In 2022, following a challenging period of injury and medical leave from work, I found myself dealing with profound feelings of depression and anxiety. Unable to partake in the activities that once brought me joy and struggling to maintain financial stability, I felt adrift and uncertain about my future. Forced to move in with my brother, I found myself facing a lack of stability and a deep sense of fear about my future. In the midst of this turmoil, I stumbled upon an unexpected source of solace: candle making. What began as a simple hobby quickly blossomed into a powerful form of therapy for me.

There was something deeply soothing about the process of creating and crafting candles with my own hands. In the midst of uncertainty, candle making provided me with a much-needed respite—a way to quiet my mind, focus on the present moment, and find a sense of peace amidst the chaos. As I continued to immerse myself in the art of candle making, I found myself flooded with an abundance of beautifully crafted candles and wax melts. I ended up with more candles than I had space for, so I began gifting them to family, friends, and even strangers.

To my delight, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing their love for my candles and asking for more. Driven by a newfound passion and a desire to share the therapeutic benefits of candle making with others, I took a leap of faith to turn my hobby into something more. Selling my candles online and at local events, I began to witness firsthand the profound impact that my unique creations could have on others' lives. It was this love for creativity and a deep-seated desire to provide a haven for those seeking solace and self-expression that inspired me to create something bigger—a space where individuals from all walks of life could come together to share their love for candles and art.