Getting to Know Marilyn, Our Newest Business Apprentice

We’re thrilled to announce that Marilyn has joined our Labyrinth Made Goods team! As a recent graduate of our professional development program, Strive, we knew that she had the skills and enthusiasm to help us grow Labyrinth Made Goods and continue our mission to create empowering opportunities for women who’ve experienced incarceration. 

You know that at Labyrinth Made Goods we’re more than the excellent 100% soy candles with bespoke scents you love; we also provide professional development, paid apprenticeships, and permanent employment to women who have experienced incarceration. 

Marilyn is the first new apprentice we’ve had since we launched in 2020 and she’s going to help us build on the work that our previous apprentices have done to get us where we are today. 

What is your favorite smell and why? 

I like the smell of baby powder. It reminds me of when my children were smaller and more dependent. I struggle with my children becoming more independent, because I hate to feel like one day they won’t need me.

Which Labyrinth Made Goods scent is your favorite and why? 

Revitalize is my favorite. It’s very refreshing and it gives me stability vibes. When I am stable, I feel strong, confident, and empowered. It makes me feel like I have something to offer the world.

What did you like best about your experience with Strive?

I loved that I didn’t need to hide what I’ve been through. I could talk about my past experiences and not be judged.

What do you hope to achieve or learn through the apprenticeship? What are you excited about?

My hope is that I will learn what there is to know about running a business. I am most excited about learning new skills.

What is a cause you’re passionate about and why?

Autism Awareness. I have a five year old son who is diagnosed. Learning how to parent a special needs child can be very challenging, yet very rewarding. I want the world to be more kind, graceful, and accepting of people with autism.

What does “resilience” mean to you? What motivates you when you’re facing difficult challenges?

Resilience to me means being able to withstand obstacles, hardships and difficulties. When I’m facing a challenging time in my life, my children motivate me. As a mother, I have a huge responsibility. They are depending on me, and I am determined to give them a life that they don’t have to heal from.

Who is someone who inspires you?

Kim Kardashian. She is someone who was known for something in her life that happened that wasn’t so pretty to the public. She was ridiculed, she was judged, and mistreated for a decision she had made while she was younger. However, she didn’t let that stop her from achieving greatness! Despite what the world may think of her, she is now a successful business woman who is worth over a billion dollars today. Her story really speaks volumes to me because I was ridiculed for decisions I made when I was younger. I was judged and looked down upon. But there is no doubt in my mind that one day, I am going to be someone great! I will one day stand in rooms no one saw me standing in.

The Labyrinth Made Goods Resilience Collection, which scent name resonates most with you?

I would have to say Revitalize speaks to me the most right now. After completing Strive, I felt restored. I finally felt like I had a sense of direction in my life. I felt like I was a new person with a better outlook on my life. I was ready to set goals and follow my dreams to become this person I always envisioned myself being.

If you see Marilyn around town or on our social media, please help welcome her to our team!