We were lucky to catch up with Tracey Quarry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tracey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business came out of a really uncertain time in my life.

In June of 2020, I lost my job due to and during COVID. As a single mom and the sole provider for my two kids, everything felt heavy all at once. There was a lot of pressure and a lot of unknowns. I remember thinking, I don’t have time to fall apart—I have to figure this out.

At the same time, I kept coming back to something that had always been part of me. I’ve been making candles for over 30 years. It was never a business—it was just something I did because I loved making them, It grounded me. It gave me a sense of calm and control, especially during stressful seasons.

I thought, what if I took something I already love, that everyone around me loves and turned it into something that could actually support my family? I didn’t have anything figured out, I just knew I had to try.

And that’s when this crazy idea clicked.

Tracey , 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?

I am the owner/creator of Bode+Ev, a luxury home and body brand centered around clean, non-toxic, and intentionally crafted soy wax candles and spa inspired body products. But at the heart of it, I’m a mom, a creator, and someone who believes deeply in building something meaningful from life’s hardest moments.

I’ve been making soy candles for over 30 years, but it was always just a passion—until 2020. When I lost my job during COVID, everything shifted. As a single mom and sole provider for my two kids, I had to figure out a new path quickly. I decided to take something I already loved and turn it into something that could support my family.

Bode+Ev was born out of that moment. The name comes from my children, Boden and Eviana, who are my entire “why.” They’re also represented by the birds in my logo, which symbolize freedom, transformation, and having the courage to follow your path—even when it’s uncertain. That meaning is woven into everything I do.

What I create goes beyond my hand poured soy wax candles. I offer a line of clean, custom scented HOME + CAR + BODY products—plant-based room + linen sprays, natural and organic body oil mist, plant-based soap, Goat Milk lotion and more. Everything is made in small batches using high-quality, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. My goal is to create products that not only smell incredible but are safe for your home or office, your body, and your everyday life.

Over the years I’ve noticed that people don’t realize how many toxins, carcinogens and harmful chemicals are in traditional home fragrance and body products. I wanted have always been mindful to create an create as clean, transparent, and thoughtfully made without sacrificing quality or experience. After years of research, especially my oils, all of my products are the best there is. My motto is: if I won’t use it, I won’t sell it.

Just as important to how it’s made, is how people feel. We live in a fast-paced world, and I believe small moments matter. Lighting a candle, spraying a room, or applying a body oil can be a reset—a way to slow down, reconnect, and shift your energy. My products are designed to create those moments.

What sets me apart is the intention behind everything I create. This isn’t mass-produced. Every product is poured, blended, and packaged with care, by me. There’s a personal connection to it. When someone buys from Bode+Ev, they’re not just buying a product—they’re supporting a story, a family, and a purpose.

What I am most proud of is that I have built this from the ground up during one of the most uncertain times in my life. I literally took what little savings I had and jumped in head first. There were no guarantees, no safety net—just a hope and a prayer that I could turn something I loved into something sustainable. And along the way, I’ve been able to connect with so many incredible people who share that appreciation for intentional living and clean products.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that everything is created with heart. Bode+Ev is in it’s 5th year and this isn’t just a business to me—it’s a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the belief that even in the hardest seasons, you can build something beautiful.

And every single product carries a piece of that story.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I’m not an expert by any means, and what works for me may not work for everyone—but I hustle.

A big part of growing my clientele has been showing up in real life. I do in-person events, small markets, pop-ups, and larger events during the holidays. I also say yes to giving back whenever I can—donations and community involvement have opened a lot of doors for me. Those connections often turn into repeat customers and strong word-of-mouth, which has been huge for my business.

I also offer custom labeling for my candles, which has been a great way to collaborate with other businesses. We’re able to cross-promote and introduce each other to new audiences, which creates a win-win.

Another big piece has been my candle-making workshops. They allow people to connect with the brand in a more personal, hands-on way, and many of those guests turn into long-term customers.

At the end of the day, my growth has come from being consistent, building relationships, and putting myself out there as much as possible.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One thing that’s really tested my resilience hasn’t been a single moment—it’s been consistently showing up, even when things feel uncertain.

There have been plenty of times where I’ve poured time, energy, and money into an event or product, and it didn’t turn out the way I hoped. There have been—and still are—slow days, low sales, and moments where I question if I’m doing the right thing. Trust me, It happens more than people talk about.

I’ve done events where I barely sold anything, packed everything back up, and drove home asking myself, Is this worth it? Can I really make this work? And somehow, the answer is always yes—because the next day, I get up and do it again.

Resilience for me is not just pushing through the hard moments—because there are many—but choosing to keep going in the quiet ones. Adjusting, learning, and finding that silver lining. There is always a silver lining!!!

Personally, It’s also balancing everything in my life—being a business owner, a mom, and carrying the responsibility of providing. For 3 of my 5 years in business I was the primary caretaker for both my elderly parents in addition to everything else. There’s no off switch. I’m figuring everything out in real time while still needing to be present for my family.

I continue to believe in what I’m building, because I can’t even imagine doing anything else. The most powerful thing you can do is keep showing up, keep believing, and keep going, even on the days when it’s so hard to see the bigger picture

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bodeandev.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/bodeandev
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BODEandEV
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bode-ev-roswell?osq=Bode%2BEv