 By Lajeune Hollis Sarah Johnson, a young, gregarious woman from New Haven, Connecticut, has an enthusiasm that is contagious when it comes to her online business–Truly Amazing Scents (also known as Sophisticated Scents)! The business, now in its third year, was launched thanks to inspiration from Johnson’s mother, who always taught her daughter not to give up on her dreams. Johnson also credits her customer base and the circle of entrepreneurs she surrounds herself with as the basis of encouragement and emotional support she needs to keep going. Prior to opening her own business, Johnson spent nine years providing support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live fulfilling lives within their communities. While she loved this work, she was ultimately looking to fulfill her desire to go into business. She first started with selling candles, which she refers to as her “first love.” “People always love home fragrances and want their house to smell good,” she explained. “ The candles I sell are soy candles, so they last long and are eco-friendly.” Truly Amazing Scents candles are especially beneficial because they burn for 60 to 70 hours with little or no soot. True to her business name, Johnson offers a variety of candle scents–fruity, smooth, floral, masculine, dessert and more! She also carries an “Affirmation Collection” of candles. “They are uniquely designed to give you confidence and keep thriving,” said Johnson. Her wildly popular–and limited edition–Sophisticated Collection contains luxurious candle vessels in either the Black Edition or Gold Edition. “These are for the VIPs in your life who may be difficult to buy for because they are always looking for something extraordinary,” she shared. In addition to candles, Truly Amazing Scents offers body butter, citronella, reed stick diffusers, and room sprays. Plus, fans can purchase “You Are Truly Amazing” merchandise: sweatshirts, tote bags, chill wine tumblers, unisex heavy cotton t-shirts and ceramic mugs. Johnson knows that running a business is no easy task, so while she grows her business through online orders and pop-up shops, she also wears many other hats–as a delivery driver, designing t-shirts and working as a travel agent! Her endless energy doesn’t stop there–she also loves to exercise, read books, watch movies and try new restaurants. She also stays focused by “keeping the faith” and regular prayer time. And Johnson, who is always looking to give advice to the Black community, has a thing or two to say to anyone who is looking to open their own business but not sure where or when to start. “Research the industry you are about to enter, get registered with the state of Connecticut, get business insurance, ask questions,” she said. “And, dive in! There will never be the ‘right’ time.” Johnson’s goal is for Truly Amazing Scents to reach a national and international customer base. But ultimately, this venture is about chasing her dreams and making them a reality. “I finally have a purpose in life–I’m actually happy.” Find Truly Amazing Scents online at trulyamazingscents.com, on Facebook by clicking here, or on Instagram @sophisticatedscentsllc. Johnson may also be reached via email at [email protected]. Truly Amazing Scents accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay. 
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 By Mikki A. Ealey ShopBlackCT volunteer Mikki A. Ealey spoke with Andre Rogers to learn about his journey to becoming a firearms instructor, and how encouragement, family support and passion led to a rewarding career and community impact. Q: How did you go from being a gun enthusiast to a firearms instructor? A: When I turned 21, I applied for my pistol permit as soon as I could. After receiving it, I started coaching friends for fun, helping them become responsible gun owners. It was rewarding to see their confidence grow, and it motivated me to take my knowledge and passion to the next level. Q: What inspired you to become a firearms instructor with the USCCA, and how did you go about learning firearms safety per Connecticut laws? A: I’ve always believed in the importance of responsible gun ownership and personal protection. Becoming a firearms instructor with the USCCA allowed me to pass that mindset on to others in a safe and structured way. I was drawn to their mission of education, training, and legal awareness. To ensure I teach responsibly, I dedicated time to studying Connecticut’s specific firearm laws, including regulations on transport and use-of-force statutes. I completed certified training courses, stayed connected with local law enforcement guidelines, and constantly updated my knowledge as laws evolve. It’s not just about hitting a target; it’s about making sure every student knows how to handle firearms safely, legally, and confidently. Q: Could you describe your experience with firearms? A: My journey began when I was just a 9 year old kid playing with trains and drum sets. My Mom got me a BB gun. My uncle Trevan, a retired officer, took me shooting for the first time during a family trip to Arizona. That experience sparked a love for firearms that has stayed with me ever since. Q: How did your family help you develop this interest? A: My mother, whom I refer to as “Mama K,” played a significant role. She was completely supportive of me when I realized how much I enjoyed my first trip to the range. Shortly after we returned home, she bought me a single-shot .22 rifle so I could continue with my new hobby. When I was a kid, Mama K took me to the shooting range a lot, and her encouragement helped develop my interest in shooting for fun. Q: What are your preferred teaching methods for firearms safety? A: I take a hands-on, confidence-building approach. My goal is to meet each student where they’re at—whether they’re complete beginners or experienced shooters looking to sharpen their skills. I blend classroom instruction with practical range time, emphasizing safety fundamentals, situational awareness, and decision-making under pressure. I also use scenario-based training, which helps people think through real-world situations in a controlled environment. Teaching with patience and clarity is key because it’s not just about technical skills; it’s about cultivating a mindset of responsibility and respect for the tool they’re handling. Q: What motivated you to train as a USCCA instructor? A: In 2023, I became a USCCA Firearms Instructor because I wanted to make a bigger, more positive impact on the firearms community. It’s been a great opportunity to share my knowledge and help others approach firearms with responsibility and confidence. One of Rogers's goals is to change the stigma surrounding people of color owning a gun. He aims to educate and empower individuals by providing comprehensive training and fostering a safe and supportive environment. By emphasizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety, Rogers hopes to dispel misconceptions and encourage more people of color to exercise their rights. His efforts are focused on building confidence, promoting community engagement, and highlighting the positive aspects of gun ownership as a means of self-defense, recreation and personal growth. His advice for beginners? Gun safety is paramount. Always prioritize safety, educate yourself, and undergo proper training. Regular practice in a safe environment is essential, and respecting the firearm is crucial. Familiarize yourself with local laws and be mentally prepared for the responsibility of owning a firearm. Continuous learning is important to stay up-to-update. Additionally, small groups are more relaxing and can enhance the learning experience. He emphasizes that safety should always be a top priority. Click here to connect with firearms instructor Andre Rogers on Facebook.      
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