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

Hi Andrea, 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 the midst of caring for a loved one battling with mental illness, I experienced days filled with unimaginable challenges, endless sorrow, and seemingly endless hours. It was during these difficult times that I discovered the profound impact candles had on both myself and my loved ones. As a form of therapy, candles provided solace and comfort, bringing a glimmer of light into the darkness.

Having always enjoyed making candles as a hobby and valuing their cleaner alternative to store-bought options, I began to realize their true potential. Inspired by the transformative power of candles, I decided to embark on a new journey by starting my own business. My mission was clear: to spread light, love, hope, and strength to those in need.

With each candle carefully crafted, I aimed to evoke the same sense of comfort and tranquility I had experienced in my own moments of darkness. Beyond providing a source of solace, I wanted to raise awareness about mental health. I felt a deep calling to be an advocate and contribute to the cause. That’s why I made it a priority to donate 5% of our profits to mental health organizations, supporting the very cause that had touched my life so profoundly.

Through my business, I strive to bring awareness, compassion, and support to those facing mental health challenges. It is my hope that each candle lit ignites a spark of hope, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their journey. Together, we can bring light to the shadows, create meaningful change, and spread the warmth of understanding and acceptance.

And so, with every flicker of a flame, my business serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to healing and reminding us all that within the darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope.

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

My name is Andrea McGrath I live in Brooklyn NY with my husband, two children, two dogs and a cat. I hold a BA in Psychology. Mental health has always been something that I have been quite passionate about. It was a few years back however that I found a new passion-one for creating beautiful clean soy candles. Through my personal experiences and realizing how much candles actually helped me and my family heal I knew I wanted to share this passion with the world. As I delved deeper into this field, I discovered my love for curating unique scents by mixing fragrances that would truly evoke feelings of comfort, happiness, focus etc. I wanted to create a candle and a business that would have a profound impact on people’s lives so I married my two passions and Out of Darkness Candle Co. was born.

I specialize in providing candles that are handcrafted using soy wax and cotton wicks, they embody sustainability and purity. Our fragrances are carefully curated, free from harmful chemicals, and infused with essential oils, ensuring a delightful and toxin-free experience. Encased in reusable rock glass vessels, our candles bring a touch of elegance to any space. I am committed to reducing our footprint and preserving the environment, which is why we prioritize using eco-friendly materials like soy wax and cotton wicks in our products. I believe in the power of giving back, and that’s why we donate 5% of our profits to mental health organizations, supporting a cause close to our hearts. With every purchase, you not only choose a sustainable option but also contribute to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

There is a deeply personal touch that I pour into every aspect of the business. It is a true reflection of my dedication and passion, as I have married my two profound passions: mental health awareness and the art of curating one-of-a-kind fragranced soy candles. Each candle is meticulously handcrafted with love and care, blending unique fragrances that evoke emotions and intentions. This personal connection infuses every product with authenticity and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. When you choose Out of Darkness Candle Co., you not only receive a beautifully crafted candle but also support a heartfelt mission to promote mental health and inspire moments of serenity and self-care.

What I am most proud of is the incredible community that has blossomed since the inception of Out of Darkness Candle Co. It is a community built on empathy, support, and the shared belief that mental health is something we all have and need to prioritize. Within this community, individuals uplift and root for one another, offering advice and lending a compassionate ear during venting sessions. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of having a support system that understands and embraces the journey towards mental well-being. Together, we foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to prioritize their mental health.

To all those seeking tranquility and a touch of magic in their lives, I invite you to experience the transformative power of Out of Darkness candles. Our candles have touched countless lives, bringing moments of peace and relaxation to homes far and wide. The rave reviews we receive for our unique scents are a testament to the thought and care that goes into each creation. Beyond the candles themselves, our brand exudes a genuine feel and vibe that resonates with all who encounter it. Join our community and immerse yourself in a world of serenity and connection.

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

Building my audience on social media has been an incredible journey, and the key to my success has been staying true to myself. I prioritized authenticity and genuineness, only sharing content that felt right and aligned with my values. Consistency was important, but I also learned that “done is better than perfect.” Engaging with my audience and others played a crucial role as well. I made it a point to actively respond to comments, initiate conversations, and show support to fellow creators. My advice to someone starting out is simple: be yourself, embrace imperfections, and engage as much as possible. Remember, social media is meant to be social, so interact, leave meaningful comments, and share content that resonates with you. Building a supportive community starts with genuine connections.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When it came to funding my business, I took a humble yet determined approach. With limited resources, I purchased a $500 startup kit that allowed me to start creating candles. They might not have had the exact aesthetic I envisioned initially, but they were a reflection of what I could afford at that time. As I began selling these candles, I made the conscious decision to reinvest the profits back into my business. It was through this cycle of reinvestment that I was able to improve and refine my products, gradually shifting the aesthetic and building upon the brand you see today. This journey of growth and evolution reminds me that with dedication and resourcefulness, even the smallest investment can pave the way for something truly remarkable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.outofdarknesscandle.com
• Instagram: @outofdarknesscandle_co
• Facebook: @outofdarknesscandle_co
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OutOfDarknessCandle

Image Credits
Jes Whiteford