We recently connected with Linda Brewer and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

When pondering names for my new candle business, I knew I wanted something in relation to the moon and/or universe. In my mind, I envisioned a brand that illuminated just like the moon and the stars. The year was 2021 post Covid and I wished for something that symbolized unity at a time it was needed the most. After a year of political divide, I felt compelled to create and focus on the positive. Lucine Candles was my way of spreading love, light, and unity.
When I discussed business names with my cousin one day she said, “Why not name it Lucine?” I thought that was brilliant! Lucine in Armenian means the entity of the moon, which is a great tribute to my Armenian heritage. Furthermore, it is the name of my beautiful aunt whom I’ve always admired. Within the Armenian culture, Lucine is a common girl name. It can be spelled a variety of different ways: Luseen, Luceen, Lusine, Lusin, etc. They all have the same meaning and symbolize femininity, mystery, and grace.

Linda, 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?

Initially, I began making candles as a hobby and to take my mind off of the insanity of 2020. It was a challenging year for everyone, and worst of all I lost two very close friends causing a spell of deep sadness. These tragic losses amongst a world of chaos were what ultimately inspired me to turn this hobby into a business. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and if the year 2020 taught me anything, it was to live out your dreams because life is too short!

Lucine Candles officially launched in August 2021. Since then, my candle-making obsession has become even greater! My focus was to create the “perfect candle” with minimal toxins yet amazing fragrance throw. Premium home fragrances made with natural ingredients was what I aimed for. I found that blending and creating my own signature wax was the best way to achieve this “perfect candle” prior to launching, I spent about six months testing multiple types of waxes, wicks, fragrances, and ratios. I perfected my own signature coconut soy blend wax that burned clean and did not cause headaches. People are surprised to learn how much testing and experimenting is involved in candle making. Essentially, it is an invention of your own ratio containing all unique variables. Like a secret recipe that can take years to perfect! Making the “perfect candle” was all consuming, an obsession. In addition to creating candles that burn evenly with a nice scent throw, candles also need to be tested for fire safety and comply with safety codes.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

Can you share the story of a time when you had to pivot (in business, career or life).

I have always been interested in having my own online business. It’s something I’ve always dreamt of but never knew exactly what it would be. Arts and crafts have not only been a creative outlet for me throughout my life but also extremely therapeutic. Something about creating has always intrigued me. However, I never felt that any of my hobbies could become a business until I started making candles. I’ve always loved candles and when Covid year hit, I found myself spending a lot of money ordering candles, collecting them was my weird passion. This was when I realized I had a candle addiction and it sparked my interest. From that day forward I lived, breathed, and made candles.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I began with a Shopify account, which meant driving all of my own sales. This is undoubtedly difficult to do but it builds great experience and strength in e-commerce. It’s important to have you own website and build your clientele list. I have an Etsy account with a small collection and plan on adding holiday candles soon. Etsy is a great way to expand and reach people you may not otherwise. Most all platforms are a great way to reach more eyes.
My main goal with my candles is to do wholesale. I was recently accepted by Faire which is a wholesale platform that connects independent retailers to makers all around the country and even internationally. Ultimately, I would love to do wholesale and work with other small businesses and scale nationwide with my candles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lucinecandles.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucinecandles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090901514683&mibextid=LQQJ4d