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

Colleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have a full time job in the sciences. I started this business because I am passionate about candles and I was looking to tap into my creative side. In 2021 I decided to make my candle-making hobby into a business. Naming this new venture Girl Naturalist just made sense. It gives my customers and community a sense of who I am. It also emphasizes the fact that my candles are as clean and natural as possible.

Being in nature is where I am most at peace. When I was a girl, one many nicknames my dad gave me was Girl Naturalist. I was always exploring outdoors-curious and happy so long as I was immersed in nature. I brought home toads and salamanders all summer long. Nature is where I feel calm, focused and renewed. I can be in the moment rather than thinking about the past or future. I tune into the birds, the smells and the wind. I am alert and aware of my surroundings.

Lighting a candle instantly sets a mood. There’s a ritual in lighting a candle that encourages us to slow down. The movement of the little flame and the gentle scent keeps us in the present. I look to Nature in creating each scent.

I’m having so much fun. I love having my family involved. I love sharing ideas with my girlfriends. I love getting to meet other makers at area markets.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am Colleen, founder, and chief candle pourer of Girl Naturalist. Girl Naturalist is a small-batch candle maker based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We pour all our candles with clean burning soy-wax. Nature is the inspiration for our scents. We blend all our scents using essential and phthalate-free oils. We make each handcrafted candle with the intention of taking your senses outdoors—on a walk in the woods, lying in a prairie breeze, or a leisurely afternoon on a tree swing. When you’re looking for a delicate floral, bright citrus, or calming forest, Girl Naturalist has you covered.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Having my family involved has been one of the best aspects of owning my own company. Everyone has played a role in providing feedback, carrying boxes, loading the car for pop-ups, website designt, etc. It’s been fantastic to have their support.

Meeting other makers at art fairs and markets, and meeting small shop owners who have supported my business has added an entire community of support and friendship. We keep in touch when market season winds down, help hold down each others tents on the windy days, share connections and resources, and of course shop each others goods.

Partnering with my two amazing friends who are also fellow makers. has been another rewarding benefit. Heidi has her own flower business, growing each flower from seed in her little Minneapolis lot. In midsummer, her garden is a neighborhood attraction. Cindy is a potter who pairs her beautiful pieces with plants. She also makes cups that honor her mom and they are the perfect size to wrap your hand around. The three of us have hosted our own pop ups and have another in the works. We have so much fun planning our pop-ups, giving feedback, encouragement, and supporting each other and each other’s businesses. I’ve never had so much fun working!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Shop locally owned stores. Where you shop shapes what your community looks like. It supports local artists and small business owners. It allows for equity. It lifts up women and BIPOC communities, groups that are not represented on the Executive Committee of your areas Super Store.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.girlnaturalist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlnaturalist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlNaturalist

Image Credits
Heidi Brandewie Anna Bjorkstrand