(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For candle aficionados who want to add a creative touch to their households, Harlingen-based entrepreneur and Texas State Technical College alumna Edith Lee Romero offers some candles that look good enough to eat.
Romero has utilized her TSTC Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology and skills as a former part-time event organizer with TSTC’s Residence Life and Engagement department not only to launch her business, Edith’s Elegant Candles, but also to serve as a market organizer at The Moon Rock, a food truck park in Harlingen.
“A sponsor of a YouTube show that I enjoy was a woman’s candle business,” she said. “Her dessert-style candles inspired me. I decided to make my own for fun. I posted photos on social media, and my family and friends wanted to place orders. That led to a friend, who is a business owner, helping me complete paperwork so I could sell the candles at different markets across the Rio Grande Valley. I organized my first market at The Moon Rock last year.”
Christian Zanca is owner of The Moon Rock.
“Edith has done a phenomenal job of hosting her own markets at my business, which has increased our community awareness,” he said.
Romero said the training that she received at TSTC prepared her well for her business venture.
“The skills I learned from the program with Microsoft Excel and accounting helped me organize the different vendors and calculate the sales that I earn from each consumer,” she said.
Edna Claus was one of Romero’s instructors at TSTC.
“What impressed me about Edith was her tenacity and dedication to start her business,” she said.
Romero said her creations lend themselves to a variety of clients and occasions.
“I have sold my candles wholesale to businesses throughout the RGV,” she said. “I also make them for weddings, quinceaneras, baby showers, and different types of events at conventions.”
TSTC offers online training for its Business Management Technology program, which includes an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management Technology and certificates of completion in Bookkeeping Accounting Assistant, Business Management Technology, and Office Assistant.
Registration continues for the spring semester at TSTC. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
