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

Hi Monica, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is God. Without Him, everything completely falls apart because this business is centered around Him and His Word. Whenever sales are low or product isn’t moving as anticipated, I always come back to my why. Why did I start this business? What’s the end goal? When I remember that it’s not all about the money but all about spreading the Gospel, I get refocused on that, I’m encouraged. I’m reminded that I am doing something for the Kingdom that will have a lasting impact. I would certainly categorize that as success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been working for a consulting firm since I graduated from Howard University in the spring of 2014. In the last 7-8 years, I’ve certainly learned that consulting is NOT for the faint of heart. When I first started, I really didn’t know what consulting was, so my biggest challenge was figuring out what job I accepted an offer to and how could I excel in it.

The nature of the work forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow in ways I never knew I needed. I became more outspoken and vocal about ideas. I developed a keen eye for the details of presentations and communications. I learned how to help others in the way they want to be helped and not necessarily in the way I think they should be helped. Fortunately for me, I was able to translate a lot of these skills into my personal life. Unfortunately, I had to deal with difficult managers and team members, like we all have. I’ve had workloads and expectations placed on me that were unrealistic and unfair. There were times I wanted to quit because it was too much. I learned to lean on the right resources to help me get through those difficult times. I let my work ethic be my advocate, and the right people noticed. Those people helped me be relieved of those stressful situations, so I could continue to be the asset to the team they knew I could be.

There’s always a learning or growth opportunity in every situation I’m in. When I am able to step outside my feelings and emotions for a moment, I can begin to seem them more clearly, and I am able to handle them more effectively.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a born and raised Houstonian and admittedly would have no idea what an itinerary would look like. My go to always centers around food so good Tex-Mex and good barbecue would certainly be involved. I’m inclined to visit a Pappasito’s, Guadalajara, or El Tiempo for Tex-Mex. I’m a bit pickier for barbecue. My brother makes my favorite barbecue, but when I just need a quick chopped beef sandwich fix, you’ll find me at Spring Creek.

Outside of food, I get excited driving around the city and showing people everything in Houston, kind of tour bus style. Showcasing the Galleria, NRG, Toyota Center, the Museum District, etc. takes a little less pressure off of me to show them a great time and allows them to see all that Houston has, and they can decide what they want to spend more time on.

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?
For years, my mother was always the person I shouted out. She’s encouraged me my entire life, helped mold me into the determined and driven person I am today, and simply just been there when it truly mattered. Now that I’m married, she’s still a large part of my support system, but my husband has to take a bulk of the credit now. He pushes me when I don’t think I can do more, and that’s the most influential piece of this business. He’s always willing to pick up wherever I run out of gas and keep everything moving forward. He’s even had to make a candle or two when I had to devote my energy to other areas of our lives. He challenges me to be better (whether I ask for it or not), and I am grateful.

Website: www.welllitcandles.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/welllitcandles

Facebook: https://facebook.com/welllitcandles4/

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