I found out about this business on my Facebook timeline. I was excited to find out that there was a natural candle & body care business that is African American owned and couldn't wait to go check it out. So I decided to drive ALL THE WAY FROM EVANSTON which is 40 mins away, to see what this business was all about. Before going, I purchased a $10 for $15 voucher on Yelp, sure that I was going to find some products that I liked. I also saw that I could get a free sample candle just for "checking in" so was greeked about my journey!
The hours of business on Yelp stated that the store was open from 9:00 - 6:00 so I thought I would try to get there when they opened. After my 40 min drive and arriving at the store, I found out that the store didn't open until 10:00...UGH! First bad sign of what was to come!
When I entered the store, I was greeted by a man that was dressed as casually as his greeting. He had on shorts, T-shirt and sneakers which in my opinion didn't quite go with the ambiances of the store which was decorated nicely and very clean. I told him that it was my first time visiting and that I was just looking around. The young man then apologized for opening the store little late. I told him it was okay but brought to his attention that Yelp posted that the store opened at 9:00. He said, "Yeah, but the hours on the door says 10:00". I told him that I understood but if someone sees the Yelp add, the hours are different so I suggested that he or the owner might want to correct the discrepancy with Yelp. As I continued to browse, I noticed that there weren't a lot of sample candles or fragrances to try. Everything was beautifully packaged but if I wanted to smell something, I found myself opening items or trying to smell the packaging. I hate it when I go to a store to purchase something and the packaging looks tampered with. Especially if its going to be a gift. So I stopped trying to smell things. Disappointed and ready to leave I asked about my free sample candle. The young man walked over to a shelf were there three fragrances of tea candles and just picked one. He didn't ask which one I'd like but grabbed one and put it in little bag. Then I asked him about how I could use the voucher I purchased? There was a blank stare. I don't think he knew what I was talking about. So he grabbed his cell phone and called someone and asked them about the voucher. He told me to keep looking until someone called him back. Finally, someone called back and I heard him asking about the voucher. Then he asked me to come to the counter and handed me his cell phone. A women, who I assume was the owner asked me if I had the voucher and proceeded to explain how I could use it. I ended up getting a portable diffuser since I didn't have a great experience with sampling fragrances of candles, body scrubs or butters. When I asked the young man if he needed the voucher, he responded: "If she said you can have something, get it!" He didn't take the code off the voucher or anything. He just bagged my item and thanked me.
I left very disapponted and saddened because I have such hope and pray for the success of young, African American, women business owners. Her busines idea is great but could stand some improvements. At the end of the day, I really pray that her business is blessed but I'm not sure if I'll go back or recommend it to someone else. read more