Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Kaweesi + Megan Schuler. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eric Kaweesi + Megan Schuler, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Lifebloom, we are inspired by nature and human connection. Our mission is deeply rooted in our passion for sustainability and wellness, driven by the belief that small acts can have a profound impact on both individuals and communities. It all started with a simple idea: to create candles that not only smell incredible, but also nurture the soul and foster meaningful connections.

Our journey began when we learned that the candle industry is notorious for using ingredients that are harmful to our health and the environment. Motivated by our commitment to wellness and sustainability, we embarked on a mission to redefine the candle experience. We choose to make all of our vessels by hand and source high quality, clean ingredients for our candles. We strive to minimize our environmental footprint and promote conscious consumption.

At Lifebloom, our mission is not just about selling candles; it’s about creating experiences that inspire, uplift, and bring people together. Through our candlemaking experiences, we have created a space where individuals can come together, connect with one another, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the art of candlemaking. It’s about more than just creating a product; it’s about fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Lifebloom is a candle company headquartered in South Boston, with an additional retail outlet situated in Downtown Boston within the Boston Public Market. Established in September 2021 within the confines of our two-bedroom apartment, our journey was inspired by a deep-rooted connection to nature and the power of human connections.

Driven by our passion for candles, we embarked on a mission to enhance the candle experience by integrating the serene essence of nature into our products. Central to our ethos is the commitment to using 100% clean ingredients in our candles, a departure from the prevalent practice of incorporating harmful substances such as phthalates, parabens, lead wicks, and paraffin waxes in mass-market alternatives. Our unwavering dedication to sustainability is reflected in the craftsmanship of our candle vessels, meticulously handcrafted from concrete to ensure durability and reusability as planters or decorative items long after the candles have been enjoyed.

In September 2023, we proudly unveiled our first Candle Bar at the Boston Public Market, marking a significant milestone in our journey. This innovative space serves as a vibrant hub where individuals gather and reconnect with their inner child through the art of candlemaking. Building upon this success, we expanded our footprint with another Candle Bar location in South Boston in November 2023, both of which have been warmly embraced by the local community.

Our Candle Bars have emerged as cherished venues for commemorating life’s myriad occasions, from intimate gatherings to momentous celebrations. Guests frequently partake in curated experiences to honor relationships, mark milestones such as weddings, baby showers, and birthdays, underscoring the profound role our spaces play in facilitating meaningful connections and cherished memories.

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

Lifebloom began as an online venture, utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to grow our audience. Before our official launch, we shared our brand’s Instagram page with friends and family, while also posting content on TikTok about our journey leading up to the launch. This approach helped us gain initial traction from both familiar and new faces, establishing the groundwork for our online community.

Despite being self-taught in marketing and content creation, we remained committed to authenticity, resisting the temptation to chase short-term trends for quick visibility. Instead, we focused on building lasting connections.

Post-launch, we utilized TikTok Live sessions to boost online sales and share our story with a wider audience, gradually building our confidence in engaging with strangers.

In 2022, we expanded our outreach by participating in pop-up markets, where we promoted our social media presence and encouraged attendees to follow us online. These events proved invaluable for growing our organic social media presence.

Our retail experiences in subsequent years further strengthened the link between our in-person sales channels and online presence. Looking ahead, we plan to complement our organic growth with paid efforts, while staying true to our goal of fostering genuine connections both online and offline.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

As new creators in the candle industry, we embarked on our entrepreneurial journey with a clear vision and a practical approach. Before launching our brand, we conducted thorough market research to understand the landscape and identify opportunities. With these insights, we meticulously compiled the materials needed to craft our first candle.

We opted for self-funding initially, taking advantage of accessible startup materials at affordable prices. This decision helped us minimize debt exposure, especially considering our limited client base and revenue streams in the early stages.

Throughout our first year, we prioritized prudent cash flow management, adopting a bootstrap mentality to sustain our operations. We also focused on expanding our customer base through online retail channels and participation in pop-up markets. These efforts laid a solid foundation for future growth and sustainability, setting the stage for our continued success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lifebloomcandles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifebloom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifebloomcandles/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifebloom-candles
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@lifebloomcandles
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lifebloom-boston-2

Image Credits
@onthedot @mediabychristina