Today we’d like to introduce you to Makaela Meadows.
Hi Makaela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I always love this question as it provides the opportunity to reflect on how far my modestly m candle co. has come from a business perspective and how much growth as an owner I have had. I have always had an “artistic” side and as more responsibility came about – kids, work, marriage, etc. – It was put on the back burner.
About six years ago, I felt a strong calling to get back to something artsy. I tried signs, painting, baking, and nothing stuck/felt right. I loved it, however, I wasn’t itching to get back to it. It was truly a happy accident that led to my candle business. I wanted to get the teachers at school a great gift over the holidays – a cute soy candle and a gift card. This turned out to be harder than one would think. I went to multiple stores and either the soy candles were too expensive or the candles didn’t smell to my expectation.
I decided at that point to try my hand at making my own – it was very hard and let’s just say that things didn’t go as planned. At that point, I was invested and started to research, talk with other makers, and truly work to figure out my formula and how to create the perfect candle. I worked on my recipe for months and spent many many many hours and dollars making sure they were perfect. I never intended to have a business – it kind of just happened. I would provide my friends and family with samples and they would burn and test for me – providing feedback and ideas.
It was wonderful. This went on for about four months and then – one day, I got a request to provide for a salon. The rest is a blur. I immediately reached out to other opportunities once I had a few sales under my belt, evolved my brand, and continue to evolve today. There is nothing like the fun of the science and mixology behind the scents.
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 would say for the most part it’s been smooth, there have been bumps and growth opportunities for sure but overall pretty smooth. There have been the normal struggles of time management, wanting to do all the things but limited to only a few due to time and obligations. I am still working full-time and have a super active kid and hubs – which I love, but that does impact some of my ability to get out and do the events and meetings that would likely lead to more sales.
Scaling up and learning how to manage my space has been a little struggle as well. I used to do this in the kitchen and that wasn’t sustainable. Moving to a larger space and organization has helped there. My sister would argue my organization is lacking. Ha! The largest struggle is time. I want to do it all and want to do it for everyone, but time doesn’t always allow for it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
To keep it simple – I am going to answer in two parts. 1. I work full-time as a digital marketing director in a large corporation. I wear many hats and love that digital is always evolving and allows me great opportunities to learn and evolve marketing techniques. I have been very fortunate to have the ability to craft my career based on my interests, success, and partnerships. I am blessed to be where I am today. I am always learning, evolving, and growing.
2. I create all-natural soy candles poured here in KC. I keep production small and simple with every candle poured with care and precision. modestly m candle co. is known for eclectic scents that delight. I am most proud of the work and partnerships that have grown from business needs. I have been given an amazing opportunity to meet and work with wonderful KC brands and it makes me proud to help them achieve their goals.
The candle side of my life is one I love as it enables me the ability to meet wonderful makers and artisans in KC, delight customers, and have a creative outlet.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think “risk” is necessary for growth – even though scary and unpredictable. I am not a huge risk-taker by nature – however with candles and in life, the most fruitful crops have come by stepping outside my comfort zone and taking those risks.
I am very fortunate that I have a great husband who pushes me to take risks and see the value – even when I am over-analyzing. I try to keep “Carpe Diem” at the center of all risks evaluation and “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Pricing:
- $5 – $35 for the majority of items.
Contact Info:
- Email: mnikodym@aol.com
- Website: www.modestlymcandleco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/modestlymcandleco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modestlymcandleco
Image Credits
Kenzie Cox
