‘As a Black female business leader, I’ve learned the keys to success consist of networking, research, perseverance and resilience.’

Sharon Solomon, Baldwin

“My inspiration is my dad. He successfully migrated from Liberia and obtained a PhD in chemistry from Columbia University. He started Devonque in a small warehouse in Jamaica, Queens in 1972. He developed scents for brands such as Tide, Close-Up toothpaste and a cologne for Muhammad Ali.

“I grew up in a laboratory, and it inspires me to do what I do today with candles. My dad taught me the power of scent. An aroma can elicit memories, enhance moods or set a tone, depending on the occasion. It revitalizes our senses and makes us remember a time when we were happy. Candles and fragrance creation are my passion.

“My dad was always about family and community as well. As an immigrant, he kept our doors open for family members who came here for opportunity too. My love of fragrances and natural products runs deep in our company DNA for generations.

Looking for a way to help, I developed a specific candle line, Candles of Hope, that donates half the proceeds of the sale to charity.

“In 2022, we developed a platform using our candles that helps solve the problem with grassroots and nonprofit organizations lacking funding to do the great work they accomplish. Along with leading my family business, I’m the program coordinator for the runaway homeless youth shelter in Nassau County for the Family & Children’s Association. Time and again, the needs outweigh the funding. Organizations that do great work are constantly fundraising to provide services.

“Looking for a way to help, I developed a specific candle line, Candles of Hope, that donates half the proceeds of the sale to charity. It’s 100% virtual. All the organizations have to do is go to the website and sign up.

“I’ve been lucky enough to partner with over 200 organizations. It makes me feel good to know that I’m bridging a gap between funding and the work these programs do. We feel our platform will continue its rapid growth.

“As a Black female business leader, I have learned the keys to success consist of networking, research, perseverance and resilience. There are many resources available that can really take your business to the next level. You have to do your research. Knowing my dad is looking down on me while others look up to me pushes me to keep our legacy going.”

Interviewed by Liza N. Burby