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

Hi Demarcus, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
Budget?! Yes, I am the king of budget. Honestly my background in sales has taught me a lot about budgeting not only in my personal finances but also business. I worked in the financial industry services for several years where I taught people about financial literacy, including having monthly financial strategies. I used that knowledge and principles in my own personal finances which created discipline. Once I’m able to be disciplined with the fundamentals it leaves room for me to spend how I’d like.

What should our readers know about your business?
Coming from a background in sales for the past 15 years has served me right in developing my very own brand. In my current sales role in the medical space, I’ve been won several national awards. So I’ve been able to transfer those skills that I was taught and I understand how the environment of business and sales is always evolving. I got to where I am today business wise by learning from my failures. I overcame those challenges through perseverance. I was never afraid to make mistakes because I knew it was a tool for learning. I would try not repeat the same mistakes, and continuously move forward and trying a new approach. The biggest lesson I learned would be emotional discipline. I think the hardest thing about a business person is patience and understanding it is not on your time. So when you come into the difficulties and nuances of starting a business you understand that it is all apart of the process. I’ve failed in a business before and what I learned is even if you do everything perfectly there’s still a possibility to not have the outcome you predicted. I didn’t necessarily fail, but the information and experience that I’ve gained was much more valuable. With the perseverance instilled in me, it was able to bring me to where I am today. DKB Candle Co. was created because I would spend hours searching for candles that matched my decor. I believe candles shouldn’t be hidden, they should make the room feel warm with its presence and aesthetic, not just with its fragrance. We wanted to create something clean and environmentally safe. As a candle lover, after having my son and learning more about the toxins in our everyday favorite candles that can cause allergy flare ups and skin irritations; I wanted to create something that I can leave for him. I can’t necessarily leave my career behind for him, but I can leave this opportunity for him is he chooses.

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.
If I had a friend visiting… a week long I would definitely take them to La Loucha, Trez art & Wine bar, Levy Park, Lost & Found, The Sunset Bar, for some good looking ice cream check out Bae & Co.

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 would love to recognize and highlight TaylorMorgan and her brand. With partnering up she’s been able to help me understand the E-commerce structure and social media to understand it is a profitable resource. For a sales person who is used to the day-to-day and face to face interactions who’s used to that E-Commerce can be scary because it can feel as though it takes away the personal aspect but she’s shown me that you can still make it intimate by creating that space on social media. Without the TaylorMorgan brand you wouldn’t be able to see DKB Candle Co. come alive and move in the direction that we’re headed. Without her thoughts, creativity, and insight it wouldn’t all be possible today.

Website: https://www.dkbcandleco.com

Instagram: dkbcandleco_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dkb%20candle%20co.

Image Credits
Lawrence “Dean” Greene owner of DG Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.