You know the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover?” It’s very true, especially when it comes to women who own businesses. Marcie Manfredonia has met many women, like herself, that are business owners. Not because their ego demanded it, but out of necessity. It’s essential to make goals and stick to them and their success is hard-won and very personal. Here’s her story.

Who is Marcie Manfredonia?

Like many successful entrepreneurs and business people, Marcie Manfredonia had very humble beginnings. She grew up in an Italian family, and as a child, she spent her time helping her father collect scrap metal and getting her hands dirty. Sadly, tragedy hit her family early in her life. She lost her father to cancer when she was only 13 years old. Her mother, being a traditional Italian wife, was always in charge of the home and didn’t have any outside work experience. Because of this, she left school and began working two jobs to help support her mother and three siblings.

Five years after her father’s death, she gave birth to her first son. Being a stay-at-home mom meant that she had to get creative with making an income. She tried all different kinds of entrepreneurial work including: making chocolate pops, creating custom tee shirts, and even hosting yard sales.

Eventually, Marcie decided to join the sales team with Avon. She did well, but after the birth of two more sons she left the company. 

Marcie's Difficult Years

Marcie’s mother discovered that she had breast cancer after her youngest son was born. While taking care of her children and her mother, Marcie took a part time sales position in an effort to support the family. For two years, Marcie took care of her mother and sons before her mother lost her battle with cancer. During this very difficult season in her life, Marcie was forced to turn to governmental financial assistance. Exhausted in every way, she continued to plow through life, taking care of her four boys all while grieving the loss of her mother.

Marcie Means Business

One day, after waiting in line for a long period of time, Marcie decided that she had had enough of depending on someone else to provide for her family. She sold all of her possessions in order to start her own business. Let's take a quick peek at each.

Nationwide Maintenance

To ensure that her family would no longer face financial hardship, Marcie began a cleaning service that offered exterior cleaning. After 25 years, Nationwide Maintenance has grown into a company that offers many services and exceptional service.

The growth of this company is all due to Marcie’s efforts. She is head of the company’s operations as well as their hiring, marketing and giving estimates for projects.

Custom Candle Company

The Custom Candle Company , a family owned business, demonstrates Marcie’s creativity and problem solving abilities. She started a specialty gift shop that offers unique items, as well as candles. What started out as a recycled soy-based candle shop has grown into a factory along with a shop location in Bedford Hills, NY. Marcie created these candles because she wanted to create a candle that not only had a long lasting smell, but was also environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

All candles are hand poured, made with all organic ingredients ,and are WBE certified. Each candle has custom designs as well, making it a unique gift. Custom Candle Company is located in White Plains and Bedford Hills, New York. The Custom Candle Company is just one of the many examples of what hard work and the creative mind can achieve. In fact, the Custom Candle Company has been a Best of Winchester Winner for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019.

CBD Live Natural

Marcie's other family-owned company is CBD Live Natural, a WBE-certified company. This company is all about providing natural products for clients who are looking for alternative treatments rather than prescription medicine. All staff members are well educated on each products, and they answer questions that clients have to help them find exactly what they are looking for and need. There are a myriad of products to choose from to naturally improve quality of life. Marcie loves animals, so she has made sure that these products are not only safe for human use, but also for pets as well. Best of all, her products are PETA approved and cruelty-free.

Charity Partnerships

To honor her mother, and help other women with breast cancer, she has partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS has been striving to search for cures for cancer. They also provide further education, advocacy and other services for many years.

American Cancer Society

To date, both Custom Candle Company and Nationwide Maintenance have raised over $40,000 to contribute to the efforts of ACS. Marcie is heavily involved in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. This is an annual event that raises awareness as well as financial assistance in the efforts of ending breast cancer.

Custom Candle Company gives five dollars to the American Cancer Society for every candle sold. Her foundation called “Building A Cure,” has also raised money to aid the American Cancer Society.

Don't Blame Us

Another charity near to Marcie’s heart is rescuing animals from local shelters. Currently, she has rescued five dogs and a cat. She has created a store, DontBlame.us which sells organic candles and other products for pets. A portion of every purchase from this store goes directly to the local SPCA.

Marcie’s Awards

• She received the nomination for the 2019 914INC’s Women in Business Award.

•  In 2020, the Women of Empowerment by Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R.) inducted her as a member.

Marcie Manfredonia is a true testimony of making something out of nothing and hopes to be an inspiration for many out there who want to take a step forward in creating their destiny.