapy, spa treatments, or wellness centers. Together, we can curate extraordinary bundles or packages that will captivate our customers and enhance their overall experience.
If your business aligns with these ideals, I invite you to connect with us. Let’s have a conversation about how we can forge a mutually beneficial partnership. Guillory Candle Co. can be reached through:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 504-517-5267
Instagram: @guillorycandleco
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.guillorycandleco.com
- Instagram: @guillorycandleco
- Facebook: Guillory Candle Co.
