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

Kristin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Recently, a line of candles was recalled from Target because they exploded. When playing with literal fire, you have to be conscious of testing your products. You can’t just throw any old wax into any old container and hope for the best. It takes testing and science to get the right blend in the right vessel. And when there is an issue, it’s important to have that close customer contact so you can work to solve any problems in the future.

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?

I started Wicked Pop Candle Co. in the summer of 2017. I had just left a job in marketing at a fragrance house local to my area. While I was working at the fragrance house, I learned about the science behind candles and how they work. I’ve always been a creative person, finding one artistic pursuit after the other and this was one I wanted to try. I found my niche. With the help of my community, I was able to launch a quality candle brand known for its fun and snarky labels. I use my love of graphic design in conjunction with hands on creativity to run my brand successfully. My candles aren’t just fun, they’re quality. I’ve had so many customers say my candles are the best they’ve ever had.

I work a full-time job as a Communications Director. One of the things I am most proud of is sustaining a successful business “on the side.” It isn’t always easy, but it is so worth it.

I want people who buy my candles to know that I really do put my heart and soul into my creations. I get so much joy and fulfillment out of using my hands to make something. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Like so many in retail, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, all of the artisan markets I would typically sell my wares at were cancelled. What would I do now? I had all of this extra time to make candles since I couldn’t go anywhere, but no where to sell them.

That’s when I started Virtual Markets. Virtual Markets were my pivot. Here’s what I did: I set up an event on my Facebook business page and during a 3-4 hour period, I would post pictures of candles that were for sale with the quantity and price. People were to comment on the picture if they wanted that particular candle. The perk was, all orders could be shipped for a flat rate of $5. I debuted new candles and scents, special edition, discounts, and fun. People loved racing everyone to get their hands on a specific candle! The first one I did sold out within an hour or two. The reaction was something I would’ve never imagined. I made triple the amount I would make at a market, and I did it all from my couch. I ended up doing one every other month or so and continued to see great success.

I still do Virtual Markets sometimes and still have a pretty good response. It helped grow my business, too, because it caused friends of to tell their friends and the community grew significantly during the time I was doing them.

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

The funding of my business is a humble story. I had the idea for my pop culture inspired candles and mentioned it to another local business owner and friend. He offered to give me $200 to get my initial supplies. He’d sell them at his bar and I’d pay him back by giving him a cut of my sales. From there, it was all organic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wickedpopcandleco.com
• Instagram: Wicked Pop Candle Co
• Facebook: Wicked Pop Candle Co.