Read our interview with Jessica, the creator behind Midnight Candles Company.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I create handmade organic soy wax candles, wax melts, and hand dipped charcoal incense sticks. I’m a full time designer trying to make my small business a success so I can fuel my passion for scents and design with my creations. I started this company at the end of 2024 hoping to do something fun and rewarding. I’ve always had a love for creating scented sprays, soaps, and candles and also buying them. Lol. I love creating so I thought it would be fun to take my design work and merge it with my hobby. All the labels, illustrations, logo, and products are designed and made by me.
What are you inspired by?
I’ve done research on what’s popular in different states, and with that in mind I try to pick and mix fragrances and essential oils that fit those preferences, while still being something that I would enjoy in my own home. I like running the designs and scents by family and friends for their feedback and input. It’s nice having unfiltered opinions because it helps in the process, though my family tends to be biased with food scents.
What is a challenge that you face when making candles, wax melts, or incense sticks?
It’s a tricky thing to work with oils and wax. You need to make sure that temperature, ratio, and resting are done properly for good results and impactful fragrance. Testing is key, so taking your time and finding what works best for your creations is important. If there are recommendations for the wax type you are using or fragrance, take them into account as there is a significant amount of testing that goes into the recommendation. That being said, have fun with it and never mind the mess. Wax and oils are, in a word, messy. So you will most likely smell constantly of candle fragrances and find bits of wax all over your space.
How do you come up with new scents?
I’m inspired by lots of things, but mainly by basic joys like food, nature, and creating a warm and soothing home. I try to capture this in the scents and products I create so that I can bring a bit of joy to all the homes my products go to.
How has your work evolved over time?
When I first started, there was a lot of trial and error, such as getting the products to look the way I wanted them to. It’s hard when you have an idea in your head and just can’t translate it to real life. I was doing everything in singles so it would take a long time to make around twenty or more candles at a time. It was also hard to get the labels on straight and that would drive me crazy. As a designer I really love symmetry with alignment, and it would always be a hair off. I feel like I’ve come a long way in figuring out ratios and working out a process flow that allows for more consistency and speed. Doing batch amounts and investing in helpful tools like a label aligner has helped to increase my efficiency, and has saved my back and behind a bit of discomfort.
I would love to update my workspace, but that might be a future project. I’m still in the early phase of my business and hope to grow and create even more fun scents and beautiful candles.
How do you deal with moments of creative block or self-doubt?
When you start a business, it can be hard and full of reflections. You go through a cycle of doubt, disappointment, joy, excitement, frustration, and sadness. But all of those things are building blocks for creativity and self-growth. Blocks can result not just in creativity but in marketing ideas, interaction, and motivation. It’s important to look at your reason for doing what you’re doing and not at the surrounding noise. We all go through the moments of seeing others and wishing for similar success, or disappointment when things don’t go our way. There are also times when others will disparage your efforts. Finding a support system where positivity and creativity are available is very important. The world is enormous, and we are all looking to connect, so finding a group that shares and fulfills your connective needs is a wonderful thing to have.
It’s also important to remember that for every disappointment you face there are always more people willing to lift you up and wins in life that will keep you going then there are losses. I’ve found this to be true within family, friends, and Creator Café. I also always try to think of the reason why I’m doing this, and that’s to have fun and do something that I find fulfilling.
If you could restart your small business journey, what would you do differently?
I would probably invest more in the equipment upfront. Even though it’s costly, you can work it into the cost of your items in very small amounts. It’s just like investment in material costs that go into the items overall landed cost, so you are not operating at a loss even if your margins are on the lower end.
How do you define success?
I define success in a few ways. One is by self-fulfillment, two is by the joy my work brings to others, and three is by the ability to take my work and have independence in doing it. I’ve found the first two and I’m working on the third. The most important and truest form of success is the part that fills your heart with contentment, whether it brings monetary value or not.
Is there anything you’d like to touch on that we might have missed?
Believe in yourself and cherish your work no matter how big or how small. Anything you have the opportunity to create is something to be joyful for. If you’re considering starting your own business, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Just take small steps and create a few things at a time, grow yourself, and connect with others. We all dream and wish for something greater or more rewarding out of life and doing something you love or truly enjoy is one step closer to finding that solace. So don’t be afraid to take a chance. Just pace yourself and remember that everyone starts at square one.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d really like to thank my family, friends, and fellow creators. I’ve learned a lot and have received a great deal of support from all of them. I am truly thankful for all of them.
All images included in this article belong to Midnight Candles Co.
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