Meet The Candle Maker
At Bulk Apothecary, we are proud to support and highlight the talented artisans and businesses that 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 meet with an amazing candle maker.
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Juanita, the creative candle maker behind “I Can’t Handle Candle” by Lit A.F Candle Co. a brand known for its creative candles and wax melts. Juanita is dedicated to creating exceptional candles, and we’re eager to share her inspiring story with you. Whether you’re a boutique owner or a skincare, soap, or candle maker, you’ll find inspiration in her journey.
Thank you for taking the time to share more about your business with us and the maker community. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to become a candle maker?
Hi, I’m Juanita, the maker and owner behind “I Can’t Handle Candle” by Lit A.F Candle Co. From a very young age, my two favorite pastimes were always cooking or drawing. At heart, I am a creative introvert, and having a creative outlet has always been necessary for my sanity. Especially in my youth, when I was very isolated at home and school, dealing with mental health issues. This led me to my first career as a chef, which I loved, but eventually gave up when the idea of sharing my life with someone became a reality. Fast forward about 8 years, I found myself climbing the corporate ladder but at the price of my mental well-being, happiness, and fulfilment. I felt like I couldn’t handle the politics and noise that came with the territory, and the daily routine of doing the same thing over and over left my soul feeling like I wasn’t living, but just existing. This is when I turned to something that always gave me a sense of peace and comfort – scented candles. And so, “I can’t handle candle” was born. It allowed me to learn new skills, challenge myself, and, most importantly, provided a creative outlet, something I genuinely love.
Wow, turning a dream into reality is truly inspiring! What do you love most about creating your products?
My favorite thing about creating my products, is that my community continue to let me evolve. I don’t have to make the same things over and over, or conform to what others are doing in the industry, which means I can launch new designs every month in limited drops, inspired by nature, or smells, or life, or my latest read, or a favorite band, or simply having a laugh. It’s why years later, I am still inspired daily, developing new ideas or techniques to create something different, or spark ideas for fellow makers to create signature items for their own businesses.
Out of all the amazing candles you’ve created, what’s your personal favorite?
It’s hard to pick just one, because there are a few that represent key turning points for my business, that sparked a bunch of new ideas, but if I had to pick just one, it would probably be the hidden art candle collection
I am sure it is hard to pick a favorite when you are always inspired to create something new. That sounds amazing! What is one piece of advice that has helped you in your business?
Something my grandfather always said, “What other’s think of you, is none of your business.” As a socially awkward introvert, putting myself out there on social media or markets when I was just starting out was the single most daunting thing. It was the only part of my business I genuinely disliked, and now, social media is one of my favorite parts, all because of those wise words. Letting go of the idea that I had to be all things to everyone to be accepted, rather than being me regardless of what people think, empowered me to get through my fears and awkwardness, and find my community. To this day, I still have a large part of my community that is here for the “awkward voiceovers”
That is great advice. What are some of the biggest challenges you and your business face?
A constantly changing economy, and businesses like Temu are making it hard for small businesses to stay afloat. Sadly, a lot of people are struggling in the current economy, so they tend to shop from mass produced items, so it can feel discouraging and its sad to see how many other small businesses are closing their doors.
Yes, that is a struggle so many feel. Can you share what the inspiration was behind the name of your company?
The name of my company is two fold, the slogan “I can’t handle candle” comes from my desire to get away from corporate and feeling like I couldn’t handle the life I was living. The name Lit A.F is actually open to interpretation with the on the nose option, but with an intentional meaning behind it. Art was my escape, and sharing my art was for me, so I didn’t want to share it under my real name, because it wasn’t for friends or family or people that knew me, it was just for me. I chose the name Anna Fae, and the initials A.F was the perfect transition to bring my “art” persona, into my business.
What is your favorite part of the creative process? Least favorite?
My absolute favorite part is using unconventional tools and methods from my career as a chef, and my hobby in art to develop new ideas and techniques. My least favorite part has to be cleaning molds, especially since I love intricate things with gorgeous details.
That is amazing! From where do you draw your inspiration as a candle maker?
My biggest inspirations often come from fails. I will have an idea that doesn’t necessarily work out as planned, but that fail sparks a completely new idea. A few years back I launched confetti candles, which blew up on my social media, and is now something I see a lot of makers do, and the inspo behind that was actually the result of making waxmelt snapbars inspired by mozaic artwork, that didn’t quite turn out as I hoped.
What values does your business embody?
My business is all about my community who have evolved with my journey, warm, authentic, & heartfelt. My business was born from a need to create — to find light in the chaos and something good for my mental health. Every scent I make comes from a place of honesty, creativity, and care, and the messages from my community over the years sharing how my candles and waxmelts were their happy space when they were going through their own mental heath challenges, has always meant the world to keep going through the ups and downs, and keep creating for them. My brand is about safe spaces, real conversations, and laughter that reminds us we’re not alone. I don’t do trends or bullies — I do community, courage, and eco-conscious choices that feel good for for both my community and the planet. Here, you can be yourself, light a candle, and breathe, And if all else fails, have a laugh with me if life feels too serious.
Do you have any words of wisdom to offer any aspiring makers?
You do not need to be an extroverted influencer to be successful. You are enough, and you are probably more relatable than you think. You are not going to please everyone, and that it is okay, once you let go of the idea that you need to be, you’ll be surprised how quickly you find your community, and they might just surprise you. It took me almost two years to find the courage to do a voiceover on one of my video posts, and I spent the entire voiceover complaining about the fact that I was doing a voiceover. That single video, blew up my Tiktok account and found me my community. Authenticity is a game changer, even if its authentically awkward, people buy into the person behind the brand, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
What is your favorite Bulk Apothecary product and how do you use it as a candle maker?
I love your fragrance oils, there are so many on my wishlist!
It’s been wonderful getting to know more about you and your candle making business! Before we wrap up, can you let everyone know the best way to explore more of your work and connect with you?
If you want to learn more about starting a business check out this blog, Easy Ways to Start Your Candle Making Business
