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

Maggie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Georgia Rustics Candle Co. was founded because we couldn’t find the kind of candles we wanted in our own home – clean-burning, allergy-friendly soy candles that truly fit our rustic style. Everything on the market either had artificial fragrances or lacked authenticity. So we decided to make our own. What began as an experiment quickly turned into a passion, and before long, we were pouring candles that friends and family couldn’t get enough of. That’s when we knew we were onto something special.

Maggie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Maggie Stineman, and I’m the founder of Georgia Rustics Candle Co. My husband and I started this business about ten years ago with a lot of hope and a whole lot of trial and error. We poured our first candles right on our kitchen counter – testing scents, adjusting wicks, and learning everything we could along the way.
As a disabled Army veteran, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built from the ground up. Every candle we pour represents hard work, healing, and gratitude. What sets us apart is that we’re truly hands-on – every product is made with care, using natural soy wax and clean ingredients. And beyond that, we love the connection it brings. Our customers often tell us their candles remind them of home or a favorite memory, and that’s what it’s really all about for me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

2021 was one of the toughest years we’ve ever faced. Our family was dealing with serious health issues at the same time the world seemed to turn upside down. Supplies were scarce, markets were closing, and everything we relied on changed overnight. We had to make quick decisions – switching suppliers, reworking formulas, and finding new ways to reach people.
It was scary at the time, but it ultimately became a turning point. We emerged from that season stronger, more resilient, and more grateful than ever. It reminded me that being adaptable isn’t just part of running a business, it’s part of surviving life.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ll never forget the early market days -those weekends when the rain wouldn’t stop, the wind would blow our tent sideways, and hardly anyone showed up. There were times we sold just enough to cover our booth fee. But instead of packing up and going home, I used those quiet moments to really connect with the few customers who stopped by. I’d ask what scents they loved, what made a candle special to them, and what they wished they could find.
Those conversations shaped our business into what it is today. Georgia Rustics Candle Co. grew out of those lessons, that success isn’t about perfect conditions, it’s about showing up, learning from every challenge, and never losing sight of why you started in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.georgiarustics.com
• Instagram: Georgia.rustics
• Facebook: Georgia Rustics Candles