Meet Sara Stepnicka: Candle maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Stepnicka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Early on we are programmed to go-go-go, full-time work, full career development, fully goal-oriented; and then we realize some point along the way that life, personal relationships, family, community, fun, and relaxing are crucial for a truly rounded experience. If I feel stressed about work, that means the balance has been tilted, and I have to find where that imbalance is at and think about ways that are not associated with work to bring me back. We love hiking for that time away, to reflect, enjoy the company of one another and nature, and that helps bring the mind back into harmony, and we can then be in the best space to do our work in. Without that work-life balance in harmony, something is pulling your attention away from where you are trying to focus it. It is oftentimes overlooked because there are so many facets to human existence, that balance for one person may be complete chaos for the next. It is hard to know yourself, kill the outside noise and influence, and work from the inside out when it comes to seeking that work-life balance best suited for who you are, and how you live your life. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We make hand-crafted scented vegan soy candles, inspired by our favorite hiking trails throughout Arizona. We seek to develop unique sophisticated layered scents that last long and can transform the feeling of whatever room they are burning in. We currently are most proud of venturing out with an independent fragrance firm to develop an exclusive creosote scent for our upcoming line of creosote centric candles. All ventures that start from the ground-up are in a constant state of challenge. Good customers, being able to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way to showcase your business, and being dedicated to your craft because you love doing it, are the things that allow you to overcome those challenges, and prepare you for the next ones.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We host plenty of friends and family who are intrigued by the SouthWest, at least before Covid and hopefully soon again. We love taking them to a few must-experience spots in Phoenix. Hiking wise, Echo Canyon Trail, Piestewa Peak, The Mormon Trail at South Mountain, and Pinnacle Peak Trail would be our four go-to hikes for the Metro Phoenix hiking experience. If we have time, up to Sedona to experience the majestic beauty and energy of the area, along with some great hikes up there. We then would take them all to either the UnderTow bar, Bitter & Twisted bar, or to the Century Grand, maybe even all three if we want to rage it up over a weekend. All three make amazing cocktails, have a wonderful environment, and with the UnderTow and Century Grand, experiences that are truly one of a kind. To recover we love to showcase Metro-Phoenix’s vegan cuisine scene. Uprooted Kitchen in Gilbert is worth the drive from the city and just replenishes the soul. The Vegan House right downtown is fantastic Thai food that our friends crave long after leaving, and when in Sedona the ChocolaTree Organic Eatery. No trip out here is complete unless you go Downtown Phoenix both during the day and night, many weekend festivals, concerts, museums, graffiti, so many fun unique spots. Old Town in Scottsdale is a must-see, we always take them up to Cave Creek as well for the Frontier experience, Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler for some budget shopping or if not on a budget to Scottsdale Fashion Square or Kierland Commons. To relax we bring them to the Desert Botanical Garden for a tranquil stroll through the gardens, and when open the butterfly exhibit, just magical. And no trip with us during the weekend is without the DownTown Farmer’s Market experience. Showing them the wonderful organic local produce, local artisans, and the sense of community that truly exists in a big city when like-minded folks support one another.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The community of Phoenix. Moving out here was a renaissance of sorts for us, as we got emersed into the hiking, small businesses, local farmers, the food and craft beverage scenes, and that invisible fabric that binds all of us together for a common purpose – a better way of life. Without experiencing that we would have never ventured into this line of work, we would have never created a brand directly inspired by the region and the people within it

Website: www.camelbackcandle.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/camelbackcandle/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CamelbackCandle/
Other: www.pinterest.com/camelbackcandle/