I am a mom, wife, sister, aunt, friend and small business owner. I love to travel and have been fortunate to visit many countries around the world. My next exploration will take my husband and I on a bucket list Alaskan cruise. After a successful executive career, overcoming challenges such as COVID-19 and a leukemia diagnosis, I made the decision to follow my heart and merge my love for people and candle making. This led to the creation of Scents of Empowerment. My vision is to create candles that inspire a “passionate, positive, and powerful you.” I invite you to embrace your inner strength, to bask in the glow of empowerment, and to carry the light of inspiration wherever you go. My hope is that you will let Scents of Empowerment be more than just a candle – let it be a beacon of hope, a reminder of your resilience, and a symbol of the powerful vision you hold for yourself and the those around you.
About Tracy Flanagan
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married with one daughter, three stepchildren, and our brand-new beautiful granddaughter. My husband is a lifelong Milford resident and although we live in Stratford, I feel like I am now an honorary Milford resident.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I own Scents of Empowerment, a unique candle company that creates 100% soy candles, hand poured in wooden dough bowls that are accentuated with colored heat resistant glass and wax molds. What do I love most about what I do? I love creating the perfect scent, designing color combinations, and customizing candles for our customers. I believe in the transformative power of scents. Our candles are designed to awaken the senses, to spark inspiration, and to ignite a sense of empowerment within each person who lights them. The essence of our candles is not just to provide a pleasant aroma, but to create an experience that engages the soul, uplifts the spirit, and leaves a lasting impression of strength and determination.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I’m not sure it is advice so much as a way of thinking that works for me. Despite several curve balls thrown my way in recent years, I believe in the good of people, staying positive and being grateful. We always have a choice in how we react. “We may not be able to adjust the winds, but we can adjust our sails.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to enjoy more grandbabies, spending quality time traveling and exploring new places with family & friends and creating even more custom candles!
Tracy & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I really enjoy Stonebridge, Gabriele’s and Fratelli’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I lived in Stratford for the last 8 years, and have been part of the Milford business community since starting my business.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Besides my now husband, because I participate in numerous pop-up events and Farmers Markets in the Milford area, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many intriguing individuals. It would be challenging to choose just one from all the amazing people I’ve encountered. However, if I had to select one person who inspires me in the community, it would be Sue Brown from Purple Pantry. The incredible work she does to raise awareness about food insecurity and support the community is truly remarkable!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Milford Green holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my business has flourished. Starting from nervously setting up for my first show with only a few curious onlookers, to now having people lining up during the Lamplight Stroll to experience the aroma of our holiday candles, is truly remarkable. We’ve made significant progress, and I feel incredibly humbled and thankful for the wonderful support the community gives to local small businesses.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Some of the best aspects of this community are its people and fellow business owners. I have been deeply touched and truly grateful for the kindness and support of this community. As a leukemia patient working with the Leukemia Society, I take part in the annual Light the Night Walk to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer. The level of personal support, financial contributions, and product donations from this community in recent years has far exceeded all my expectations. Just last year, thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses in the Milford community, we were able to donate over $10,000 to the Leukemia Society!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love a lunch date with my best friend Janine! She lives in Maine, so our meetups can be as rare as a unicorn sighting. A perfect day (yes, it would have to be more than a simple lunch) would include whipping up a wicked charcuterie board, hitting Stappa Vineyard for some grape goodness, and wrapping up with a feast at Fratelli’s.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movies are Little Women (also my favorite childhood book) and Remember the Titans.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Weird but true, I have never smoked a cigarette or had a cup of coffee.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pizza, always pizza, it is my favorite! Especially if it is from Gabriele’s Zupardi’s or Jimmy’s.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and friends, I am incredibly blessed to have them in my life!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends and Dogs (Sir Lenny & Lady Layla)
