Additional Coverage:
- Addiction nearly killed me. Once I got sober, I started my own company and shared my story to help others. (businessinsider.com)
Queens Entrepreneur Lights Up Lives with “2nd Chance Candles”
Queens, NY – In a world where second chances are sometimes hard to come by, Lisa Devine, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Queens, is not only living proof of their power but also sharing that hope with her community. Her business, “2nd Chance Candles,” isn’t just about crafting beautiful, hand-poured candles; it’s a beacon of inspiration, symbolizing her remarkable journey from addiction to recovery and entrepreneurial success.
Devine’s story is one of resilience and transformation. After battling drug addiction for six years, a path that began with casual substance use in college and escalated to heroin, she found herself at a crossroads.
While court-mandated treatment initiated her first steps toward sobriety, a later relapse in 2021 became the catalyst for profound personal change. “I hit rock bottom and found the strength to check myself into rehab,” Devine shared, marking April 2022 as her new clean date.
The idea for “2nd Chance Candles” emerged during her recovery. Her partner, recognizing her desire for a fresh start and a fulfilling path, suggested candle-making. What began as a home-based craft quickly blossomed into a brick-and-mortar studio, which opened its doors in October 2023.
“People often ask me why my Mom and Pop’s arts-and-crafts studio in New York is called ‘2nd Chance Candles,'” Devine explained. “The answer is simple: your past doesn’t define your future, and everyone deserves a second chance.”
The studio, located in Queens, has become more than just a retail space for scented candles. It’s a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement.
Devine hosts a variety of workshops, from children’s birthday parties and corporate events to sessions for local groups like the Girl Scouts. She finds immense joy in sharing her craft, and the studio has even expanded its offerings to include slime-making and drop painting.
Devine is an open book about her past, understanding that her recovery story resonates with many and fosters a supportive environment within the community. She vividly remembers the “horrible fog of my 20s and early 30s” and the terrifying thought of an overdose, which fuels her commitment to sobriety.
Now, with part-time staff helping in the studio, Devine reflects on her journey with a message of hope: “You are not your worst mistake. Shame keeps you stuck longer than addiction does. Ask for help sooner, and know that rebuilding and success are possible.”
Lisa Devine’s “2nd Chance Candles” stands as a testament to the power of self-belief, community support, and the transformative impact of a second chance. It’s a heartwarming tale of a local business lighting up not just homes, but also lives.