Jersey City Spotlight: Samantha Cadiz

Hello! I go by Samantha—or Sam for short. Jersey City is home; I wouldn’t want it any other way. I would say I am very sociable. I LOVE meeting new people…and dogs lol. I enjoy having the ability to work my schedule how I’d like so entrepreneurship is the way for me! Looking to take up another hobby alongside candle making! 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! HOW DID IT START? BIGGEST CHALLENGE? FAVORITE PART? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING?

Hot Stuff Candles was in thoughts prior to me being laid off from my Property Manager position. When Covid hit and having to quarantine was a part of the day to day, I had nothing but time. I took up the hobby in candle making and experimenting with scents while cozied up on my apartment and I FELL IN LOVE. Being forcefully unemployed was my biggest challenge yet. I figured why not turn my new hobby into a business right? I employed myself and got started reaching out to candle supply manufacturers right away. My favorite part of building up what Hot Stuff Candles is today was establishing the brand. Creating a specific look and feel for Hot Stuff felt like no work at all. I enjoyed every moment of it. Content creating and marketing is so much fun when you’re doing it for something you’re so passionate about. Hot Stuff Candles is my pride and joy and we are on a fast track to opening up our very own store front and possibly hosting candle making classes at our space! 

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?

It’s inspiring to see many familiar faces grow and build their very own businesses. Jersey City is filled with an immense amount of up-and-coming entrepreneurs. I am so appreciative to be surrounded by motivated, influential, and driven men and women. I have personally started my own Chandler (Candle Maker) group chat on Instagram and we share tips, mistakes, tools to better prepare our products, motivational quotes, cat pics, you name it lol. Grateful to have access to such a wonderful community of ladies. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

On my days off from pouring candles, I enjoy exploring new restaurants with friends and family. Pampering myself is my absolute fave thing to do lol. Love a day full of self care appointments. I feel my absolute best when my lashes, hands, hair, and feet are done! 

FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS: 

- Restaurant: Jersey City is loaded with great spots to eat, play, or shop. So hard picking favorites but I would say Rumba Cabana is hands down my favorite place to grab a bite. Delicious food, yummy drinks, exponential service, and budget friendly. 
- Coffee Shop: I love a good cup of coffee. Treehouse Coffee Shop on West Side in Greenville area makes the very best Matcha Lattes! They have a variety of yummy donuts to choose from too! 
- Place to Shop: Target let’s me know what I need. Target runs are therapy for Mama Hot Stuff. They have a great “$3 Finds” section by the Home Decor area. Go check it out and thank me later! 
- Bar: Newark Avenue walkway is the place to be for bar hopping. I love me a Sun Tea from Porta JC’s rooftop bar! Refreshing drinks and vibes are always super chill. Love you Porta. 
- Outdoor Spot: My favorite outdoor spots are wherever the brunchin’ is at! Love a good stroll by exchange place with my boyfriend! We love city-line watching!