We recently connected with Mahaly Baptiste and have shared our conversation below.
Mahaly, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Creativity for me comes from searching deep within and exploring untapped imaginations. It’s about exploring innate and unexpected ideas that lie within us. But it is not just about personal expression; it’s about connecting with others. At Calen, we actively listen to the hearts and minds of our customers and create a brand that speaks to their desires. We communicate with customers to find out what intrigues them, what scents they like, what scents evoke joyous memories, and what scents fascinate them. These insights guide us to create products that are more than just candles. We create products that embody sensory experiences that meet expectations and preferences and truly resonate with our customers. Each creation is well crafted with precision designed to promote a sense of calm and relaxation for those who use them. Whether it’s specific scents for the holidays that capture cherished moments or seasonal scents that evoke nostalgia, our goal is to create unique and exciting products that are truly timeless.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Mahaly Baptiste, Co-Founder and CEO of Calen. My lifelong passion for the sciences and arts began in my early childhood, fueled by my love for mixing and experimenting with ingredients to create the perfect blend. My mom supported me then, and now we’re fortunate to translate that passion into Calen.
This brand shows our love and appreciation for the planet and its inhabitants, the perfect synergy, and gratitude for its pure and ethereal beauty. As an artisan, the journey to create candles and body products that are authentic and luxurious, yet not overpowering, is both soothing and exhilarating. Our candles are 100 % natural soy, phthalate-free, hand-poured, and eco-friendly, featuring unique fragrances crafted to captivate your senses.
At Calen, we put your skin first, from body oils to perfumes. My greatest reward comes when I see customers react positively to our products and the transformative effect our creations have on them. When our customers describe the profound joy they get when they use our products and how much they cherish the experience, it brings true meaning to the essence of Calen. We’re expanding to offer more body care products and private candle-making classes in Houston and surrounding areas.
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?
As I reflect on my journey, my ability to communicate effectively, my resilience, and my passion for the sciences and arts have undoubtedly been the impetus in my journey. My advice for folks early in their journey would be to listen to their customers and trust themselves and their intuition. At Calen, we have always taken a customer-first approach, and it is important to us that we continue to listen to our customers and use their feedback to create products that they love. Trusting yourself is also essential when making decisions or developing a strategy for your business. These two elements can help you create a brand that customers not only love but that you also resonate with profoundly and feel passionate about. This passion will help motivate you and carry you through challenges or difficulties that may arise in your entrepreneurial journey.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborations and partnerships that align with my values of sustainability, creativity, and growth. Right now, I’m focused on growing my candle and lifestyle brand and would love to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, especially those in the eco-friendly and wellness space. Whether it’s sharing insights, collaborating on new product ideas, supplying candles or products for your business, or exploring cross-promotions, I’m open to opportunities that allow us to support each other’s growth.
In the future, I’ll also be launching a consulting service aimed at helping small business owners with strategy and growth. If you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking for guidance on scaling your business, I’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more, feel free to contact me via [email protected]. I’m excited to see how we can work together and make an impact!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calencandles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calencandles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calencandles/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalenCandles
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calencandles Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/calencandles/
