Shanquita Greggs’ business, Simply Scents Candle Company, is flaming hot

When one door closes, another opens, and that’s exactly what happened to Shanquita Greggs.

Her business endeavor, Simply Scents Candle Company, has Greggs’ magical touch all over it.

It was 14 years ago when Houston native, Greggs started making candles in her grandmother’s kitchen and selling them out of her truck after losing her job as a flight attendant for United Airlines after September 11, 2001.

An episode of Martha Stewart’s holiday show inspired Greggs to take a $467 paycheck and invest it in herself. Toss in her entrepreneurial spirit and love for math, and Greggs, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, took a hobby and turned it into a business.

Today, Greggs is balancing a booming business with multiple locations with products in Walgreens stores and select boutiques throughout Houston. Loyal customers who supported her in the early days when she delivered personal orders are still with her today.

The selling point of her products are their quality as well as Greggs’ diverse offerings which has expanded since her launch. Simple Scents Candle Company’s signature item, the Simply Scents Candle Bundt Cake, is a 4-wick candle decorated in the shape of a real bundt cake. This treasure item can last for 90 hours of burning time.

Simply Scents Candle Co. has several different products that consist of triple scented candles, room fragrant sprays, wax melts, oil burners, reed diffusers, jelly jars, electric burners, bath and body products, accessories and more.

Greggs’ passion is evident with her commitment to this company which continues to grow and grow.

“I’ve always loved being creative and making things with my hands,” Greggs said. “I started with research and different wax candle suppliers. To this day, I’m still making them my way. I started selling them out of my trunk for four years to boutiques, barbershops, beauty shops and delivering by the case. One thing about these candles is that they sell themselves.”

From a small location to an even larger one is how Simply Scents Candle Co. has continued to grow over the years. Greggs is currently about to launch an Amazon Prime store with her unique products.

She’s also now hosts Simply Scents Wine Down “Private” Candle Parties where girlfriends, family members, co-workers can all gather with lite bites, drinks and Wine Down with Simply Scents Candle Co. for any special occasion. Each guest will decorate their own wine glass and have it filled with your favorite Simply Scents Fragrance.  Also available are the same type of event for the Children’s Parties where they make candles and decorate an 8 ounce jelly jar along with handmade soaps and lotions.

“There were a lot of bumpy roads. I love coming up with new fragrances and new ideas. I research it and then make it,” Greggs said. Also along her side are her mother, Darlena Greggs and aunt, Delilah Brady. She’s also been able to hire part-time assistant.  

Also helping are some of the city’s disabled community as Greggs, a dedicated community activist, offers the chance to teach basic job skills and training. Greggs is a leader within the Settegast and surrounding Greater Ward communities, firmly believing in giving back.

“They’re excited to come to work and just as passionate as I am,” she said. “Sooner or later, they learn how to do everything in the company.”

Staying inspired easily comes from her dedicated customers who continue to grow every day.

“It doesn’t seem like work. When I make something and someone likes it, it fuels me,” Greggs said.

Visit storefronts and get up close with Greggs’ one of a kind scents at Simply Scents Candle Co. at either 5002 N. Wayside or 5217 Almeda Road.

Details on her numerous Walgreens locations and wide variety of products are available at Simply Scents’ website at www.simplyscentsbyshan.com.  Also email at [email protected] with any questions.

photos courtesy of Simply Scents Candle Company