On a cold, rainy winter night in Seattle back in 2016, I poured my very first candle. It wasn’t anything special by most standards—a mason jar from my local grocer, soy wax, and the classic early 2000’s Victoria’s Secret scent “Love Spell.” Yet that night was transformative. At the time, I had no idea I was lighting the spark for a future business that would become Tulsa Candle Co. But what led me to that moment? To answer that, we need to go back a few years.
The Candle Conundrum
For years, I was a loyal customer of a big-name candle company. Like clockwork, I stocked up during their annual deep-discount sales. Multi-wick candles filled my home with fragrance, but they didn’t come without problems. They burned too hot, often losing their scent halfway down the jar. I also suffered from year-round allergies—a curious phenomenon that didn’t seem to align with the seasons.
At first, I chalked up my nightly sneezing fits to environmental allergies or dust. But something didn’t add up. I’d be fine all day at work, only to come home and feel like I was caught in a sneeze storm. For years, I lived in denial, never once considering the possibility that my candles could be the culprit.
The Turning Point
One day, the lightbulb clicked. Could it really be my beloved candles causing all this discomfort? The thought stuck with me. Unhappy with the burn quality of store-bought candles and determined to get to the bottom of my allergy issues, I took matters into my own hands. I researched candle-making supplies, bought soy wax, and picked out some new fragrance oils. It was time to try my hand at making my own.
The first batch was a disaster. I had sinkholes galore, uneven burns, and wicks that were either too small or way too large. Despite the rookie mistakes, I noticed one thing right away—my stuffy nose was gone. That was all the encouragement I needed to keep going.
Learning the Craft
As I started making more candles, I dove headfirst into self-teaching. I became obsessed with learning about every aspect of candle making:
Wicking: Choosing the right wick for the jar size, wax type, and fragrance load was a delicate science.
Fragrance Oils: I quickly learned that not all fragrance oils are created equal. The industry is largely unregulated, with some oils containing ingredients that can trigger allergies or headaches.
Wax Types: I explored everything from paraffin to soy to palm wax. Soy quickly became my favorite due to its clean burn and environmental benefits.
Crafting candles became my creative outlet. I experimented with unique scent blends, unusual containers, and seasonal themes. Candle making was no longer a hobby—it was a passion. And that passion quickly evolved into a desire to share what I had learned.
Sharing the Passion
My first step toward sharing my creations with others was launching an Etsy shop. Moderate success came relatively quickly, with orders coming in from both the U.S. and internationally. Every sale brought a little rush of joy, knowing that someone else would experience the ‘ah-ha’ moment I had—that candles could be better, cleaner, and safer.
Around this time, life brought me to Tulsa. Moving to this vibrant city opened up new possibilities. Tulsa has a unique and thriving small business community that embraces local makers like nowhere else I’ve ever lived. It felt like the right place and the right time to take my candle-making journey to the next level.
Tulsa Candle Co. is Born
With a supportive community and a growing love for my craft, I launched Tulsa Candle Co. I was driven by a simple mission: to create high-quality candles that burn beautifully, smell amazing, and are made from thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Every candle I make reflects the hours of trial and error, research, and love poured into this craft.
One of my favorite parts of running Tulsa Candle Co. is interacting with customers. I’m often asked about the inspiration behind the company, and I love sharing my story. It’s a story about frustration turned into curiosity, curiosity turned into passion, and passion turned into a business that brings joy and comfort to others.
Why I Believe in What I Do
At Tulsa Candle Co., transparency is everything. I believe consumers deserve to know what’s in their candles and how those ingredients impact their health and environment. That’s why I’m committed to using:
Soy Wax: A cleaner-burning, renewable resource with minimal environmental impact.
High-Quality Fragrance Oils: I choose fragrance oils carefully to ensure they’re free of harmful additives.
Thoughtful Packaging: I strive to use reusable or recyclable containers to reduce waste.
But Tulsa Candle Co. is about more than just candles. It’s about creating moments—whether it’s lighting a candle during a cozy night in or gifting a loved one something special. These moments are what fuel my passion every single day.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far one small experiment on a rainy night in Seattle has come. What started as a personal project has blossomed into a full-fledged business built on curiosity, creativity, and community. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
As I continue to grow Tulsa Candle Co., I remain committed to the core values that brought me here. I’ll keep learning, experimenting, and sharing my love for candles with everyone I meet. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about candles—it’s about lighting up lives, one small flame at a time.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Tulsa Candle Co. is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my passion, and my dedication to providing candles that are as safe as they are beautiful. If you’re curious about trying one of our candles, or if you’d like to learn more about the process, I’d love to hear from you. Here’s to many more years of crafting, experimenting, and sharing the joy of candle making with all of you!
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