Meet Venita D'Angelo. Her company, Light Essentials, is our longest running YEA competition winner. Each year winners from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy are given a limited time to sell at Parkleigh. Her candles were such a hit we continue to sell them years after the original contract. We even had her create a signature scent Parkleigh candle. With profits going toward college, and a bright future ahead, we asked her to share how she’s achieving her success.

What is the inspiration behind your company?
My inspiration hasn’t changed since I started this company way back when; it was my family then and it is still my family now. I am inspired by their successes and driven by the want to have my own.

What chalked you as such a young vendor?
When I started Light Essentials I was 12 almost 13 years old and still in middle school, I never expected to be as successful as I am today but I couldn’t be more grateful. I am 18 now and have been dedicated to Light Essentials since its most premature phases. One of the hardest things for me was, and still is at times, finding a good balance. I go to school, have a job, and also have family and friends that I love to spend time with outside of Light Essentials and making time for all of those things on top of running my company is certainly a challenge but one I wouldn’t give up for the world. I’m grateful for everything Light Essentials has given me; every skill, every late night, and every memory. Being a young entrepreneur may not be easy, but becoming one is one of the best most fulfilling decisions I have ever made.

Why do you like selling at Parkleigh?
I LOVE selling at Parkleigh! The store has been with me since the very beginning of Light Essentials and without Parkleigh I most certainly would not be where I am today. I can’t even begin to thank Mr. Mejak enough for seeing my companies potential and extending a deal to me. Parkleigh is more than just a regular every day retailer; it is a unique shopping experience from the second you walk in. It's more than just a store, its a wonderful smorgasbord of interesting, creative things. A place where a young entrepreneur like myself can do big things and grow. I love selling at Parkleigh and I hope to continue my partnership with the store for a long, long time!