History of Candles: Stay Lit Forever with Denequa Williams Clarke of Lit Brooklyn

That Wasn't In My Textbook

Before Gwyneth Paltrow was out here selling candles that smelled like her vagina.

Thanks, Gwyneth, but I'll pass.

This week's podcast guest, Denequa Williams Clarke of Lit Brooklyn, had already changed the game with ethically sourced fragrant luxury candles. Sometimes finding your center after a long day can only be achieved with a glass of wine, or tea (I'm not judging), and a dope candle.

Candles are a big part of my life, considering they are part of a three billion-dollar industry in the United States alone. I'm not the only one.

But don't let the sweet scents fool you - where there is smoke (#money); there is also fire-like candles made from harmful chemicals.

In this week's episode of That Wasn't In My Textbook, I'm sharing the history of candles and the business of candles. Joining me this week is, Denequa Williams Clarke, Founder of Brklyn Lit.

Show Highlights:

[00:03:17] I ghosted ya'll. Here's my apology and what's next for the podcast.
[00:05:06] How does Merriam-Webster define a candle
[00:05:43] Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, Ancient Egypt, China, and India learned how to isolate fire into what would become modern-day candles
[00:06:48] Why historians don't credit Ancient Egypt as a pioneer in the candle-making game?
[00:07:58] We've come a long-ass way, baaabeee! Early candles were made from dried fish oils, trees, and fruit.
[00:08:36] What does the 18th Century Slave -Trade and Whale Sperm (real sperm) have to do with the first standard candle? It turns out a lot!
[00:10:07] I bet you'd rather have Whale Sperm in your candles than this harmful yet commonly used ingredient- tune into the podcast to hear what it is
[00:13:55] Meet Denequa Williams Clarke - Entrepreneur and Founder of Lit Brooklyn Candles and learn how this entrepreneur launched her company
[00:14:20] What's the secret of sold-out launches and being featured everywhere from Essence to Yahoo? Denequa and I discuss this and more.
[00:17:50] Disappointed by the lack of clean/ ethically sourced candles, Denequa launched Brooklyn Lit to provide safer candle options for our community.
[00:18:42] What big box brands aren't telling you about the candles you purchase
[00:29:45] What inspires Denequa and the secrets to six years in business?
[00:37:05] The business behind candles, handling collaborations, and PR spotlights
[00:34:03] There is a right and wrong way to burn a candle, Denequa shares tips for getting the most out of your candles and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

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• To learn more about the podcast host Toya, visit ToyaFromHarlem.com. Connect with Toya on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
• Connect with DENEQUA WILLIAMS-CLARKE at Lit Bklyn

Where I Get My Information:

• https://candles.org/history/
• https://candles.org/facts-figures-2/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_candle_making
• Candle Facts-https://candles.org/facts-figures-2/
• Non-Europe and Egyptian candle history- http://www.historyoflighting.net/lighting-history/history-of-candles/
• https://www.apsleyaustralia.com/blogs/posts/the-history-of-candles

STAY IN TOUCH:

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• Sign up for podcast newsletter
• To learn more about the podcast host Toya, visit ToyaFromHarlem.com. Connect with Toya on Instagram and Twitter, or buy her a coffee.

EPISODE CREDITS:
Research and scripted by host Latoya Coleman (@ToyaFromHarlem).
Edited and Mixed by Chris Mann
Music Licensed through Epidemic Sound