Running a small business is more than just creating a product - it's about the heart behind it. When we started making hand-poured soy candles, we knew we wanted to offer something special, something that wasn't just another item on a store shelf. What we didn't realize at first was that our business would become an extension of our family - a way to teach, inspire, and create lasting memories with our kids, Connor and Ava.
Family is at the core of everything we do. Our candles aren't just made with wax and fragrance; they're made with the hands, ideas, and love of the people closest to us. And that's what makes our business truly special.
How It All Started
When we first began our candle-making journey, it was driven by a personal mission - to help cover the costs of infertility treatments and, in time, to give back to others facing similar struggles. It was a passion project with a purpose, something we poured ourselves into (quite literally).
What we didn't expect was how much our kids would want to be involved. From the start, Connor and Ava showed a natural curiosity about the process. They loved sniffing new scents, helping pack orders, and - of course - coming up with wild scent ideas (some winners, some not so much). Before we know it, our candle business wasn't just a business; it was a family effort, a shared experience that brought us closer together.
The Role Connor & Ava Play in Our Business
While they may not be handling the hot wax just yet, Connor and Ava contribute in ways that make a real impact. Their involvement has grown over time, and now, they're an important part of what makes our candles unique.
Scent Testers & Idea Makers
Some of our best-selling candles started with a simple, "Hey, what if we made a candle that smelled like...?" Connor and Ava are full of creative ideas, and while not all of them make it to production (we had to pass on the "Mac & Cheese Candle"), their input is invaluable. They have a great sense of what smells good and what people might love.
Market Day Assistants
Whenever we set up at local markets, Connor and Ava love to tag along. They help set up the booth, chat with customers, and even assist with bagging candles. It's amazing to see how naturally they engage with people, sharing stories about their favorite scents or explaining which candles they helped name. Watching them take pride in the business reminds us why we do this.
Packing Orders & Preparing for Events
One of their favorite activities is helping pack online orders. There's something special about knowing a package they helped put together is heading to someone's home. They love placing the candles in the boxes, adding packing materials (especially now that we use biodegradable packing peanuts!), and sealing them up for shipping. It's a small task, but it teaches responsibility and teamwork.
Lessons We Hope They Learn
1. The Value of Hard Work
Running a business isn't easy. Our kids see they long nights, the busy weekends at markets, and the dedication it takes to keep things going. They understand that success doesn't happen overnight - it comes from persistence, effort, and passion.
2. The Power of Creativity
Candle-making is an art. From designing scents to crafting labels, every step requires a creative touch. By being involved, Connor and Ava are learning how to think outside the box, express their ideas, and bring something new into the world.
3. The Importance of Kindness and Giving Back
One of the core values of our business is giving back. We donate a portion of our revenue to infertility clinics, a cause that's deeply personal to us. We've had conversations with our kids about why this matters and how business can make a positive impact. We hope they carry that lesson forward, understanding that success isn't just about making money - it's about making a difference.
4. The Joy of Building Something Together
Some of the best memories we've made as a family have been while working on our business. Whether it's laughing over silly scent ideas, celebrating a big market day, or seeing a new candle come to life, this business has brought us closer together. It has given us shared purpose, a project we all take pride in.
More Than Just Candles
At the end of the day, our candles are about more than wax and wicks. They represent the love, effort, and dedication we pour into every jar. They tell a story - a story of family, perseverance, and passion.
When you light one of our candles, you're not just getting a great scent. You're supporting a small family business, one that believes in hard work, creativity, and giving back. You're getting a product that's been carefully crafted with heart, by hands both big and small.
We're proud to be a family-run business, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for being a part of our journey - because every time you purchase a candle, you're not just supporting a business. You're supporting a dream, a legacy, and a family that's working together to create something meaningful.