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

Alright, Bree thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Yes, absolutely. Being a business owner has brought me so much happiness because it allows me to fully embrace my creativity. When I was working in corporate America, I never had the chance to express myself in the ways I can now. There were moments when I felt like just another cog in the machine, going through the motions without any real outlet for the ideas and vision I had bottled up inside.

I remember one day vividly when I had one of those “what if I just had a regular job again” moments. It was during the holiday rush for my candle business. Orders were pouring in, and I was overwhelmed with tasks—hand-pouring candles, labeling jars, packing boxes, answering customer emails, and still managing social media to promote my products. My kitchen smelled like wax and essential oils, my dog was staring at me with those big “can we cuddle now?” eyes, and I was running on maybe three hours of sleep and too much caffeine.

At one point, I looked around at the chaos and thought, *What if I just went back to a 9-to-5 where I could clock in, clock out, and leave the stress at work?* But as I stood there, knee-deep in candle supplies, I realized something: I chose this chaos because it’s mine. The hard work, the late nights, the challenges—they all come with the freedom to create something I’m proud of.

In corporate America, I often felt stifled. I had ideas, but there was always a chain of command, policies, or someone else’s vision that dictated what could or couldn’t be done. Now, I get to dream up scents like “Cozy Cashmere” or “Santa’s Workshop” and bring them to life exactly as I imagine them. I get to connect with customers who tell me how much my candles mean to them. That’s something I could never put a price on.

That moment of doubt didn’t last long. Sure, running a business is hard, but it’s also fulfilling in a way a “regular” job never was for me. The freedom to be creative, to take risks, and to see my ideas come to life is worth every bit of the hard work. It reminds me that I’m building something meaningful, not just for myself but for others who love what I create. And that’s a happiness I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Bree, 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?

Hi there! My name is Bree, and I’m the owner and creator behind Bee’s Wax Candle Co., where I handcraft candles that are designed to bring warmth, comfort, and a little extra joy into people’s homes. My journey into candle-making began after I left the corporate world and decided to pursue something that would allow me to express my creativity. I’ve always loved how a simple scent can transform a space, evoke a memory, or brighten someone’s day. That’s when I knew I wanted to create candles that do just that—but with a unique twist.

At Bee’s Wax Candle Co., we pour every candle by hand, carefully place each wooden wick, and hand-label every jar with love and attention to detail. We use wooden wicks because they provide that extra cozy feel with a soft crackling sound, almost like sitting by a fireplace. It’s these little touches that make our candles feel special, and I think that’s something our customers really appreciate.

What really sets us apart, though, are our candle names. I like to think of them as little pieces of the story that each scent tells. Our customers absolutely love them, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the creative process! For example, we’ve got scents like *Pillow Talk*—perfect for cuddling up on a chilly evening—or *Santa’s Workshop*, which smells just like the holiday magic you’d imagine: sweet vanilla, bakery notes, and a sprinkle of sugar.

At its core, my brand is about creating moments of comfort and connection. I want our candles to do more than just smell amazing—I want them to make your space feel like home, to bring you peace after a long day, or to serve as the perfect gift for someone you care about.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how much love and support our customers have shown us. Hearing how much they enjoy the scents and the thoughtfulness behind the candles is what keeps me going, even on the busiest days.

If there’s one thing I’d love for people to know about Bee’s Wax Candle Co., it’s that every single candle is crafted with care and intention. I pour my heart into each one, from picking the perfect scents to designing those fun and memorable names. When you light one of our candles, you’re not just getting a product—you’re getting a little piece of the passion and creativity that goes into everything we do.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been such a rewarding journey! When I first started Bee’s Wax Candle Co., I honestly had no idea where to begin. I just knew that I wanted to connect with people who love candles as much as I do. Over time, I realized that a few key things really helped me grow my audience—and more importantly, helped me build a community of genuine supporters.

The first thing I focused on was branding. Having a clear, consistent look and feel across my social media made a huge difference. I made sure my posts, captions, and photos reflected the cozy, creative vibe of my candles. Whether it’s the warm lighting in my product photos, the fun names of my candles, or the way I tell stories about my business, I’ve always kept my brand at the center of what I share. This consistency makes it easy for people to recognize my content and feel connected to it.

Another thing that’s been so important is just being myself. Customers and followers are drawn to accounts that feel genuine, and I’ve always tried to keep it real. I share the behind-the-scenes moments—like hand-pouring candles in my kitchen or brainstorming funny names for new scents—as well as the challenges I face as a small business owner. People appreciate honesty and authenticity, and I’ve found that they love seeing the real person behind the brand.

I also make it a point to engage with my audience. Social media is about building relationships, not just selling a product. I reply to comments and messages, ask questions in my posts, and encourage followers to share how they’re using my candles in their spaces. That interaction helps turn followers into loyal supporters who genuinely care about my business.

For those just starting out, my biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and your brand. Don’t try to copy what everyone else is doing—focus on what makes you and your products unique. People are drawn to authenticity, and they’ll notice when you’re sharing something real. At the same time, invest in your branding—whether that’s creating a cohesive color palette, using high-quality photos, or developing a tone of voice that fits your style.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! Not every post will go viral or get tons of likes, but every piece of content you share is a chance to connect with someone new. Stick with it, celebrate the small wins, and remember that growing a social media presence takes time. If you stay consistent and let your passion shine, you’ll find your audience and your community before you know it!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What really helped me build my reputation within my market was connecting with people in person at local markets and events. There’s just something so special about having face-to-face conversations with customers, sharing the story behind my candles, and seeing their reactions when they catch a whiff of a scent they love. Those moments create genuine connections that can’t be replicated online.

Building those personal connections is truly the strongest form of marketing. When people meet you in person, they get to see your passion firsthand, and that leaves a lasting impression. I’ve had customers tell me they came back or told their friends about my candles simply because they remembered the conversation we had at a market. It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about building relationships and sharing your story.

Markets are also a great way to gather feedback directly from customers. I love hearing what scents they’re drawn to, which names make them smile, or even suggestions for what they’d like to see next. That feedback helps me refine my products and ensures I’m meeting my customers’ needs.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people buy from people they feel connected to. Whether it’s through a warm smile at a market, a fun conversation about how I hand-pour every candle, or just sharing a laugh over one of my quirky scent names, those interactions help build trust and loyalty. It’s those connections that have helped Bee’s Wax Candle Co. stand out in a crowded market.

For anyone looking to grow their reputation, I’d say: don’t underestimate the power of showing up and being present in your community. People remember the personal touch, and word of mouth is incredibly powerful. When you make someone feel valued and connected, they’re not just buying a product—they’re buying into your brand and your story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beeswaxco.square.site
• Instagram: @beeswaxcandle.co