We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaniqua Fomby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaniqua, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career because it allows me to share my old school – old soul way of lifestyles and vibes with people. I love art- but I cannot draw nor paint. I love art- but I cannot rap nor sing. I love art… so the things that I can do, I place in that art lane. For example, the type of photos that I take for my products to place on social media. Another example, poetry. Many times, when I am trying to create a name for a candle/wax melt or design a greeting card, I turn to my poetry.

Art is in everything.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What set me apart from others within the candle business world, is that I create and/or share an old school type of vibe and the beauty that is within the black culture with the lingo, the style, the music, the poetry, the art.

I am excited about sharing more of my ideas within my candle business with the world.

How I got where I am at today professionally was through opportunities and experiences. Some good, some bad, some amazing, some a life-lesson. Going through these opportunities and experiences were not always easy. Overcoming challenges many times for me was to and is to- pause. Pausing and being patient is challenging enough alone but when done so, it can reveal which next step to take which in return, taught me one of the biggest lessons; patience.

What I want the world to know about me is that…I’m becoming more of a coffee person; but still digg my tea.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a workout type of person and the gym is my a.m. special. So, we’d either start off in the gym, go outside and get a good hike in or run. Afterwards, breakfast at a restaurant called: Another Broken Egg (if they’re not super packed). Then, we’d go shopping or hit the streets in my Jeep with the doors off (if it’s hot enough). For lunch, we’d hit up a food truck (or two). A nap is needed if you’re 30+ in age and I’m 31 so yes, I will need a nap after all of this (and she would too, lol). For dinner, I’ll swing by to one of my favorite restaurants here in Birmingham, AL called, Bay Leaf. It’s an amazing Indian Restaurant. Michaels Restaurant is really dope on the roof top for drinks at night because the city becomes alive, wild, and lit up by this time; so, drinks and a beautiful view of the city to end our night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter was and still is my biggest motivator during the process of me building Vintage Fro Candle Co. During the building process, I didn’t really share with anyone what I was doing unless it was a need-to-know type of basis. My daughter would tell family members and teachers at her school that I was “making a candle business”; when I would get frustrated with a failed candle, she would send Youtube videos to me about candle making (she’s 7 so Youtube is her life); and she’s always drawing pictures for me of my candle business to hang in my studio. During the process of me learning and teaching myself how to create Shower-Steamers, she was my little feedback person. She loves the Shower-Steamers. From the art that I place onto them to the aroma. Once I launched my business, I received so much positive feedbacks from loved ones and strangers which excited me to share more of the creativity side within me.

Website: www.VintageFroCandleCo.com

Instagram: Vintage Fro Candle Co

Facebook: Vintage Fro Candle Co

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