Hi, I’m Nicole, the founder of Melt Me Candle Co.! If someone had told me a few years ago that a care package of homemade candles would spark a passion and lead me to launch my own hand-poured candle business, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am, pouring wax, testing fragrances, and building a brand that truly lights me up (pun intended).
Let me take you behind the scenes of how this all started, the lessons I’ve learned, and some advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own small business.
The Spark That Started It All
It all began with a care package I received after shoulder surgery. Inside were some handmade candles that filled my home with warmth and comfort during a tough time. I was hooked.
Curious and inspired, I bought a candle-making kit off Amazon and started experimenting. What began as a fun hobby quickly turned into an obsession. I spent hours researching candle-making techniques, joining online candle groups, and testing different waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Before I knew it, I was ordering 40 pounds of wax and pouring candles like a mad scientist in my kitchen.
Turning Passion into a Candle Business
The idea of creating Melt Me Candle Co. wasn’t something I planned overnight. As a former wedding and portrait photographer, I’ve always loved creative work, but I wanted to build something new—something that combined my love for scents with my entrepreneurial spirit.
After earning my MBA in 2022, I decided it was time to take the leap. I launched Melt Me Candle Co. with a mission to offer unique, hand-poured candles that bring joy and sensory delight to people’s homes. From crafting distinctive scents to designing fun, personalized labels, every detail of my products reflects the heart I pour into this business.
Lessons Learned from Starting a Candle Business
Running a small candle business comes with its fair share of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few lessons I’ve picked up:
- Test, Test, Test: Candle-making is as much a science as it is an art. I’ve conducted countless burn tests to ensure every candle meets my standards for quality and safety.
- Embrace Feedback: Listening to customers has been invaluable. Whether it’s a compliment or constructive criticism, feedback helps me improve and grow.
- Stay True to Your Vision: It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but staying authentic to my brand has helped me stand out in a crowded market.
Advice for Aspiring Candle Business Owners
If you’re thinking about turning your hobby into a business, here’s my advice:
- Start Small: You don’t need a huge budget or fancy equipment to get started. Use what you have and grow from there.
- Be Patient: Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and resilience to build a business you’re proud of.
- Find Your Support System: Whether it’s family, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs, having a support network makes all the difference. Shoutout to my husband, Jon, for being my rock and helping me with everything from product handling to customer engagement!
What’s Next for Melt Me Candle Co.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to keep growing Melt Me Candle Co. and bringing new products and ideas to life. From launching our upcoming candle subscription box to expanding our fragrance collections, the journey is just getting started.
To all the candle enthusiasts and dreamers out there—thank you for being part of this adventure. And to anyone thinking about starting their own business: go for it. You never know where your passion might take you.
Why “Melt Me Candle Co.” Stands Out
Our candles are more than just products—they’re experiences. With distinctive scents, reusable glass packaging, and fun personalized labels, we aim to bring joy and creativity to every customer. Whether you’re a fan of floral, fruity, or woody fragrances, we have something to brighten your day.
Let’s Connect!
Follow Melt Me Candle Co. on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for updates, candle care tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our journey.
