Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Schroeder.
Hi Amber, 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?
I had a bad obsession with candles! I would buy every single one I could afford from bath & body works. And, I had always wanted a hobby that was my own and that I loved. One day I seen someone was making their own candles on Facebook and I just couldn’t believe it. I thought how cool! I know I can make an amazing and clean candle. And so I set off to do so. I ordered a candle making kit, and I do believe they were the worst candles I had ever had! So my research began. I stalked Facebook groups, ordered books, and read everything I could on how to make a candle with great heat throw. Who knew how much science goes into candle making? It’s all about your wax blend, your percentage of fragrance oil vs wax, and the right size and type of wick.
I was drawn instantly to coconut wax and so I started my testing. Many Chandlers put hundreds of hours into getting just one candle right. But people loved them and wanted them right away and I was astonished! I was afraid of selling without having proper insurance and personal protection so I started Misty Morning Candle Co, candles made with an all natural coconut wax blend, skin safe fragrance oils, and cotton core wicks. Now it has become a part of my life!
I am a wife, mother to two kids, full time RN, and Chandler/business owner! Whew! It does get busy sometimes and I have to take a step back from some things to allow time to focus on others. My husband is very supportive and helps wherever he can! He does woodworking as a hobby and has made some of my displays for me. All in all, I am so happy I found my niche! Misty Morning Candles can be found in 3 local businesses close to my home. Tres Belle Salon in O’Fallon, MO, Whistlestop 301 in St. Peters, MO, and coming soon, Hazel & Blues in Cottleville, MO. And hopefully, more to come!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The COVID pandemic has been the biggest bump in the road honestly. I started Misty Morning Candle Co. in December 2019 and by March we were shut down, all of my events cancelled, and my glass supply cut off. But on top of that, everyone was locked at home and starting new hobbies which made already scarce supply even harder to come by. I had to buy my wax and wicks from companies that I had never used or off of people just getting rid of them. Some of the vessels I used in making, will never come back in stock. I’m still trying to recover from the setback as I am sure other companies are.
My second obstacle would be actually getting COVID. The intermittent loss of smell puts a damper on my testing of fragrance oils and new scents reveals. Scent is at the center of my business and it’s hard to lose your sense of smell when you’re a chandler.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of the clean brand that I have stuck too! Using an all natural coconut wax blend has really been my focus throughout my entire time making candles. I have repeat customers who come back to buy my candles because they are the only ones they can burn without getting a headache! This makes me happy and really drives my ambition for making.
How do you think about luck?
I like to think that good luck has been on my side the whole time! I have the good fortune of support from family and friends, meeting some amazing people along the way who provide new opportunities for me at every turn. And honestly, quarantine was a blessing for my business as well. It allowed me to start slowly and really perfect business practices. I feel like life in general is a little luck and a little hard work.
Pricing:
- 2.5 oz wax melts-$6.00
- 6oz black tin candle-$12.00
- 8.5oz double wick glass candle-$18.00
- 4oz room sprays-$15.00
Contact Info:
- Email: mistymorningcandleco@gmail.com
- Website: www.mistymorningcandleco.com
- Instagram: @mistymorningcandleco
- Facebook: @mistymorningcandleco
- Other: www.mistymorningcandleco.etsy.com
