Step into the serene world of Tia Shamiso as Chantelle Appenteng, the visionary founder, shares insights with House of Coco on the inspiration behind her holistic self-care brand.
In this exclusive interview, Chantelle unveils the heartfelt journey that led to the creation of Tia Shamiso, blending the essence of motherhood, personal well-being, and a commitment to affordable relaxation.
From the unique fusion of candles, affirmations, and handmade crystal beads to the deeply personal stories behind each product, discover the driving force behind Tia Shamiso’s mission to bring spa-like tranquility to the comfort of homes.
Join us as Chantelle reflects on challenges faced, success stories that touched her heart, and the future vision that promises even more avenues for self-care. It’s an intimate conversation with the founder herself, offering a glimpse into the passion and purpose that define Tia Shamiso’s distinctive approach to holistic well-being….
Can you share the inspiration behind the creation of Tia Shamiso and how it aligns with your vision for providing affordable self-care and relaxation?
Tia Shamiso is named after my first child – my daughter Tiana Shamiso. The inspiration initially was built on the foundation of me being a mother, having children, wanting to create products that are safe for the entire family to use. Then Tia Shamiso developed into more of a self-care wellbeing brand as I wanted to create products that were also beneficial for others who were in a similar position to myself.
I found myself in a place where I neglected myself; I was last on the list, and all of the essential self-care needs were just thrown onto the highway. I then discovered my niche: to support others who may be in a similar position and who may not have the luxury to spoil themselves.
What motivated you to combine candles, affirmations, and handmade crystal beads in your products, and how do you believe this combination enhances the self-care experience?
Our ethos is to provide a spa day experience in the comfort of your own home. So automatically, candles are a significant part of the spa relaxation environment. The difference with the candles I create is that each one has a meaning and affirmation behind them, acting as a reminder every time you light a candle of that affirmation. This way, you not only find yourself in a peaceful environment but can also meditate and remind yourself of the amazing person you are.
In a world full of self-care products, what sets Tia Shamiso apart and makes it unique for individuals seeking relaxation and peace of mind?
Tia Shamiso comes from a personal place. I have walked and lived through a lot in such a short space of time, allowing me to empathise with many of my target customers. While many people create candles, skin, and hair care products, Tia Shamiso takes it a step further by crafting meaningful products that are not only natural but also beneficial for your skin, hair, and overall well-being.
Can you describe the process of creating your Affirmative Candle Collection and the thought that goes into selecting specific affirmations to accompany each candle scent?
I recently went through a difficult patch where mentally and emotionally I was not in a great place. As a Christian, I turned to affirmations from the Bible. I chose scriptures that related to what I was going through and pinned them around my room.
Seeing them every day and reciting them every morning, I linked them to key words, which became the names of my candles: Faith, Purity, and Essence. Each candle is also linked to a scent, each with its own meaningful association.
Faith – To have faith that your situation will turn around for the better – Cherry Blossom
Purity – To have a fresh, new pure mind and heart – Lavender
Essence – To build yourself up, your character. That you are a sweet-smelling aroma – Vanilla
How do you believe the ambiance created by your candles and the energy from the crystal beads contribute to mental and physical well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced and stressful environment?
The main objective of our products is to allow you to be in the comfort of your home and create an environment tailored to your liking, away from the busyness of the outside world. The focus of our Crystal beads is for self-love purposes, encouraging individuals to appreciate and adorn their bodies, fostering a positive sense of self.
Tia Shamiso seems to emphasize handmade products. What significance do you see in handmade items, and how does this aspect enhance the overall experience for your customers?
With the use of handmade products, you can be assured that every aspect of the formulation to production process has been conducted and overseen by myself. Every ingredient, essential oil, and carrier oil has been specifically chosen for their beneficial properties. Many of these ingredients have been used on myself, providing firsthand experience of how they feel and the positive outcomes they bring.
Could you share a success story or a testimonial from a customer that truly highlights the impact Tia Shamiso products have had on their relaxation and self-care journey?
Certainly! One testimonial that stood out was from a new mom going through the challenges of post-birth, experiencing sleep deprivation, aches, and the loss of a bit of her identity. She purchased a candle, body scrub, and body butter, and what struck me was her comment about having just half an hour.
That alone changed so much about how she was feeling—able to relax, reflect, and feel human again. This resonates with the core purpose of Tia Shamiso, not just to be another skincare and self-care business but to genuinely impact a community where needs can easily be forgotten.
Considering the increasing awareness around mental health, how do you see Tia Shamiso playing a role in promoting mental wellness and self-care practices?
I aspire for Tia Shamiso to be a brand that constantly reminds, encourages, and nags you to seek self-care, wellness, and wellbeing. Especially with the pressures of day-to-day living, Tia Shamiso aims to emphasize that life with you in it is the most beautiful thing.
The use of crystal beads in your products is intriguing. How do you choose the crystals, and what specific energies or benefits do they bring to the users?
As I briefly touched on before, the crystal beads serve more of an aesthetic purpose, allowing users to feel and look good. Drawing from my own experience, wearing beads makes me feel great. Traditionally, in my family’s Ghanaian heritage, waist beads carry various meanings related to marriage, weight management, and more. However, for us, it’s primarily for decorative, feel-good purposes.
What challenges have you faced while building Tia Shamiso, and how did you overcome them?
With any business, there are peaks and valleys, periods of abundance and scarcity. During challenging moments, it might feel like your brand is not gaining traction or is not worth it. However, I view it as an agenda that Tia Shamiso must make a difference in someone’s perspective on themselves and their lives.
If I can make a positive impact on one person’s life, that’s more valuable than making all the sales in the world. Being a mother of four, with the oldest being eight, brings its own set of challenges. Nevertheless, I see Tia Shamiso as an example to my children, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, and that prioritizing self-care and wellbeing is crucial from a young age.
How do you envision the future of Tia Shamiso? Are there any upcoming products or initiatives that your customers can look forward to?
We are looking to introduce many more candles and water-based body butters for added moisture. Additionally, we plan to expand our presence on the high streets, bringing Tia Shamiso to local markets, which I am eagerly anticipating.
Self-care means different things to different people. How do you believe Tia Shamiso caters to a diverse range of self-care needs and preferences?
We have a range of products designed to cater to individual needs. Beyond skincare, we also produce hair care products suitable for the entire family. Understanding that self-care can vary among individuals, we have reflected this diversity in the products we offer.
Incorporating affirmations into your products is a unique approach. Can you share how you believe positive affirmations impact one’s mindset and overall well-being?
Affirmations work similarly to how we learn and develop as individuals. From birth, we absorb information from our surroundings, shaping who we become. Affirmations function in much the same way but are targeted toward specific seasons an individual may be going through. When feeling sad, uplifting music may help; when anxious about an exam, affirmations can serve as a reminder that you can overcome challenges. Positive affirmations can have a significant impact on one’s mindset and overall well-being.
Tia Shamiso promotes relaxation and peace of mind. How do you personally incorporate relaxation and self-care into your busy life, and do you have any favorite Tia Shamiso products that you use regularly?
While I love all our products, I have a soft spot for our lemon sugar scrub and cocoa vanilla body butter. These were our first skincare products created, and the feeling I have coming out of the shower is indescribable. I feel like I can slip into my best self and sleep like a baby. I create what I call “relaxation pockets” in my home to prioritise self-care amidst my roles as a nurse and a mother. Self-care is a high priority for me.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I am a summer beach holiday enthusiast, so it would have to be a piping hot destination. I would love to visit the Seychelles, somewhere exotic like Bora Bora, and the Maldives.
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to create a brand centered around holistic well-being and self-care, based on your own experiences with Tia Shamiso?
Make it personal, make it unique to your experience, and identify a need or area that has not been prioritized. Work hard to make a difference in an identified community that needs your brand and products. Have fun and have a heart for your brand, and never give up!
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