Meet Tiona Smith | Founder & CEO of Rare Radiance, Wellness Enthusiast

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

Hi Tiona, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ultimately, I created Rare Radiance based on my God-given purpose to uplift others and spread light. Through Rare Radiance, I enjoy living out my God-given purpose and indulging in my love (borderline obsession) for candles. Our mission is to promote intentional wellness by spreading light and inspiring others live a quality life on purpose (with purpose). We encourage others to let their light (life) shine radiantly, as an examples God’s glory. Through our products and speaking engagements we help others develop a mindset and environment suitable to live in wellness, on purpose. Each candle is labeled to bring the energy you need into your space, whether it be your home or workplace.

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.
I’m a change agent and creative strategist. In both my professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, I help people improve their mindset or the way they leverage technology for the greater good of the company and customers we serve. I also serve as a people leader. There have been many times where I’ve had to batter the too-common hurdles placed before young, black, females in a male dominated space. However, I didn’t let these challenges stop me from achieving success. I’ve learned to progress by following these simple steps: be authentic, be balanced, go with what you know & make positive connections.

I follow these “rules” in my personal and entrepreneurial life as well. Rare Radiance is more than just is a business, it’s a brand. Our products are physical representations of individual quality and light. In line with the modern focus on health and wealth – our candles are a perfect alternative to mainstream brands and products that may not be made with care or preferred ingredients (e.g., all-natural soy, certified skin-safe fragrances and no dyes). Each candle is labeled to bring the energy you need into your space, whether it be your home or workplace. One of the aspects of operating Rare Radiance is hearing and seeing customers enjoy our candles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On a weeklong trip to Charlotte, I’d recommend the following places: – 1501 S. Mint (bar and lounge)
– Easy Like Sunday (Brunch)
– Tulepo Honey (Brunch)
– Margaritas (Mexican)
– Ruby Sunshine (Brunch)
– Top Golf
– Bricktops (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
– Freshwater (Soul Food)
– Frankie’s (Games and fun)
– Two Scoops Creamery (Ice Cream)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Prior to launching Rare Radiance, I read ‘The Year of Yes’ by Shonda Rhimes. Years ago, I read ‘The Circle Maker’ by Mark Batterson. Both books changed my mindset and contributed to the creation of Rare Radiance.

People always told me they could see me owning my own business and working for myself. But frankly, I’d always shoot that idea down. I love what I do for my career. I am an Information Technology (IT) Auditor and I thoroughly enjoy the impact I make daily. I also am a no stress and low tolerance type of person. I always attributed stress and difficult people with being a business owner.

As for my spiritual life, I’ve been consistently living in my purpose through my personal interactions – but on my time. However, ‘The Circle Maker’ opened my perspective to see that my spiritual life is bigger than just me. Then Shonda Rhimes brung it home by helping visualize what my true mark on earth could look life if I happily flourished, on my own terms, doing what I love.

So, I’d like to recognize these books for their impact on my entrepreneurial path.

Website: www.RareRadiance.com

Instagram: @rareradiancebrand @rareradiancecandles

Twitter: @rare_radiance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RareRadiance