Today we’d like to introduce you to Dierdre Barnes.

Hi Dierdre, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

FLY Girl Candles got started with me being on my self love journey. At the time I didn’t quite know “me” anymore. I had become a mom and a lot of my time went into taking care of my kids. I started journaling, walking and going to therapy to rediscover myself, learn my worth and put me first. Feeling crafty Dec 2019 I got my first deluxe candle making kit and the whole process from melting down the candle wax to watching the candle solidify was so therapeutic for me. Now it’s 2025 my candle business has grown from my kitchen, to a small bedroom in the house, to the back of Goddess Massage Boutique and now to a shared space in downtown Louisville. In this space I am able to host my Self Love Candle Making Workshops, production of candles and give the opportunity of our “FLY Girl” community to come shop.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road is definitely a journey that will humble you. I do not like to use the word “struggles”, so we’re going with obstacles and learning lessons. As my business started to grow and expand with more workshops, the obstacle was securing places to host the events. I had to know how many people were attending, finding a place big enough within the budget from the attendees. The next thing was getting in early enough and making sure I have EVERYTHING for the event. There have been 2 times that I have forgotten items and had just enough soy wax to make everyone’s candles. These obstacles made me want my own space so I could house everything in one place.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

What I am most proud of…. I am proud when I hear people say they know the brand. This is year 6…. six years growing my candles business, networking and getting the brand out here. In the beginning, the first 2 years I spent working I made sure to “be everywhere” I worked any and all events I could find. I network and grew amazing relationships that I am truly blessed to have. Year 3 was when I started to get asked to be at events, asking about wholesale, being asked if I am hiring. Just to type these words reminds me of the amount of work I put in and truly proud of myself.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

What has worked for me for networking is developing relationships at the events/festivals/pop-ups. I love walking around to see everyones craft and introduce myself. Once you start doing events around your city, you start to see familiar faces from your other events. This is when it starts to feel like a community where you start sharing information on other opportunities to see each other grow. I enjoy my vendor community that I have developed in Louisville and look forward to meeting more amazing vendors each year.

Pricing:

• Candles $24
• Wick Trimmers $12
• Rechargeable Lighters $14

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flygirlcandles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flygirlcandles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flygirlcandles
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlyGirlCandles