Meet Degaryia Witten | Founder, Owner, CEO, & Maker

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

Hi Degaryia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Throughout my life, I have faced challenging situations that have tested my resilience and ability to find positivity. However, my passion for meditation, self-love, affirmations, and candles has helped me find peace and comfort during difficult times. As a college student, I discovered the power of candles to create a warm and calming atmosphere in my home. Unfortunately, my joy was overshadowed by a life-threatening stroke my mother suffered while attending my graduation ceremony. Her long recovery period left me devastated and struggling with depression and anxiety.

To bring joy and purpose back into my life, I turned to candle making. After months of experimentation and research, I founded Euphoric Collections in March 2020. Our mission is to help people find inner peace and tranquility, inspiring them to pause, breathe, and connect with the present moment through the simple pleasure of lighting a candle.

One of our most special collections is the Butterfly Collection, a symbolic representation of personal growth and transformation. Each candle in this collection is carefully crafted with a unique fragrance and message, designed to inspire you to heal, grow, and blossom into your best self.

“Still I Rise” Candle: Inspired by my personal fight with depression and anxiety, this candle embodies resilience and strength. Its fragrance and message aim to uplift and empower, reminding you that you, too, can rise above life’s challenges.

“Bloom” Candle: Dedicated to my mother, this candle celebrates her ability to bloom and grow despite facing adversity. It serves as a reminder that, like a flower, we have the strength within us to blossom into our best selves.

“Pinky Promise” Candle: A dedication to my sister and sisterhood, this candle encourages you to keep the promises you make to yourself. It symbolizes the belief that whatever promise you’ve made, you have the strength to accomplish it.

“Black Butterfly” Candle: This candle celebrates the freedom and empowerment of black women. It represents the courage to speak out against sexual assault and harassment and the strength to reclaim your power.

At Euphoric Collections, we encourage everyone to show up as the beautiful, bold, unapologetic person you were before the world told you who you should be. We believe in harnessing the transformative power of scent to inspire moments of calm, joy, and connection. We craft non-toxic, luxurious candles with bold, transportive scents, creating aromatic sanctuaries for peace lovers everywhere.

My mom’s fight for life inspired me to create something that brings joy to others. As the first person in my family to earn a college degree, I am determined to create better opportunities for future generations and to make my mother proud. Euphoric Collections represents not only my personal journey but also a commitment to honesty, storytelling, and pride in serving the peace-loving community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Differentiation: Our Butterfly Collection, in particular, embodies this philosophy. Each candle within the collection tells a story of personal evolution, from overcoming struggles with depression and anxiety to celebrating the strength of black women and the promise of sisterhood. The fragrances are carefully curated to evoke specific emotions tied to growth, making every candle a unique and meaningful experience.

Pride and Excitement:
I take immense pride in crafting non-toxic, luxurious candles with bold, transportive scents that create aromatic sanctuaries for peace lovers everywhere. The joy of hearing from customers who find solace, inspiration, and moments of calm through our candles is truly gratifying.

Business Journey:
The path to where I am today has been both challenging and rewarding. Starting Euphoric Collections in March 2020 was no small feat, especially during a time of global uncertainty. The journey involved months of experimentation, research, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Overcoming Challenges:
It was not always easy. The challenges ranged from navigating the complexities of candle-making to establishing a brand identity that resonated with a peace-loving community. The key to overcoming these challenges was a combination of perseverance, a passion for the mission, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. I sought guidance from mentors, learned from industry experts, and embraced the iterative nature of entrepreneurship.

Stroke Warrior Fund and Community Involvement:
I am committed to giving back to the community through the Stroke Warrior Fund. This initiative involves raising funds from the community to support stroke survivors in need. Additionally, I am proud to announce my first stroke awareness/survivor event taking place this May, aiming to create awareness and provide support to those affected by strokes.

Business Relaunch and Accomplishments:
A significant challenge I faced was having to relaunch my business twice. The first time was due to the unfortunate incident of someone stealing my business name and starting their trademark in April 2021. Despite this setback, I persevered and learned valuable lessons about protecting my brand.

One of the most significant accomplishments I’ve achieved with my business is generating $6,000 in just one day through a feature as a black woman business owner by a #1 New York Times best-selling author. This achievement was not only financially rewarding but also reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and dedication.

What makes me proudest of all, however, is the glowing feedback I consistently receive from my customers. They frequently express their love for my candles’ superior quality, which serves as a reminder that I am fulfilling my purpose. As an entrepreneur, I’m continuously learning, and I’m proud of myself for being open to new ideas and always seeking to improve.

Encouragement for Authenticity:
At Euphoric Collections, we encourage EVERYONE to show up as the beautiful, bold, unapologetic person they were before the world told you who to be and who not to be. This ethos extends beyond our products and into the heart of our community involvement and initiatives, creating a space for authenticity, support, and positive impact.

As I continue to grow and expand my business, I want the world to know that Euphoric Collections is more than a collection of candles; it’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and connect with the present moment. With the support of my customers, the dedication of my team, and the inspiration drawn from personal experiences, I am excited to continue bringing light and hope to those who need it most.

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.
exploring downtown, and enjoying lunch at the flavorful Ima Noodles. The itinerary includes cultural explorations at the Detroit Institute of Arts, vibrant nightlife with live music, and attending events at iconic venues like Little Caesars Arena and The Fillmore. Relaxation amidst nature is on the agenda, with a visit to a local park and outdoor activities. Culinary adventures unfold through local markets and food festivals, complemented by dinners at unique restaurants. The week would conclude with a farewell brunch, revisiting favorite spots, and toasting to the unforgettable memories at a scenic rooftop bar. Also checking out midway, the comfort zone, and the Yard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Books:

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear: This book has been a guiding light in shaping my mindset and habits as an entrepreneur. Clear’s insights on the power of small changes have been transformative, influencing both my personal and business strategies.

“The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest: Wiest’s work has been a source of introspection and personal growth. Her profound wisdom has resonated deeply, providing valuable perspectives that have guided me through challenges and triumphs.

Podcasts:

“The Jasmine Star Show:” Jasmine Star’s podcast has been a wellspring of inspiration and practical advice. Her conversations with industry leaders and insights into entrepreneurship have provided valuable lessons that I’ve implemented in my own business journey.

“Woman Evolve” and “The Product Boss:” These podcasts have offered diverse perspectives on personal development and business strategies. The shared experiences and expert insights have been instrumental in shaping my approach to both life and entrepreneurship.

Gratitude to Clients and Customers:

A heartfelt thank you to my clients and customers who have believed in Euphoric Collections. Your support and patronage have fueled the growth of my business, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to bring joy and tranquility into your lives through our candles.
Acknowledgment of Support:

To my romantic partner, who has played the role of an unpaid assistant with unwavering dedication, providing support where it’s needed most. Your encouragement and assistance have been invaluable in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Community Appreciation:

Special recognition to my entrepreneurial friends from Zandria’s Boutique, Sweet Tea Hair Care, and Marty’s Kitchen. The camaraderie and shared experiences within this community have been a source of motivation, learning, and camaraderie.
In the tapestry of my entrepreneurial journey, each of these elements has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Euphoric Collections. This shoutout is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the collective efforts, love, and encouragement that have propelled me forward. I am truly grateful for the support from these individuals, resources, and communities that have been instrumental in my success.

Website: https://euphoricco.com/

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

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