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

Hi Mina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting our business was that we wanted to provide a joyful, comforting experience to individuals who were suffering through the grieving process. I lost my Mom to cancer some years back and struggled through grief. As I walked through that journey, I always felt empathy for others who were going through the same thing. I wanted people to know they were not alone. We started creating grief boxes for hurting hurts all over the world. The success of the boxes led to my husband and I taking our desire to support grieving individuals and our passion for creating atmospheres of joy, which we had always done through our many parties and events, and turned that into a business that makes a difference through or amazing candle fragrances.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We (StirAndMixxes) specialize in highly scented candles that create an atmosphere of luxury. We create our own fragrances and every time someone shops with us, they are going to have some type of experience, whether through the unboxing of our candles, the little treats we give with purchases or the one on one scent demonstration that we provide at events. People stand in line to hear what we have to say and I think that is what sets us apart. You are going to get some type of experience every time. I’m most proud of that because our customers can genuinely feel that we care and that we have quality products. I love to hear them tell us they haven’t even lit their candle yet and can smell it through the entire house or that they can smell our candles through the box. Now that makes me proud!! We always remain true to who we are. We are not going to give anything less than what we would want and I think people recognize that in us and our brand.

The road has not been easy, like most entreprenuers will tell you, Its a fight everyday whether to keep going or take the easy road and just go back to a regular 9-5 job. I left my stable job of 16 years with a fortune 500 company, where I made very good money. I always asked myself, what in the world did I do? Who gets to be my age, give up all her financial stability for a business that we didn’t even know if it would be successful. It was a lot of self-reflection. Its the drive, the smiling faces of our customers, the light at the end of the tunnel that always pushes us to keep going. Not to mention, the freedom to make decisions on your own terms, the freedom to be authentically you.

The lessons we learned along the way were that you dont have to have it all figured out. It doesnt have to be perfect, you will make mistakes along the way, but don’t let that deter you from continuing on your beautiful journey. I stalled our process because I thought everything had to look at certain way, be a certain way. My husband jumped and put us out there before I was actually ready. Although I was angry at the time, it gave me that added boost I needed to just do it. My favorite quote is “An inch of progression is better than a mile of intention”. I try to live by that everyday.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m all about culture and experience. When someone comes to visit me I’m going to make sure they have some kind of experience. Living in Atlanta there is always something to do which I love. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s so i would go to the Culture experience selfie museum. Its full of backdrops and sets that represent that era, its fun to take a ride back down memory lane. We would definately go to some festival like the Sweet Auburn or the Music Festivals at one of the ampitheatheaters. Wine tasting at Chateau Elan and then we would visit the New Black Wallstreet where we could shop and support some amazing black businesses. Then of course theres the food. Most restaurants are lounges so you get the best of both worlds, great food, music, and whatever vibe you feel like. Some of my favorite places are Louisiana Bistrou and Gumbeaux’s for that cajun food experience. Breakfast at Barneys or the Breakfast Boyz for some good Brunch. The Garden room and Botanical Gardens are also great for ambiance. There are so many choices in Atlanta, but my best friend would have the time of her life.

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?
We give credit to Coach Qiana Nicole of Iwillson LLC. Qiana helped me find my true God given gift and find my purpose. I learned to release all the lies I had been feeding myself and searched for truth within. Once I figured that all out my journey became clear to me and I was able to walk into obedience with God because I was able to hear him clearly, which lead me to Stir and Mixxes. Her transparency, hard truths and love made me a better person and business woman.

Website: www.StirAndMixxes.com

Instagram: StirAndMixxes

Twitter: StirAndMixxes

Facebook: StirAndMixxes

Other: Instagram @StirAndMixxes Tik Tock StirAndMixxes

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.