Realm: An Entrepreneurial Journey

Realm was born out of a quarantine passion project & outlet to release stress and discover my creativity. Candles have always been a key part of my self-care routine, but I discovered that a lot of the candles were mixed with harmful chemicals and weren’t made with sustainable resources, so I decided to create a line of candles that are 100% vegan, eco-friendly and most importantly, aesthetically pleasing. From the jars to the packaging, all of the materials used are sustainable, renewable and/or recyclable.

When I embarked on content creation for realm, my goal was to produce videos that were authentic and aligned with content I enjoyed consuming. Through experimentation with various video styles, I found my niche. The journey truly took flight when my first ASMR video went viral. Leveraging other TikTok features, I engaged with my audience through LIVE sessions—packing orders, making candles, and building a global community. This community has been instrumental in expanding my business beyond my wildest expectations thanks to their ongoing support. 

Navigating entrepreneurship as a Black woman brought its share of challenges, yet, the countless positive comments, especially from other Black women inspired by my journey, overshadow these instances. The honor of being recognized on the 2024 #BlackTikTok Visionary Voices list is incredibly uplifting and demonstrates TikTok’s dedication to celebrating diversity and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups The acknowledgment is not just personal triumph but a symbol of a broader shift, with more Black individuals venturing into entrepreneurship, promising a bright future.

For those contemplating their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is simple: Just start! There’s never a perfect moment, and mistakes are inevitable—I’ve certainly made my fair share. Each mistake presents an opportunity to learn and grow. The more you learn, the more you flourish, and the sooner you’ll thrive.