Life & Work with Chelcee Bryant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelcee Bryant .

Hi Chelcee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started making candles as a hobby when I unexpectedly became a stay-at-home mom because my daughter was born with a heart condition that required surgery twice as an infant. Once she was home, I was afraid to leave my house because I didn’t want to expose her to anything and risk her getting sick and having complications. To fill my time, and because I was now an anxious mother to a vulnerable child, I started making candles because I used them so much and thought it would be fun. Once I started researching more into the candle world, I found that not all candles are the same, and the ingredients in many mass-produced candles left a lot to be desired. It motivated me further to continue making my own with natural soy and ingredients I knew were safe to have around my child. The peace of mind from knowing I was creating a calm environment by lighting my candles while not sacrificing health was enough for me to become passionate about informing others and providing better alternatives for them and their home. Participating in local markets has been the key to connecting to the community! I love every part of running a business, but sharing knowledge that can help others is the peak for me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started my business 7 years ago and have been through many ups and downs. I started with a consignment store in Kansas City and Etsy as my online store. I’ve learned the best person to market your business is you, and the amount of work you put in will only sometimes come around as a payoff. You must love what you’re doing to make the downs worth it. During the initial COVID shutdowns, I had to close my store and shut off the website. I couldn’t do what I loved anymore, but I needed to focus on my daughter and a full-time job outside my business. While at the time it felt like the end, it was, in fact, not. I took that time, and it helped me see my passion and that I wasn’t ready to give up. I relaunched my website last year, attended a few markets, and recovered my spark. This year, I’ve participated in multiple events outnumbering all years past, and selling out constantly at those shows has further pushed me to want this to succeed!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make candles & wax melts, incense, aromatherapy rollers & mists, all with the most natural ingredients possible. I love supporting other small Midwest businesses, so my supplies are sourced locally and handcrafted into high-quality goods you can feel great about using! I’m known for my wood wick candles and having unique scents you can’t find anywhere else, adding a little extra with gems, herbs, and cute wax decorations. My motto is your candles can smell amazing & be pretty too!

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to more events and local markets! I would love to start going to other states for events in the future. A traveling Volkswagen pop-up candle shop is my ultimate dream, and one day you may see Good Vibes Apothecary on the road!

Pricing:

• $5-$32

Contact Info:

• Website: Http://www.goodvibesapothecary.com
• Instagram: Http://www.instagram.com/good_vibes_apothecary
• Facebook: Http://www.facebook.com/goodvibesapothecary
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLG3Gty/