Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JayLynn McDaniel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JayLynn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I love this question so much and I ponder about it often- I definitely wish that I had the skill set, the purpose and the idea to start a business while I was in my early 20’s rather than my mid to late 20’s. If I had started CandlesbyJay earlier, I think I would’ve made better choices personally and I would have had a head start on setting and building a solid foundation in my life. But at the same time, CandlesbyJay was born at a time in my journey where it just made sense. I believe everything happens for a reason and everything happens when it’s supposed too. I started my business during my spiritual awakening and it’s propelled me to view my past and what lead me here with so much more respect, appreciation and humility. I had to go through a dark period and during that time, I was able to create and nurture something that bloomed into the light. One of the most rewarding factors about seeing my business grow is witnessing myself grow with it- emotionally, spiritually and mentally. It’s been a beautiful journey.

JayLynn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Model turned Business Owner. I founded and created CandlesbyJay- a luxury, hand made and artisan crafted holistic, natural Crystal Ritual Intention Candle line that originated here in Colorado. I first began experimenting with candle making in late 2019 and my business quickly grew. CandlesbyJay was created in the midst of my spiritual journey and awakening. I take inspiration from my connection to the Divine and the Universal Laws while utilizing my love and knowledge of the metaphysical world and powers of crystals, flowers, herbs, plants, roots, nature and astrology. I believe in spirituality, dreams, intuition and the well being and healing of your mind, body, heart and soul. Creating my candles from the heart make my pieces more than just home decor- they are an expression of love and magic in physical form.

I began my business owner journey by pure fate and destiny. I had a dream one night that I was making candles and the next morning I ordered a candle making kit off of Amazon. The rest is history.

I have two different lines; my Original Scented Candles and my Ritual Intention Candles. My Crystal Ritual Intention Candles are made with the purpose of “Manifesting your Miracles”. I invite my customers to set intentions by visualizing and writing down what they wish to manifest in their life. They can meditate with my Ritual Candles, they can repeat their affirmations over their lit candle. Whatever resonates, I’m a firm believer in just raising your vibration and being the energy you wish to attract. There is so much power in the Universal Laws and how we can use them to create the lives we want to live while being close to source.

I would say the most important factor behind the success of my brand and what sets it apart is the care, thought and intention that I put into each and every single candle. There is a purpose and deeper meaning behind every element I choose to incorporate. It’s all about the details. Not only do my products look and smell divine-they are infused with so much love and energy- they are made with only the purest, high quality most natural ingredients. I take pride in that.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I am currently still employed at my 9-5 job. My candles were created as a side hustle originally- I remember my first full holiday season in 2020 I would work all day then come home and make candles, package them etc. and I would be up all night fulfilling orders. There were several days I would be busy making candles until 3am knowing I would have to wake up just a couple hours later to get ready for work and do it all over again. Those days/ nights have definitely built my resilience,

I meet many business owners who still have a daytime job, who juggle both responsibilities as an employee and an entrepreneur. I still believe you can do both and be successful in both worlds. Yes, there are challenges and I will admit it can be difficult to balance. It takes a lot of resilience and discipline to manage both sides of the spectrum.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Honestly, by being personal and staying humble. Most of my clientele comes from referrals and building connections through social media platforms and pop up shows. I ensure that I remember people’s names and faces. To me, my customers are more than just “customers”. As a creative, support from my friends, family and peers mean a lot. You never know who knows someone who can help catapult your career.

For example, my candle business was referred to a high end cosmetic company in New York. Their Vice President placed a large order or candles from me for employee gifts for Christmas. That was life changing for me and I’m forever thankful for it.

I find that simple gestures- like personalized thank you notes in your packaging go a long way. I want my clientele to feel special, appreciated and remembered.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.candlesbyjay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlesbyjay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandlesbyJay/

Image Credits
Halle Madeleine with Free Energy Collective April Martinez with Purely Perspective Photography Kelly Hein with Venn Diagram Photography Margot Flynn with Flynn Design Co Mireya Varela with Dreamy Images