We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Caufield a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I started my candle line after my husband went through Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and after I also suffered from breast implant illness back in 2015. After researching products from laundry soap to cleaning supplies I knew we need to make some major changes to what we were bringing in our home. I had always had an obsession with candles, the smell, the look and the way they make you feel. After realizing that most candles are not clean burning I decided to make my own. That way I had control of what was coming into my home. After years of formulating, finding the perfect wicks, essential oil fragrance blends and high quality soy wax I decided to start sharing them with the world. My mission is to bring beautiful, clean burning candles for people to burn in their homes. I hand pour each candle, and love what I do. I love making people happy and knowing that I am providing them with candles that will bring a smile to their face.
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 Arrows & Antlers Candle Co. in my kitchen many years ago. I was a medical aesthetician for over 16 year and my candle business never fully had the chance to grow. I wasn’t able to give it a hundred percent while working a full time job. In October of 2022 my husband and I packed up and moved from California to Utah. I quit my job and fully committed to my candle line. In February of 2023 I opened my first store front. I wanted a space where I can make my own candle but also give the opportunity for others to make their own. My shop has a boutique in the front and a candle making area in the back. It’s been so fun to watch people come in and make their own candles. I love sharing my knowledge and helping others make their own special candle. My brand mean everything to me. I have put my heart and soul into it. It has been challenging at times and I had shed many tears. In my heart I know I am meant to do this and I’m here for a reason. My hopes and goals are to open more locations, grow my brand as much as possible, the sky’s the limit. I hope others read this and realize life is short, chase after your dreams and never ever give up.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth! I currently live in a smaller town compared to where I lived before, everyone here is so supportive of small businesses. Also, social media has helped with growing my business. Nothing excites me more than when I get an online order from someone in another state. I love receiving messages from people who received a candle from a friend or family member and they love it.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In business you will hear no a lot. I have reached out to many companies, shops etc and have heard many no’s or no reply at all. You have to be ok with hard times and disappointment… It’s all part of the journey. I tell myself it’s ok it’s not my time yet, and I keep moving forward. I know that giving up isn’t the answer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arrowsandantlerscandleco.com
- Instagram: arrowsandantlerscandleco
- Facebook: arrowsandantlerscandleco
- Yelp: Arrows & Antlers Candle