Meet Stefanie Walls | Candle Maker & Owner

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

Hi Stefanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After spending decades supporting industry leaders, I decided to take what I had learned and venture into the small business world. I brainstormed various ideas, but wasn’t loving what I was coming up with. It wasn’t until Christmas 2012 that I discovered that I really enjoyed giving handmade gifts. That year, I researched handmade gifts and landed on a “cookies in a jar” recipe. I already had a love of Mason jars and who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies?! Layering the recipe ingredients took time and there were mistakes, but the satisfaction of seeing the recipient’s face light up….well, I was hooked. The next year, I started researching my next handmade gift a bit earlier and landed on candlemaking. My love of the Mason jar made it easy when picking the vessel. Making candles did not come easy. There was a lot of math and science I hadn’t counted on. While I love science, math was not my favorite. Suddenly, I was submerged in formulas, percentage calculations, mass vs. volume. I was well over my head and second-guessing my candlemaking venture. It was a good thing I started well before the holidays. Let’s just say those candles were made with a lot of love and a little bit of science. I am not one to give up easily. Over the next year I worked on my formulas and constantly tested them. During that time, I accompanied my husband on a business trip to attend the Inc. 500 conference where I was permitted to take part of the many break-out sessions while my husband sat as a panelist. We listened to business leaders share their success stories. What struck me most was that they all started small and most with very little funding or support. A fire had been lit. On the plane ride home, we discussed the idea of taking my little handmade gifts to the next level. We hashed out a business plan that became a working document that still guides our business to this day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Getting to where we are today was not an easy task. There were lots of restless nights. I can’t count the number of times I fretted over the launch of a new product. Being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of will and dedication. But more than anything it is the desire to create a product that brings joy into others’ lives that drives me. My biggest compliment is a returning customer. According to our customers, the number one reason they return, aside from having a premium product, is us. They describe us as being relatable and genuine. We have many customers that have turned into great friends!
The last few years has been trying on most small businesses. I have watched several of my wholesale clients (other small businesses) close up shop due to the economy and supply chain issues. If these last few years have taught me anything it’s that you must be ready to pivot. You can lay out the best intended plans, but you’re only in control of so much. How you react is as important as being proactive. Be willing to learn and wear all the hats.

Buying one of our candles comes with so much more than a great fragrance. It comes with gratitude and love. The fact that consumers have choices is not lost on us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is no way I could have reached the level of success I have if it weren’t for my business partner and husband, Brian. Whenever I have doubted myself or our business, he is quick to cheer me on. He reminds me of the “why”. He is the most supportive person I have ever met whether it be business or personal.

Website: www.thecandlebarncompany.com

Instagram: thecandlebarncompany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecandlebarncompany

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