Meet Denetro Tealer | Scentify Essence LLC -Candle Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denetro Tealer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denetro, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Houston’s 5th Ward — a neighborhood rich in culture, history, and resilience. It’s a place that shapes you early. Growing up, I saw and felt a lot — things that made me more observant, more introspective. I didn’t have many friends, but I spent a lot of time thinking, creating, and dreaming. Even as a child, I knew I wanted something greater — not just for myself, but for the people I loved.

I watched my mother work tirelessly as a single mom, and when she later married my stepfather, I saw a glimpse of stability. I remember the day they bought their first home — that moment left an imprint on me. It wasn’t just about the house. It was about possibility, progress, and pride. From that point forward, I set personal goals for my own life, knowing I wanted to create that same kind of peace and foundation.

Life still had its storms — and there were moments that required deep endurance. Between what I experienced at home and what I saw in the community, I developed a mindset of determination. I learned to keep going, to keep a plan in motion, and to hold tight to my purpose even in uncertain times. 5th Ward gave me grit, but it also gave me heart. It taught me to hustle with intention and to always lead with love.

Today, everything I build — especially through my business, Scentify Essence — is rooted in that journey. I haven’t forgotten where I come from, and I don’t take lightly the calling to be a light for others, no matter what stage of life they’re in or what they’re going through. I believe in showing up with compassion, in creating spaces that feel like hope, and in reminding people that even through struggle, beauty can still rise.

I’m proud to be a graduate of Wheatley High School and even prouder of the woman I’ve become — one who chooses healing, one who chooses purpose, and one who uses her story to uplift others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Scentify Essence LLC is more than just a candle and fragrance company — it’s a healing space, a form of storytelling, and a personal expression of resilience and love. Every product I create is rooted in emotion, memory, and intention. Whether it’s a candle, diffuser, or fabric spray, my goal is to create a full sensory experience that not only makes your space smell good and non toxic — but feel good.

What sets us apart is the soul behind the brand. I’m not mass-producing just to sell — I’m curating scents that carry meaning. Each collection, each name, each scent profile is inspired by real life, real people, and real moments. I’ve had customers tell me my candles reminded them of their grandmother’s hugs, or helped them sleep during anxiety, or made their home feel like peace again. That’s what drives me. That’s the win.

The journey to get here was anything but easy. I started this business in one of the lowest places of my life — grieving the loss of my mother and trying to climb out of depression. I needed something to pour into. Something that gave me hope again. Scentify Essence was born from that pain, but it quickly grew into purpose. I had no big investor, no formal business background — just faith, determination, and a deep desire to create something that felt authentic to me.

There were times I doubted myself, times sales were slow, and moments I wanted to give up. But I kept showing up. I learned how to market myself, how to set boundaries, how to advocate for my worth, and how to pivot when something wasn’t working. I also learned that slow growth is still growth — and that success doesn’t always come fast, but it comes when you’re aligned with your purpose.

Today, I’m most proud of the community that has formed around my brand — the loyal customers, the vendors who believe in me, and the opportunities like this one that remind me I’m seen. I’m excited about hopefully one day expanding into retail, collaborating with realtors for custom gift sets, Airbnb’s, and continuing to touch lives — one scent at a time.
I’m also hoping for an overflow of online sales through my website, reaching more homes and hearts with each intentional scent I create.

What I want the world to know is this: Scentify Essence is built on love, strength, and authenticity. It’s a brand for people who value meaning over trends, who appreciate intentionality, and who want their space to feel like home — emotionally, spiritually, and physically. My story may have started in survival mode, but it’s grown into something beautiful. And I hope my journey reminds others that even in your darkest moments, something powerful can still bloom.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit Houston for a week, we’d definitely do it right — full of good food, good energy, and all the hidden gems that make this city special.

First stop, we’re going straight to Esther’s Cajun Café & Soul Food off Shepherd. That’s one of my favorite spots — the food is seasoned with heart, and you feel like you’re sitting at your grandma’s kitchen table. A must-have for comfort and soul!

We’d spend some time in The Heights, one of my favorite areas to explore. It’s full of character, creativity, and community energy. There’s always something happening — from pop-up events and art shows to food trucks and local vendors. I love the variety and how welcoming the area feels.

During the week, I’d also take them to check out Bayou City. There’s so much going on — shopping, nightlife, art, and live events. You can go from laid-back to turned-up in one neighborhood, and that’s the beauty of Houston.

For a sweet treat, we’d definitely stop by Winfield’s Chocolate Bar on University Blvd. It’s a dessert lover’s dream — rich chocolates, indulgent treats, and the kind of place where you don’t rush anything. You sit, enjoy, and savor the moment.

To slow things down and take in something beautiful, we’d visit the butterfly exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring experience — colorful, quiet, and full of wonder. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate life’s little details.

And depending on what’s happening around town, we’d stop by a vendor market or pop-up shop, especially to show love to other small businesses. If Scentify Essence is there, even better — I’d love for them to see what I’ve built in action, surrounded by people who support the brand.

That week would be all about balance — good food, beautiful spaces, soulful moments, and just soaking in the energy of Houston. No fancy itinerary, just real experiences and meaningful vibes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely — I truly believe that no success story is written alone. Mine was shaped by love, loss, support, and unwavering belief from the people around me.

I want to begin by honoring my late mother. (Theresa Jackson) She was my first example of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Watching her navigate life with so much grace, even in the hardest times, gave me the blueprint I still carry today. Her passing was one of the hardest moments of my life — but in many ways, it became the very spark that ignited Scentify Essence LLC. Creating this business helped pull me out of a deep depression. It gave me purpose again. Every candle, every scent, carries a piece of her spirit. Her legacy is woven into everything I do.

I also want to acknowledge my stepfather, ( Casbie Jackson) who is also no longer with us. He brought peace and stability to our home and showed me what it meant to show up for others with quiet strength. I’m grateful for the impact he had on my life, and I carry his memory with honor.

And of course, my husband ( Germayne Tealer) — my high school sweetheart, my partner in life and now in business. We’ve been together since 1995 and married since 2001. He’s always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. He once told me, “You are not your circumstance or your environment — you are what you make of them.” That perspective helped shift my entire mindset. Today, we stand side by side as co-owners of Scentify Essence LLC, building something meaningful together.

To my children — you are my “why.” You’ve given me a reason to keep pushing, dreaming, and showing up. Everything I do is with you in mind.

And to my tribe — the supporters, customers, family, and friends who’ve rooted for me since day one — thank you. Your love, encouragement, and energy have helped shape this journey just as much as my own determination has.

Scentify Essence is more than a brand. It’s a story of healing, love, and legacy — and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s been a part of that.

Website: https://www.scentifyessence.com

Instagram: @scentifyessence

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CkzFnVuBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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