It's hard to believe that just seven years ago, I found myself melting wax in a pitcher on our apartment stove to fulfill a handful of orders for our Etsy shop. In 2016, I embarked on the journey of Charleston Candle Co., seeking a creative outlet to sell various items like signs, soap, art prints, and eventually candles on Etsy. It became evident very quickly that the candles were our shining star, outselling everything else I offered. This prompted the decision to rebrand as Charleston Candle Co. Now, after 7 years, our growth has exceeded my wildest dreams, and we've embarked on countless exciting adventures through this entrepreneurial endeavor.
To our devoted OG customers, you may recall our numerous packaging iterations until our friends at Saturday Studio gave us our final makeover. This rebranding allowed us to achieve our goal of infusing our candles with a sense of luxury while maintaining simplicity and approachability, much like the essence of Charleston itself. This unique blend of sophistication and laid-back charm serves as our guiding light in creating new products and envisioning how they enhance the ambiance of your home.
In 2020, like the rest of the world, we faced uncertainty about the future of our business. However, it quickly became apparent that amidst the collective longing for travel and connection, our candles became a vessel for recapturing the cherished moments of visiting Charleston and the Lowcountry. In April 2020, we experienced our most successful month in terms of sales on our website. It was a special occasion to share those precious memories through our candles, especially during such weighty times. This served as a poignant reminder of our purpose - yes, we craft candles, but our true mission has always been to share our love for the Lowcountry and foster a community that celebrates beloved places, moments, and the comforting feeling of home.
This venture has granted us the privilege of crossing paths with remarkable individuals and collaborating with so many diverse talents. Being part of Charleston's vibrant community of small businesses is an awe-inspiring experience. The prevailing spirit of community over competition is truly remarkable, and the support we've received since establishing Charleston Candle Co. is a significant reason we celebrate 7 years of success.
We cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude to our customers who have played an instrumental role in our 7-year journey. Most days are filled with hard work, putting out fires (not literal fires, thankfully), and navigating the intricacies of managing a business, storefront, and scaling. There are moments when I question if the stress and time invested are truly worthwhile. However, in those instances when we receive heartfelt messages from customers sharing how our Isle of Palms candle evokes memories of their cherished family vacations, or how our Pineapple Fountain candle transports them back to the joyous moment of their engagement, I'm reminded why we do this. These interactions, alongside the appreciation for the clean ingredients we incorporate, reaffirm the core "why" of our company. It is you, our valued customers, who fuel our passion, and for that, we are immeasurably grateful.
Exciting things lie ahead for Charleston Candle Co., including the launch of a BRAND NEW collection on November 1st. Be sure to follow our journey on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for first access!
And as we reflect on the past 7 years, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Here's to many more years of shared moments and continued growth!
