Vibrant, creative, dedicated, and passionate are not only words that describe Houston-native Shanquita Greggs, but they also transcend and embody her products and, as a result, her company − Simply Scents Candle Company.

Fourteen years ago, Greggs started making candles in her grandmother’s kitchen and selling them out of the trunk of her car to earn extra income. After Sept 11th, losing her job as a flight attendant for United Airlines catapulted her into entrepreneurship.

“After watching a holiday episode of Martha Stewart,” reminisces Greggs. “I decided to take a $467.00 paycheck and invest it in myself.  I have the opportunity to do something that I love every day. I have gone from a $467.00 paycheck employee to a successful business owner.”

Greggs credits her entrepreneurial spirit to genetics and her love for math. She also credits the United States Air Force, where she served eight years working with T38 bombers and performed aircraft inspections of F16 and F17 fighter jets for NASA, for her boldness, strength, and determination to succeed. In addition to running her business full-time, Greggs is also a dedicated community activist. She takes a hands-on role with the city’s disabled community, teaching basic job skills and training.

Greggs is a leader within the Settegast and surrounding Greater Ward communities, firmly believing in giving back.