We recently connected with Tracy Baird and have shared our conversation below.

Tracy, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was choosing to build a creative small business instead of following the safer, more predictable path my college degree seemed to point toward.

On paper, the practical choice was obvious. I had a degree, a clear path toward a stable 9–5 job, and all the things people typically associate with security: a steady paycheck, benefits, structure, and a predictable future. And honestly, part of me loved that idea. I’m naturally a practical person. I like plans, and I like knowing what to expect. There’s comfort in a set salary and a career path you can easily explain to other people.

But underneath all of that, I also knew I was deeply creative and entrepreneurial. I constantly found myself thinking about ideas, building things, creating experiences, and imagining what it would look like to work for myself one day. What started as candle-making in my kitchen slowly became something bigger. I realized I didn’t just enjoy making candles — I loved creating something meaningful from scratch. I loved the branding, the photography, the storytelling, the customer experience, and the idea that something I created could make someone’s home feel warm, peaceful, and intentional.

The risk wasn’t just financial. It was emotional too.

When you choose a path outside of what people expect, you open yourself up to misunderstanding. There’s an unspoken question people sometimes ask: if you’re capable of getting a “normal” job with stability, why wouldn’t you? Why choose uncertainty? Why choose something creative that may or may not work?

That was difficult for me because I understood their perspective. I understood the appeal of the traditional route because I felt it too. But I also knew I was thinking long-term in a different way.

For some people, the dream is retiring at 55 after decades in a stable career. For me, the dream looked different. I wanted to build something of my own while I was young enough to take the risk. I wanted flexibility in the future. I wanted a life where work and family weren’t constantly competing with each other. I imagined someday having kids and being able to structure my life around what mattered most instead of constantly trying to fit my family into the margins of a rigid schedule.

I didn’t want entrepreneurship just for the sake of “being my own boss.” I wanted to create a life where my husband, future children, home, creativity, and work could all exist together instead of feeling separated into competing categories. I loved the idea of building something my family could one day be part of — packing orders together, helping at markets, or simply growing up around something built with purpose and creativity.

Starting my candle business meant stepping into uncertainty before I felt fully ready. There were moments of doubt, comparison, and wondering if I should just choose the safer route. But taking the risk taught me something important: stability is not only found in a paycheck. Sometimes it’s found in building a life that aligns deeply with who you are and what you value.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. I’ve learned how resilient I am, how much I’m capable of creating, and how fulfilling it is to build something that reflects both my creativity and my faith. What started as a small creative idea became a business with purpose — one that allows me to create products that bring warmth, peace, and reminders of truth into people’s homes.

Looking back, I think the real risk would have been ignoring that pull entirely and spending years wondering what might have happened if I had tried.

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 background and context?

I’m the founder and creator behind Rooted Candle Co., a candle brand inspired by scripture, intentional living, and the beauty of creating a warm, peaceful home. I live in Greenville with my husband and our dog, Ruby, and I started this business from a simple desire to create products that felt meaningful — not just beautiful.

I’ve always been both practical and creative, and over time I realized I felt deeply drawn toward creating something of my own. What began as candle-making in my kitchen slowly evolved into something much bigger. I fell in love not only with the process of making candles, but with the entire creative world surrounding them — branding, storytelling, product design, and building a brand that could genuinely connect with people.

Rooted Candle Co. was born from a desire to slow down and create products that point people toward peace, comfort, and truth in the middle of busy, distracting lives. Many of my candles are inspired by scripture and designed to serve as small reminders of God’s presence and faithfulness in everyday moments. Others are inspired by nostalgia, the changing seasons, or the feeling of home. Whether someone lights one of my candles during a quiet morning, while hosting friends, or at the end of a long day, I want it to help create an atmosphere that feels warm, grounding, and intentional.

All of my candles are hand-poured in small batches, and I put a great deal of thought into every part of the process — from scent selection to packaging to the experience someone has when they open their order. I care deeply about creating products that feel elevated yet personal. I think what sets my brand apart is that it’s rooted in meaning and story, not just aesthetics. Every collection has heart behind it.

I’m especially proud that this business has stayed aligned with my values as it has grown. In a world that constantly pushes more noise, more hustle, and more distraction, I want Rooted Candle Co. to feel like an invitation to slow down. My hope is that people feel seen, encouraged, and at peace when they interact with my brand.

Behind the business is someone who genuinely loves creating and finds a lot of joy in building something meaningful from the ground up. Building this business has stretched me creatively and personally in ways I never expected, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community that has formed around it.

At the heart of everything I create is the belief that small things matter — the atmosphere of a home, the rituals we create, the words we surround ourselves with, and the moments that help us slow down enough to remember what’s important.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think one thing non-creatives sometimes struggle to understand is why someone would willingly choose a path that looks less stable from the outside. Creative work can appear risky, unpredictable, or even impractical compared to a traditional career path. But for many creatives, the pull to create is hard to ignore. It’s not just a hobby or side interest — it’s tied deeply to who we are.

I’ve learned that building something creative requires far more discipline than people often assume. There’s a misconception that creativity is simply inspiration, when in reality it involves consistency, problem-solving, resilience, and a willingness to keep showing up even when results are uncertain. Running a creative business means balancing both artistry and entrepreneurship at the same time.

I also think people sometimes underestimate the emotional side of creative work. When you create something personal, you’re putting your ideas, taste, and perspective into the world to be seen and judged. That takes vulnerability. There are moments of self-doubt, comparison, and wondering whether what you’re building matters at all. But there’s also something incredibly fulfilling about creating work that feels honest and meaningful to you.

For me, creativity has never just been about making products. It’s about creating atmosphere, emotion, and connection. I love that something as simple as a candle can become part of someone’s home, routines, memories, or quiet moments at the end of the day. That’s what makes the work feel meaningful to me.

I’d also say that many creative people are more practical than they’re often given credit for. Choosing a creative path doesn’t necessarily mean someone is irresponsible or unrealistic. Sometimes it simply means they’re willing to work very hard to build a life that aligns with who they are and what they value most.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that something I made becomes part of people’s everyday lives. I love that my candles can bring warmth, peace, and comfort into someone’s home — whether that’s during a quiet morning, while hosting friends, or at the end of a long day.

What makes it especially meaningful is that candles are often tied to moments and memories. A scent can remind someone of a season, a place, or a feeling, and I love knowing my products get to be part of those small but important parts of daily life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rootedcandle.com
• Instagram: rootedcandle