Meet Sharonda Glover | Chief Candle Creator

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

Hi Sharonda, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Started in 2017, “Bonaco” is a combination of my three dream destinations: Barcelona, Spain, Monaco, France, and Morocco, Africa. I wanted the candles to represent locations in hopes of inspiring people to travel and explore the world. Made with a coconut apricot wax blend, high-quality fragrance oils, and cherry wooden wicks, the candles are hand-poured in South Florida. Each candle is made with meticulous attention to detail and with love.

Made with a coconut apricot wax blend, high-quality fragrance oils, and cherry wooden wicks, the candles are hand-poured in South Florida by an African-American entrepreneur. Each candle is made with meticulous attention to detail and with love.

There are 12 candles and all of them represent a different location in hopes of inspiring people to travel and spread love throughout the world. The “Journey Card” included with each order tells that city’s story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional work is in integrated marketing communications. For over 10 years, I have worked in and with corporations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to develop integrated marketing programs that include strategic planning, community engagement, and facilitating workshops and other programmatic offerings.

I was looking for a new creative challenge when I started testing out my candle-making. I wanted to make candles that had memorable scents but also told a story. Since I have been a perfume lover since I was a child, sneaking in my mom’s perfumes, I wanted the scents to feel like perfume; I wanted the candles to convert a room into one of exploration, relaxation, and curiosity.

I love to travel and tell elaborate and detailed stories about my adventures and I wanted my candles to encourage and entice people to do the same. That’s why each Bonaco Candle represents a different location in hopes of inspiring people to travel and spread love throughout the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends visit, our agenda consists of beach, brunch, and booze. I love South Pointe at sunset. Speaking of dusk, Seaspice is my favorite for dinner right as the sun sets and their menu has my favorite branzino. I also frequent Red Rooster’s gospel brunch. Clive’s is my favorite Miami Jamaican spot. Their jerk chicken and rice and peas are so perfectly seasoned that I smile with each bite. My weakness is sweets and Azucar Ice Cream and dbakers Sweet Studio bring me so much joy! But, my favorite place in all of Miami is Lagniappe. The music, food and wine make my soul feel good. Only a select few have been invited to experience that place with me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom has always supported every one of my dreams. She’s been one of my biggest supporters and helpers. She drove down from Tampa to help me with my big holiday orders when I was overwhelmed and financially invested in the company, too. The navy blue in the logo is in her honor.

Website: https://www.bonacocandles.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonacocandles/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bonacocandles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonacoCandles