We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurel Walker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurel below.

Hi Laurel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In 2020, when the world changed, I found myself with a lot of free time and looking to fill it. Life had been hectic up to that point, and having so much downtime was a shock like it was for many others. As I transitioned to working from home, I started looking for ways to fill my days. One day, as I was finally burning a large candle in a wooden bowl I had purchased years before, I started to think about what to do with that vessel once the wax was gone. That’s when I decided to try to re-fill it. After about four months of trial and error, I finally found my formula. Soon after, a friend asked me to make a brand candle for her store. I decided that if I was going to do this, I needed to do it right. I hired a brand marketing firm to design my logo and website. I set up my LLC, and Hot Mess Creations, LLC was born.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been working in the entertainment business for over 30 years. Starting Hot Mess Creations as a side job was only a thought once I could slow down. There is something very zen about the process, from blending and inventing new fragrances to discovering new vessels to seeing and hearing about how these candles fill homes with beauty and warmth.

In researching what makes some better, I found that many store-bought candles contain various toxins. I then started looking for ingredients for mine that would be completely clean-burning. I also have a focus on sustainability. I sell many candles in various vessels you can repurpose for many uses. A wooden dough bowl could hold sea shells or candy. I picture the round cork vessels holding sugar or Q-tips. I also sell refill kits so that you can refill them at home.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I make all of my candles myself. I had yet to learn what I was doing when I started or what my lane would be. I wasn’t thinking that far ahead. Once I began to define my brand, I focused on making candles that I loved. I wanted to make candles I would like in my house at a price I could afford. There are so many candle brands out there that there is something for everyone. I’m happy to appeal to many people, but I am okay with them preferring another brand. There isn’t competition in candles as we all bring different styles to the market.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

As a product seller, I found that the best way to attract new business is to get out there and attend as many art fairs and pop-up markets as possible. The majority of my large orders have come from these types of events. I have a social media person who handles my Instagram, but nothing beats meeting your customers in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hotmesscreationsvta.com
• Instagram: hmccandleco

Image Credits

Marra Creative