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

Over twenty years ago, Greggs started making her candles in her grandmother’s kitchen and sold 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 very successful business owner.”

Greggs credits her entrepreneurial spirit to genetics and her love for math. She gives credit to the United States Airforce, 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 also is a dedicated community activist, taking 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.