We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chrisette Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chrisette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

The big candle corporations often prioritize mass production and profit margins over quality and experience. They use synthetic fragrances loaded with harmful chemicals and paraffins derived from petroleum, which release toxins when burned. I discovered this firsthand when researching ingredients for Candle N Counter.

One customer came in after developing headaches from store-bought candles. She was shocked when I explained what was actually in those products! After experiencing our virgin coconut soy wax candles with natural fragrances, she could finally enjoy candles again without the headaches.

What Corporate America misses is that people crave authenticity and transparency. They want to know what they’re bringing into their homes and lungs. At Candle N Counter, we’re committed to clean ingredients and an educational approach. We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering an experience and knowledge that empowers our customers.

Chrisette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I founded Candle N Counter after becoming disillusioned with the toxic ingredients in mainstream candles. Our business is built on three core principles: clean ingredients, memorable experiences, and community connection.

Candle N Counter isn’t just a retail shop—it’s an interactive candle bar where visitors become creators. Located in the heart of Downtown La Mesa Village inside By Grace and Bloom Collective, we’ve created a warm, inviting space where people can craft their own custom candles using only the purest ingredients.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality. We exclusively use virgin coconut soy wax, which burns cleaner and longer than paraffin. Our USA-native wood wicks create that cozy crackling sound people love while providing a more even burn. And our fragrances? Completely free of parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals found in mainstream candles.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Seeing friends gather for a candle-making session, watching couples on date nights create something meaningful together, or helping someone craft the perfect gift—these moments remind me why I started this journey.

What I want potential customers to know is that at Candle N Counter, you’re not just buying or making a candle—you’re participating in a sensory experience that celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and joy. Whether you’re a candle enthusiast or someone looking for a unique activity, we welcome you to our little haven in La Mesa where creativity and clean living come together beautifully.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Candle N Counter began quite literally on my kitchen counter! I started experimenting with candle-making as a way to create cleaner alternatives to store-bought options for my own home. Friends would visit and comment on how amazing my place smelled, then be surprised when I pointed to my homemade candles.

Soon, I was making custom candles as gifts, and the feedback was overwhelming. People loved not just the product but hearing about the process and ingredients. That’s when the lightbulb moment happened—what if I could create a space where people could experience this joy of creation themselves?

The business operated as a side hustle for nearly a year, with weekend pop-ups at local markets and craft fairs. The turning point came when I consistently sold out at these events and had customers asking where they could find me permanently.

A key milestone was securing our space within By Grace and Bloom Collective in Downtown La Mesa Village. This partnership with like-minded businesses created the perfect synergy and allowed me to transition to running Candle N Counter full-time.

Another significant milestone was developing our candle-making experience packages. What started as casual demonstrations evolved into structured workshops, private events, and team-building experiences that now make up a substantial portion of our business.

The journey from side hustle to full-time career hasn’t been without challenges, but watching people light up (pun intended!) when they create something with their own hands makes every obstacle worthwhile. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Authenticity and education have been the cornerstones of building our reputation at Candle N Counter. From day one, I’ve been transparent about our ingredients and passionate about educating customers on why they matter.

Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for us. When someone experiences the difference of our clean-burning candles or has a memorable time at our candle bar, they tell their friends. We’ve had entire friend groups come in because one person couldn’t stop talking about their experience with us.
Our commitment to community engagement has also strengthened our reputation. We collaborate with local businesses for special events, participate in Downtown La Mesa Village activities, and create seasonal workshops that bring people together.

The experience factor cannot be overstated. In a world where people can buy anything online, offering an immersive, hands-on experience creates emotional connections that cultivate loyalty. Our customers don’t just leave with a candle; they leave with a story and skills they can share.

Finally, consistency in quality and service has solidified our reputation. Whether you’re making your own candle or purchasing one of our signature creations, you know exactly what you’re getting—a premium product made with integrity and care at our charming location in the heart of La Mesa. That reliability has turned first-time visitors into our most passionate advocates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://candlencounter.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/candlencounter
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/candlencounter
• Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/candle-n-counter-la-mesa