Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Cupp.
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
KC and Jennifer (me) are the founders of Buttercupp Candles LLC.
We have been married for over twenty-five years and have three beautiful children, Rachael, Ellie, and Carter. We get to work together full-time here at Buttercupp Candles.
Our logo has a very special meaning to us.
The buttercup is the flower represented in our logo and has five petals representing each member of our family and of course, we had to spell buttercup with two p’s to represent our last name Cupp!
It brings us such joy knowing people enjoy our candles in their favorite spaces.
What began in our kitchen with candle supplies purchased from a gift card we received from Jennifer’s mom has grown to a global brand.
It all started a few years ago. We owned a little home decor store where everything was locally made, and we couldn’t find quality soy candles made in our area.
After doing lots of research and testing on making a 100% soy candle that smells amazing, we launched Buttercupp Candles six weeks before Covid!
Because we were coming to the candle business as store owners, we designed our labels with store shelves in mind. We emphasized our line with fun patterns and names. We had no idea that instead of being in stores, our orders would be coming from everyone in the world while they were sheltering at home and stores were closed.
We’ve made it through endless supply chain shortages and have opened two retail stores with candle bars in them where you can make your own candles.
We are excited to attend over 20 in-person markets this year and St. Louis is one of the locations!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest struggles have been with supply chain shortages. At some point during the last two years, we have not been able to get components of our candles…everything from the wax to glass jars has been hard to get!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
KC and Jennifer have been entrepreneurs for almost their whole marriage. Jennifer had a photography studio for 13 years and is the designer behind all the fun patterns! KC is the “make the idea happen” guy and is a whiz at setting up systems and processes which is a must when you’re juggling retail, wholesale and pouring hundreds of candles at a time!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is to be flexible and be ready to pivot. With all the supply issues we’ve tried to stay true to our core values but not get too hung up on if we can’t get a certain container or lid color. At the end of the day, it’s what’s inside the candle jar that matters the most!
Contact Info:
- Email: buttercuppcandlesqc@gmail.com
- Website: buttercuppcandles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercuppcandles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ButtercuppCandles
Image Credits
Jennifer Cupp
