We were lucky to catch up with Teri Elliott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Teri, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project we have started at MELT. has been creating wax inserts that are custom made to fit inside our concrete vessels. Instead of discarding the vessel when your candle melts away, as you would with most candles, you can purchase a wax insert. All you have to do is pop it in and you’ll have a brand new candle to enjoy, without creating any waste. We are very excited to do our part in creating a more sustainable society.

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?

MELT. was born during quarantine in April of 2020. I was able to take advantage of the extra time to explore my interest in candle-making and turn it into an environmentally friendly business. I was motivated by my desire to reduce waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle, which led me to develop a reusable candle concept.

I knew from the start that I wanted to make sustainability the focus of my business. I was inspired to take action towards this goal after a trip to the island of Caye Caulker off the coast of Belize. The island’s motto, “go slow,” and the local culture’s efforts towards preserving the environment, made a strong impression on me.

One night while I was visiting, I left dinner and started walking to my golf cart. As I was leaving the restaurant, my waitress ran outside behind me, all the way to the cart, and handed me my wooden straw. I’d gotten it at the hotel I stayed at in Belize, before traveling to the island, and I had been taking it everywhere. When she handed it to me, she said, “Thank you for saving a reef.” Although this was such a simple act of kindness, it stuck with me. I know the whole straw movement sent everyone into a rage, but why can’t we do little things like get a wooden straw? I am constantly working on improving my environmentally friendly practices and hope that I can encourage others to follow my lead.

I believe that we, in the states, have room for improvement when it comes to living sustainably. A large amount of waste is generated in our country, with a significant portion going to landfills. We heavily rely on single-use plastics and other disposable items. Many other countries are making greater efforts to preserve the environment. Traveling to these places is a great reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet and inspired the idea of creating a reusable candle to do my part.

I initially had a focus on encouraging customers to reuse their concrete candle vessels as planters, pen holders, or wooden straw holders. You know we love a wooden straw at MELT. Although I still love seeing them repurposed this way and encourage people to do this, my hope is that by introducing the idea of our wax inserts, which can be used to refill existing vessels, candle lovers will be able to reduce the amount of new candles they need to purchase, leading to a more sustainable solution.

The past year has been very productive. I have been working hard to improve the quality of my candles and have made several upgrades. I found a concrete mix that is stronger than any I’ve used in the past, allowing our vessels to be reused time and time again. I switched from a paraffin/soy blend to a pure soy wax, and am using PLUSWICK® wooden wick technology for my wood wick versions to reduce soot and smoke. I also offer cotton wicks as an alternative for customers who prefer them. My goal is to create candles that not only provide a pleasant experience for customers but also have a positive impact on the environment and I’m confident that MELT. is moving in a great direction. I’m very excited to see what lies ahead for us.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

As a society, we can and should do a better job of supporting artists and creatives in our community. Companies like Amazon make it extremely easy to order whatever we need to be delivered on our doorstep within 24 hours, and it’s too good to pass up. If it’s this easy, why not take advantage?

I want to challenge you to take a step in supporting your local artists, by filtering what you buy from large companies. When it comes to common household items, we all deserve an easier life and should order as we please, but when it comes to art, unique gifts, candles, and coffee, shop local!

You can find free outdoor markets scattered throughout DFW every weekend, filled with local artists and creatives, who would love your business, and would love to meet you. Fill your homes with things that you buy from actual people that you’ve met and talked to. This will create a more meaningful home for your family and I truly believe it can affect how you feel in your home.

Getting outside and interacting with locals is good for our community and it’s good for your mental health. As a local creator, I’m asking you to make this small effort in supporting the artist/creator society in DFW.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

This was all covered in the previous portion of the interview and I’m not sure how to say more without being repetitive, so feel free to break up the long answer on my last entry however you’d like! :)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meltcandles.co
• Instagram: @melt.dallas