Meet Amber Carroll | Founder and operator of Crafted by Carroll

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

Hi Amber, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business during the pandemic. During that time, I was struggling with mental health issues. I needed an outlet and began to try different hobbies. I received a candle making kit and used it as a form of therapy. I thought maybe my candles could help other people who are stuck at home and having mental health problems of their own. I began creating candles named for people, places and things that helped me battle depression and I also traveled to teach others how to use candle making as a form of therapy. My thought was that if I can help people struggling with my candles, maybe one day we could heal the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is unlike any other candle business because it was created from a place of desperation and hopelessness with the vision of giving peace and hope to others. My scents are carefully crafted with specific people, things and places in mind that helped me overcome hardships in my life. I want to share that with others. I’m excited to share these scents with the world and also share my candle making skills in hopes that someone else may be inspired to create candles as well. It took years for me to get to this point. It wasn’t easy , but with my amazing support system I felt I could keep going. . . and I did. I faced financial challenges. Sometimes I had months without sells , but I’ve learned to set goals and keep putting content out and marketing my business and eventually the sells will increase. I have faced challenges where my business name was stolen and I had to come up with a new name, new logo and new material, but I came back better and stronger. I’ve learned to never give up because you get back what you put out. Nothing is impossible and you never know how close you are to your breakthrough . . . so never give up. I want the world to know that Crafted By Carroll is here and I have a story to tell. I want the world to know that I recovered for depression, anxiety and self harm and so can they!

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 friend was visiting me I would take her to my cousin’s coffee shop(Afro Joe’s) for breakfast and a beverage on her first day here. Then we’d go to navy pier , the museum of science and industry and the Shedd aquarium through out the week. We’d have lunch at Dawn, Ja Grill, Beggar’s pizza and for dinner we’d go to Jordyn’s soul food, Soul food lounge and 14 Parish. We would definitely spend time with my family and hang out with my other bestfriends and play some games.

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?
I have a few people who were very instrumental in my success. First of all, God, without him I can do nothing. Second, my husband who always supported the vision and funded a large part of my business, and My parents, who encouraged me and my good friend, Yashika Annang of Hair Affair, who has really giving me a wealth of knowledge and skills to run my business. She has been a mentor and one of my biggest cheerleaders. She shares insights on marketing, content creation and balancing entrepreneurial goals with home responsibilities. I am so grateful for my “dream team”.

Website: https://wwww.craftedbycarroll.com

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AmberCarroll2020/?__n=K