Maker of The Month: Candle Maker and Owner of The Low Key Company ~ Bulk Apothecary Blog

Meet the Maker: Keila Nieves of The Low Key Company, Elevating Candle Craftsmanship with Concrete Vessels and Natural Ingredients

At Bulk Apothecary, we love celebrating the creativity and dedication of the candle makers, soap artisans, and small business owners who trust us for their premium ingredients. Each month, we shine a spotlight on one inspiring creator in the maker community, someone who is transforming simple supplies into standout products.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Keila Nieves, founder of The Low Key Company. Known for her signature handcrafted concrete candle vessels and clean-burning, hand-poured candles, Keila brings modern design and mindful craftsmanship to every product she creates. Whether you’re a boutique owner, home fragrance entrepreneur, or fellow candle maker looking to scale your brand, Keila’s story will leave you inspired and ready to create your next bestseller.

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 candle-making journey?

Thank you for having me! My name is Keila Nieves, and I’m the owner and Candle Maker of The Low Key Company. I make candles using cocosoy and soy wax and natural ingredients. I also make my own concrete jars by hand, which gives each product a unique touch. What started as a small project at home has turned into something I really love doing: creating things people enjoy and helping other small makers along the way. I’m excited to share a bit of my story with you today.

We are excited too! As a creator and educator, where did your journey begin and grow to what it is today?

My journey started pretty simply; I was just making candles at home as a creative outlet. I had left my job in the medical field and was looking for something that brought me peace and purpose. What started as a hobby slowly turned into a business, and over time, I realized how much I loved not only creating, but also helping others do the same. As I learned more through trial and error, I started sharing tips with other makers, and that naturally grew into teaching workshops and creating resources. It’s been a process of growth, learning, and just showing up every day, even when it’s hard.

What do you love most about creating products and educating others who want to create?

What I love most is seeing something go from an idea in my head to a finished product that someone connects with. There’s something really special about knowing something you made with your own hands is bringing joy or comfort to someone else. And when it comes to educating others, I love watching people realize they can do this too. Whether it’s their first candle or their first market, seeing that confidence grow is the best part. I remember how overwhelming it felt in the beginning, so being able to guide others through that is really rewarding.

What was your inspiration behind the name of your company?

The name The Low Key Company actually comes from my nickname, Key, which my grandma gave me. I’m originally from the Caribbean, and I’ve always loved that laid-back, mellow lifestyle, keeping things simple and chill. So the name felt like a perfect fit, because that’s the vibe I want my products and my business to have: calm, relaxed, and low key.

What is your favorite product you have created?

My favorite product has to be my concrete candle jars. I make each one by hand, so no two are ever exactly the same, and that’s what I love most about them. They’re simple but unique, and they really let the candle stand out in a cool, minimal way. Plus, it feels special knowing someone is getting something that was truly one of a kind.

What is your favorite part of teaching others?

My favorite part of teaching is honestly the emotional moments; when someone tells me they finally feel confident, or that I helped them believe in themselves again. I’ve had people tear up during workshops because they didn’t think they could do something like this, and now they’re pouring candles or selling at their first market. Those moments remind me why I do what I do. It’s not just about teaching a skill, it’s about helping people realize they’re capable of so much more than they thought. And being part of that transformation is the most rewarding feeling.

What is one piece of advice that has helped you in your business?

One piece of advice that’s really stuck with me is: “Start before you feel ready.” If I had waited for everything to be perfect, I probably wouldn’t have started at all. That mindset helped me push past fear and just take the next step, even when I didn’t have it all figured out. You learn so much by doing and mistakes are part of the process. That advice gave me permission to grow as I go, and it’s something I always try to pass on to others starting their journey too.

What is your favorite part of the creative process? Least favorite?

My favorite part of the creative process is coming up with new scents and seeing how they blend together, it’s like experimenting and discovering something totally unique. I also love pouring the candles and watching them come to life, especially in those concrete jars I make myself. My least favorite part is definitely the cleanup and all the little details that come after, like labeling and packaging. It’s not the most fun, but I know it’s important to make sure everything looks good before it goes out to customers.

What is the most frequently asked question you get and your solution as an educator?

The most common question I get is usually about why their candles tunnel or don’t burn evenly. It’s a really common issue for beginners, and my solution is always to make sure they’re using the right wick size for their candle and vessel, and to trim the wick properly before every burn. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to get it just right, but once you understand those basics, it makes a huge difference in how the candle burns. I always encourage makers to be patient with the process and keep testing, it’s part of learning.

What are some of the biggest challenges you and your business face?

One of the biggest challenges I face is balancing all the different parts of the business; making products, handling orders, marketing, and teaching, all while trying to stay creative and not get overwhelmed. It can feel like there’s always something that needs attention, and sometimes it’s hard to find enough time in the day. Another challenge is dealing with slow seasons or times when sales dip, which can be frustrating. But I’ve learned to be patient, stay consistent, and focus on the things I can control, like improving my craft and connecting with customers.

What is your favorite Bulk Apothecary product and how do you use it in your business?

My favorite products from Bulk Apothecary are definitely their waxes and fragrance oils. I use their cocosoy wax because it gives my candles a creamy texture and great scent throw. Their fragrance oils are high quality and blend beautifully with the wax, helping me create unique and lasting scents that my customers love. They’re reliable, which makes my candle making process a lot smoother.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

I draw a lot of my inspiration from the beach and the relaxed, lowkey lifestyle that comes with it. Growing up around that vibe really shaped how I want my brand and products to feel, calm, simple, and easygoing. I also love minimalist design because it lets the quality of the product speak for itself without any distractions.

What values does your business embody?

My business is all about simplicity, quality, and authenticity. I believe in making products that are thoughtfully crafted and reliable, without unnecessary extras. I also value being real and approachable, both in how I run the business and how I connect with customers and other makers. At the core, it’s about creating a calm, lowkey experience that people can trust and enjoy.

Do you have any words of wisdom to offer any aspiring makers?

My biggest piece of advice is to be patient and kind to yourself. Making something from scratch and building a business takes time, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Keep learning, keep trying, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Most importantly, remember why you started and let that drive you forward, even when things get tough.

I love that advice! What do you feel is the best place to start when opening a business selling homemade products?

I believe the best place to start is by really understanding your product and your customer. Make sure you know what makes your homemade products special and who you want to sell to. From there, focus on testing your product, getting feedback, and building a simple, clear brand. Starting small; whether that’s selling to friends, local markets, or online, helps you learn and grow without getting overwhelmed. Having a plan, even a basic one, makes a big difference when you’re just starting out.

What are your must-have tools and products to have on hand?

One tool I can’t live without is my pancake batter funnel. Sounds funny, right? But it’s perfect for pouring wax cleanly into my candle jars without making a mess all over the place. Plus, it’s way easier than trying to eyeball it with a big ladle, unless you want wax on your counters and a workout cleaning up!

Easier cleanup is always a loved topic! Do you have any online classes or products you want to tell our community about?

Yes! I offer online classes and resources to help makers at every level, whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow your business. I also have an exclusive community where we share tips, support each other, and learn together; kind of like a little family for candle makers and creators. You can find everything on my website, www.thelowkeyco.store, and follow me on Instagram @thelowkeyco_ for updates and freebies. I’d love for anyone interested to join us!

Thank you for taking time out of your work to share your story with us! Before we go, can you share with us how others can best check out more of you and your work?

Absolutely! You can find me on Instagram at @thelowkeyco_ where I share behind the scenes of my candle making process, product launches, and what it’s like running a small business. You can also check out my website at www.thelowkeyco.store to shop my candles, and more or to sign up for workshops and resources if you’re a fellow maker. I’d love for you to stop by and say hi!

If you want to learn more about starting a business check out this blog, Easy Ways to Start Your Candle Making Business