The Real Tak Story

Rachael-Lea Rickards is the Founder/sole owner and Creative Director of Real Talk Creative and Real Talk Candles Inc.  With over 20 years in the event industry, she is a well-known Torontonian recognized for her multifaceted expertise in live shows and festival production. She is also a published author and playwright, so original written content is a natural gift.

What started as a traumatic assault in the street by a stranger in 2020 turned into a company with a message and purpose. 

Turning to candles to deal with anxiety and panic attacks from the incident, Rachael-Lea morphed her two worlds together to create candles that, at the time, she had no idea would change why candle lovers bought candles. She built not only a company but also a dedicated customer base. More on our development later in the presentation.

A graduate of Social Work from York University, Rachael-Lea has no formal Marketing or Business education; her natural talent and savviness landed her positions as the Director of Community Outreach and Events for Epilepsy Toronto, Senior Marketing Director focusing on Corporate Gifting for Investors and Event Management at TAS, a Toronto commercial builder and the National Publicity Manager for the hit show ‘da Kink in my hair for Global Television.

Real Talk Candles will continue to expand, along with the newest venture, Real Talk Creative, where custom gifting with personality meets connection and technology.

Most recently, Rachael-Lea is now a keynote speaker for Telus Health, sharing her journey of resiliency with Corporate Canada.