Cassandra Durham

Interview by La Sheera Lee

Cassandra Durham has always been known for her wit, sass, and humor. Now, this dynamo is also known as a candle maker. Yes, Black Girl Candle Company is ready to help you glow up. Cassandra hand makes each and every candle. She literally pours her heart and soul into each candle. She wants to create peaceful and soothing experiences for her customers, Let;s take a peak into Black Girl Candle Company.

La Sheera Lee: What inspired you ?

Cassandra Durham: I was inspired to create BGCC by several events. The first – Seeing black women in the streets yelling, screaming and marching after the death of George Floyd and our voices still not being heard. I wanted to create something that could sooth the hearts and minds of black women. But also speak to our strength, resilience and tenacity.

LL: You are an author, advocate and elder. How has creating candles added to the fullness of your life?

CD: I look at the candles as an extension of ministry. I think we all want to love and feel love and to be seen by others. Creating these scent experiences for our clients allow them to take a moment and realized they are loved, cherished, and honored by God. It is at times I think a defining moment for people to sit still and take stock of their lives and perhaps troubling situations and create viable solutions to overcome their challenges.

LL: How do you hope customers feel?

CD: We strive to create products that warm your heart while relaxing your soul. Established in 2020 our mission is to provide handcrafted candles which represent the full spectrum of the black girl experience in America. BGCC is not just another candle, it is a whole mood. Whether you need soft, subtle, sensual scents or fun, flirty aroma’s Black Girl Candle Company has a scent experience waiting for you.

LL: What emotional or spiritual rewards?

CD: The emotional and spiritual rewards are numerous. I find great joy in helping people reignite their faith in God. There are times when people come to our store just to bask in the peace of the place. This I not only find fascinating, but it balances my soul as well.

LL Tell us about your subscription boxes.

CD: BGCC has a monthly faith-based subscription box. Each box is carefully curated with the heart, and soul of the receiver in mind. Our boxes also contain a monthly faith building teaching. It is also a way for our clients to be the first to receive all our new innovative products and scents.

LL: We heard that you have products that cater to me. What has been the response?

CD: I am a woman who loves a great smelling man and so it was a natural fit to add products such a beard balm, beard oil and body butter for men to our line. I love it when men use our products and tell us how much their beard has grown and/or how much softer their facial hair has become.

LL: What’s next for Black Girl Candle Company?

CD: Growing our home fragrance line and incorporating more of our one-of-a-kind scents. We would love to open a second location and provide more candle classes as well.