We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Guandique and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cynthia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is faith, passion and purpose. The first step in starting a business is taking a leap of faith, and believing that you can achieve whatever it is you will set out to do. My whole brand began at a very difficult time in my life, where the only option I had was to have faith in God, and this crazy idea he put in my heart. I had hope that out of the worst situation in my life, God would convert it into something wonderful. He did just that! The second step is the purpose behind it all. I wanted to do something I was passionate about. My passion is the wellbeing of people, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wanted to find a way I could share my faith in a creative way. I also wanted a solution for toxic fragrance products and create a clean and conscious, eco friendly option. I found a way I could use my faith and my passion, and made it my purpose. My desire is for everyone that encounters Eight Twenty Eight home fragrances, will find faith for their own lives, for their body, mind and soul so that they too can shine the light within them.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My brand, Eight Twenty Eight, is all about eco friendly, sustainable, wooden wicked soy candles. Our products do NOT have any paraffin, phthalates, dyes, parabens , or harsh chemicals. Our products ARE vegan, all natural, cruelty free, allergen free, sustainably-made, biodegradable, and recyclable.
The name is significant because it is the day I became a mom. It also essentially means “this too shall pass”. God uses the worst messes and makes them a whole message. As a newly single mom of three, starting my business was not simple. I had the option to make moves or make excuses and I decided to make the circumstances my motivation to succeed. With God and my kids on my side, everything is possible.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would take them everywhere time allowed. I am huge planner so I have days and blocks of time planned out. We would start of by eating breakfast at a small cafe. My favorite is Jane’s Cafe on 3rd. We would spend the day time at the beach, eat lunch at a seafood place. Then spend the afternoon taking them to my kids’ sports games, or a walk to see the sunset. Most of the time I like staying home cooking for people, and enjoying the family/friend time so that’s what we would be doing.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to God and my three kids. Noah, Gracie and Josiah! God because during the lowest of lows, when I thought I was done for he picked me up and literally said “I’m not done with you” he is the reason why I have this business to begin with. How am I even a candle maker? I had never made anything in my life! Only he can turn the bad to good. My three children are my motivation. When I think about giving up, they are my number one cheerleaders rooting for momma to succeed. I want them to build from my shoulders, not the ground. I’m leaving them a legacy.
Website: https://www.828candles.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/828candles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/828candles
Image Credits
Surfside Visuals