Meet candle Maker Brianna, owner of Ash & Oak Candle Co.
At Bulk Apothecary, we are proud to support and highlight the talented skincare and candle business owners who rely on our high-quality ingredients. Every month, we feature a standout creator from the maker community, showcasing their unique journey and passion for crafting.
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Brianna, the talented candle maker behind Ash & Oak Candle Co., a candle brand known for unique, hand-poured long wick candles. Brianna’s dedication to creating exceptional candles has captured our attention, and we’re eager to share her inspiring story with you. Whether you’re a skincare, soap, or candle maker, you’ll find inspiration.
Thank you for taking the time to share more about your business with us and the maker community. Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey as a candle business owner?
Hi! I’m Brianna. I started making candles during the pandemic and would record TikTok videos of myself making them. Eventually, my videos started to gain more traction, and it bloomed into a full blown business. During this time, I was in school and almost finished with my Registered Dietitian credential. I decided to incorporate my knowledge of health and nutrition into my candles by using the most beneficial wax types, like soy wax and beeswax. I also use essential oils as opposed to fragrances, so we aren’t breathing in anything harmful. My long wooden wick makes me different from other candle companies, and it does make a statement in any setting. People describe it as a “mini fireplace”. And to top it all off, I offer refills for a sustainable and eco-friendly experience.
They really do look like a mini fireplace! What do you love most about creating Candle products and educating others who want to create?
I love showing people that candles can be made with the most natural products while providing a unique experience that has not typically been done before.
What is your favorite part of teaching others as a candle business owner?
My favorite part about teaching others is actually learning from them! I love getting questions I don’t know the answer to so that I can educate myself and make my candles the best they can be.
Out of all the amazing products you’ve created, what’s your personal favorite?
My favorite product is the Ocean Blue long wooden wick ceramic candle. It literally looks like an ocean while you burn!
That sounds beautiful! Can you share the values you hold close as a candle business?
Our values are health, sustainabilty and transparency
Yes, we are always growing and learning! What is one piece of advice that has helped you in your business?
The best advice I received was to stay consistent. When sales look low, or if videos aren’t doing well, you have to keep going. You cannot get discouraged and you cannot seek instant gratification. Let your business bloom and develop over time and enjoy every minute of it
That’s excellent advice! What is the most frequently asked question you get and your solution as a candle business owner?
The most frequently asked question is how I make my vessels. I actually pour cement into custom molds and then sand and paint the vessels to make them candle ready
Wow, that sounds like it makes your candles more unique. What are some of the biggest challenges you and your candle business face?
Some of the biggest challenges I faced when starting the business was where to find materials. In the beginning I was buying low quantity and high quality so things were very expensive. As time went on and I did more research, I discovered trustworthy businesses that sell high-quality materials in bulk for much less money.
What was the inspiration behind the name of your company?
The name “Ash & Oak” is inspired by the rustic vibe my candles give off. The long wooden wick that burns like a mini fireplace resembles the “Ash” part of the name. And the wooden bowls used to create the candle and hold the wax resembles the “Oak” part of the name.
That is so creative. Being a candle business owner has rewards and challenges. What is your favorite part of the creative process? Least favorite?
My favorite part of the creative process is learning new ideas as I create. Many people comment new ideas on my videos and that really inspires me to try them out. My least favorite is when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes candles can look really pretty, but that doesn’t mean they will burn correctly. That is why it is so important to keep educating yourself while creating.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer any aspiring makers?
As a candle business owner, what do you feel is the best place to start when opening a business selling homemade products?
From my personal experience, I started out in my kitchen, then moved to my office, and then saved up for a garden shed to put in my backyard. My videos did well in every setting, so I do not think it had so much to do with traction but I do think it helped with creativeness. Your setting will help you come up with new ideas and inspire you more than you think.
It’s been wonderful getting to know more about you and your business! Before we wrap up, can you let everyone know the best way to explore more of your work and connect with you?
Yes! They can find all of my videos on either TikTok or Instagram @ash.and.oak.candles They can find my candles for sale on my website: ashandoakcandleco.com
If you want to learn more about starting a business check out this blog, Easy Ways to Start Your Candle Making Business
