Burn This Candle: The Origin Story

Welcome to Burn This Candle! We're so happy you're here.

You know, I never pictured myself owning a candle company. Wasn't even on my radar when I was growing up. I thought about owning a business at one point, but I always thought it would be a bookshop. I do love my Jane Austen novels.

So how did we get here? It’s kind of a fun story. Truth be told, I did it for the teacups.

For some background, I’m a bit of a fickle hobbyist. My younger sister puts me to shame with all the crocheting and jewelry-making and cross-stitching and clothing-making she does. She spins her own yarn, for Pete’s sake.

But having been a workaholic for about 15 years, I'd rarely had time or energy to put into crafting or hobbies or self-care of any kind. I’ve always been a reader and a writer and a spreadsheet enthusiast. But all those adult coloring books I bought with the best of intentions over the years? Not a single bit of color in any of them.

All that to say that, after I found myself in a more relaxed work schedule, I decided I needed a good creative outlet. One that didn't require me to sit still.

Then, in the middle of the pandemic, I was browsing a local secondhand store and found myself in the drinkware section. In front of me were three full shelving units packed with gorgeous teacups and espresso cups—vintage, antique, Christmassy, mini…I even saw one shaped like a candy basket for Halloween.

I had no use for teacups in my home—I already had more coffee mugs than I could fit in my cabinet. I've loved coffee mugs for my entire adult life. Funny ones. Pretty ones. Gigantic ones. Color-changing ones that tell me how cold my coffee has gone.

So I had no justification for buying any of these pretty, dainty, 5-ounces-at-best teacups that I knew I had no room for.

But it was a shame to see them all sitting there, destined for the dumpster if no one bought them in the following weeks. I thought that it would be nice to repurpose them in some way. I imagined that they might make beautiful candles.

At the time, though, I had no idea how to make candles, so I didn't put too much thought into it.

Not even a week later, my aunt, who co-owns a soap and bath product business, mentioned that she’d often thought about making candles to complement their products. In fact, she knew how to do it and already had a whole bunch of supplies.

But with the number of product lines they were already making, she didn’t have the time. And for the first time in my adult life, I did. It was kismet.

I shared my idea, and she was totally on board. She even offered to teach me the process and donated all the supplies I’d need to make my first several candles.

It turns out, I loved it! I loved finding interesting cups at thrift stores and deciding which scents would be perfect for each design. I loved experimenting with different materials and processes. And I especially loved creating something beautiful and unique that I knew people would enjoy.

Two weeks later, I sold my first two candles at my aunt's shop, and it felt so good to see how happy and excited the customers were to try out their new candles. It wasn’t long before I was addicted.

And I haven't stopped since.

If you'd like to be part of my story, we have an extensive inventory of pre-made 100% soy candles and even more teacup and espresso cups available for customization. Each candle is unique and made with the best industry-standard supplies available. Check them out today!