Meet Andrea of Out of Darkness Candle Co
It all started when I realized that store-bought candles are often loaded with chemicals, and I wanted a cleaner option for my home. So, I started making my own candles for personal use. But as I continued to make candles, I realized that it became a sort of therapy for me. I care for loved ones that suffer from mental illness and there have been many days that I have felt burned out, stressed, or just sad. I would always enjoy creating new scents and pouring candles- it was something I had total control over in my chaotic world. I would always light a candle after a long day and it always brought such comfort especially during some of our darkest days. I truly believe that candles have the power to soothe the soul, and I wanted to share that with the world.
I also wanted to advocate for mental health awareness. Caring for my loved ones made me realize how much stigma still surrounds mental illness, and there is a lack of resources to help those who need it and those who need support. So, I decided to combine my passion for creating a cleaner and healthier environment with my desire to raise awareness for mental health issues. I didn't just want to produce a candle, I wanted to create a feeling. Feelings of comfort, togetherness, happiness by combining aromatherapy with positive candle names. Each candle is mindfully created to provide stress relief, self love, and serotonin boosts.
Lastly, I wanted to give back to organizations that advocate for mental health. I wanted to make a difference and raise money to donate to mental health organizations to hopefully make resources more available. A percentage of each purchase is donated to mental health organizations that support and offer resources to those in need. These are all things that I care very deeply about, and that's how Out of Darkness Candle Co was formed. It lights your way out of darkness with its flame and its mission. You are never alone!
2) Biggest struggle in your business?
The biggest struggle in my business so far is me! :) I tend to suffer from imposter syndrome quite a bit. It's really hard to jump from stay at home mom to small business owner. I have pushed out of my comfort zone and continue to do so but I pull back a lot as well. I feel like "who am I?" I'm a stay at home mom from NYC-What makes me the authority to speak on anything? Or why would people want to buy from me, I don't have a business or marketing degree. It's just me making a product that is close to my heart and has helped me through tough times. It's definitely a battle to keep going but then I remember my why and I push forward again. This is bigger than my insecurities and I need to keep going but definitely the biggest struggle.
3) What are 3 business goals you have for the next year?
My 3 goals for next year are to be featured by a main publication or morning show, to be able to raise and donate at least $6,000 to mental health organizations, and to add digital products- such as inspirational greeting cards and wall art to my shop.
