When I started our candle business, I knew I was pouring more than just wax into jars—I was pouring in dreams, late nights, and every ounce of love I had. But nothing could have prepared me for the wild ride of doing it all while raising my baby, Beau.
I won’t sugarcoat it: balancing motherhood and running a small business is hard. Some days I feel like I’m nailing it. Other days, the laundry piles up, orders take longer than I’d like, and Beau decides naps are optional. But through it all, I’ve learned a few things that keep me grounded (and remind me why I do this in the first place).
Embracing the Mess
There’s no such thing as a perfect balance—at least not in the picture-perfect, color-coded-schedule kind of way. Some days my house smells like warm vanilla from candle testing. Other days, it smells like baby wipes and reheated coffee. And that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace the mess and find beauty in the chaos.
Letting My Why Guide Me
Becoming a mom didn’t distract me from my business—it deepened my purpose. Every candle I pour, every scent I blend, every wholesale box I pack is for something bigger. It’s for building a life that lets me show my children what it looks like to chase a dream and create something meaningful.
Finding Small Moments of Peace
Some of my best ideas came during 3 a.m. feedings or stroller walks around the block. Running a business while mothering a tiny human means I’ve had to learn to think on my feet, multitask like a pro, and steal small moments to create. My workspace may have a baby monitor next to the fragrance oils, but it works for us.
Community Over Comparison
It’s easy to look at other businesses or moms online and feel like I’m not doing enough. But I’ve come to realize the power of community over comparison. Connecting with other moms, small business owners, and customers who get it—who really see the hustle—has been a lifeline.
Grace Over Perfection
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s grace. Grace when the to-do list doesn’t get done. Grace when I need to push a launch back by a day. Grace when Beau is teething, and I’m pouring candles on two hours of sleep. The business will grow. My baby will grow. I’m doing both, imperfectly and with so much heart.
To the fellow mamas out there chasing dreams on top of diaper changes and school runs: I see you. You are doing something extraordinary.
Thanks for being a part of this journey with me—whether you’ve followed me since the beginning or just discovered my candles at a local festival. Every order, every kind message, and every shared story means more than you know.
With gratitude,
Rachel