The Candle Maker Who Lit Her Own Way
Her Business Blueprint
In this debut episode of Her Business Blueprint, I sit down with Melissa Jagessar, founder of , a home and body fragrance brand rooted in healing, heritage, and hustle. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from childhood curiosity with candles to battling depression after the loss of her grandmother, to launching a brand that not only honors her roots but helps others reconnect with scent and memory. In this episode, we discuss: *How Melissa turned grief into growth during the 2020 pandemic *Her grandmother’s legacy as a Black business owner in the Bronx in the 1960s *The creation of...
info_outline
Her Business Blueprint Trailer
Her Business Blueprint
Her Business Blueprint officially launches in January 2025. Welcome to Her Business Blueprint, the podcast for women entrepreneurs ready to shift their mindsets and embrace the unique realities of building a purpose-driven business as solopreneurs. In this episode, host Kimberly Sumpter, founder of Podcast to Inspire, dives into the heart of what it means to wear every hat in your business—from CEO to strategist to bookkeeper—and still push forward toward success. Join Kimberly as she shares honest reflections on her journey, alongside candid conversations with inspiring women solopreneurs...
info_outlineIn this debut episode of Her Business Blueprint, I sit down with Melissa Jagessar, founder of Cali Meets NYC, a home and body fragrance brand rooted in healing, heritage, and hustle. Melissa shares her inspiring journey from childhood curiosity with candles to battling depression after the loss of her grandmother, to launching a brand that not only honors her roots but helps others reconnect with scent and memory.
In this episode, we discuss:
*How Melissa turned grief into growth during the 2020 pandemic
*Her grandmother’s legacy as a Black business owner in the Bronx in the 1960s
*The creation of Cali Meets NYC and how love and design inspired the brand
*How custom zip code candles became her signature product
*Overcoming self-doubt to launch a YouTube channel and show up for her business
*That unforgettable moment Tabitha Brown featured her candle
*The importance of having a community
*The challenges and joys of being a solopreneur
*Finding balance with Pilates and prioritizing mental wellness
*Her plans for expanding the brand with perfumes and more body care
Resources & Mentions:
Cali Meets NYC website
Black Candlemakers Club
Very Good Mondays with Tabitha Brown
Sistahs Connect website
Sistahs Connect on Instagram
Sistahs Connect Radio
✨ Tune and listen to Sistahs Connect Radio, your home for throwback Neo Soul, R&B and a touch of inspiration 24/7! Download the Live365 app, search for Sistahs Connect Radio, and save it as your favorite. Support Black women entrepreneurs and voices in media.