Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Milton.
Hi Dee, 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?
My love for candles actually started at a very young age. Growing up, I always had some type of decorative candle in my bedroom. As I got older and moved into my own place, that love only grew. Candles became a staple in my home, not only as part of my decor but also because I loved the warmth, ambiance, and comfort they created. Looking back, I guess you could say the passion was always there. I just didn’t realize it would eventually turn into a business.
The idea for what would become The Kansas City Candle Company was born in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the circumstances were completely unexpected.
A child at my twins’ daycare had tested positive for COVID, and before any of the children could return, everyone was required to test negative. My entire household was tested, and as it turned out, my twins and I tested positive. At that time, we were required to quarantine for 14 days.
Well, I had been eyeing a candle-making kit for months, and I figured there was no better time than the present to finally give it a try. So, I ordered the kit, and as they say, the rest is history!
I absolutely fell in love with candle making. Actually, if I’m being completely transparent, I became a little obsessed! What started as something to occupy my time quickly turned into a genuine passion. I began making candles and giving them away to coworkers, friends, and family. Before long, people started asking for more and even offering to pay for them. That’s when the wheels started turning, and I thought, “Hmm, maybe I really could turn this into a little business.”
And just like that, **Creative Expressions by Dee** was born.
I started participating in local vendor events, selling my candles through Etsy, and slowly building a customer base. Things were going well, and I genuinely enjoyed what I was creating. At that point, however, I still viewed it as more of a creative outlet and side business than something that could eventually become my full-time career.
Then, in 2022, life took an unexpected turn.
After 15 years with the same employer, I made the decision to leave and pursue an opportunity in a completely different field. Unfortunately, that opportunity was short-lived. Just three months into the position, I unexpectedly lost my job, one week before Thanksgiving.
I remember sitting in my car afterward, overwhelmed with uncertainty and trying to figure out what I was going to do next. I had three children depending on me, bills that weren’t going to stop coming, and no immediate plan for how I was going to make everything work.
Then, almost out of nowhere, I had a moment of realization. I thought to myself, “Wait a minute. You already have a candle business. Why not put your energy into that?”
So that’s exactly what I did.
From November through February, I participated in more vendor events than I ever had before. I poured my time and energy into making candles, showing up at markets, connecting with customers, and generating sales. What had once been a hobby and a small side business became a source of income that helped sustain my family until I returned to the workforce.
That experience completely changed the way I viewed my business. It showed me that what I had created was more than just a hobby. It had real potential, and more importantly, it was something I could build upon.
In March 2023, I made the decision to take things a step further. I wanted to establish a legitimate business, create a stronger brand identity, and build something that represented both my creativity and my hometown. That’s when I officially rebranded Creative Expressions by Dee into **The Kansas City Candle Company**.
Since then, the business has grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first opened that candle-making kit. What began with handcrafted candles has expanded into a growing collection of home fragrance and body care products, private-label opportunities, and interactive candle-crafting experiences, including our signature event, **Luxe & Light: A Candle Crafting Experience**.
In 2026, I made another significant decision to step away from my career and dedicate my time and energy to growing The Kansas City Candle Company full-time. It was a major leap of faith, but one that has allowed me to pursue opportunities, expand my vision, and give the business the attention it deserves.
When I look back over the past few years, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. The Kansas City Candle Company has truly blossomed, and so have I, both personally and as an entrepreneur.
What’s especially meaningful to me is knowing that something I started simply because I loved candles eventually became something that helped carry my family through a difficult season and ultimately opened the door to a completely different future.
**My journey has taught me that sometimes the very thing you do simply because you love it can become the thing that changes your life.**
And to think, it all started with a candle-making kit and 14 days at home!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t believe any entrepreneurial journey is completely smooth, and mine has certainly come with its share of challenges, learning experiences, and moments of growth.
When I first started making candles, I purchased a candle-making kit, thinking it would give me the foundation I needed. I quickly discovered there was so much more to the process than simply melting wax, adding fragrance, and pouring it into a jar. Candle making is not only an art; it’s also a science. There is an incredible amount of research, precision, testing, and patience involved in creating a quality product.
I realized early on how much I didn’t know, but rather than allowing that to discourage me, I made it my responsibility to learn. I spent countless hours researching, experimenting, testing different materials, and making adjustments until I found what worked best. There were plenty of moments of trial and error, but each experience taught me something valuable. I’ve always held myself to high standards, and I wanted that same commitment to excellence to be reflected in every product I created. I wasn’t interested in simply making candles; I wanted to make exceptional candles.
One of my greatest challenges, however, was finding balance. For a significant part of my entrepreneurial journey, I was juggling a demanding full-time career, raising my children, and trying to build a business simultaneously. My career in healthcare materials management came with considerable responsibilities and stress, and by the end of the workday, there was often very little time or energy left to dedicate to growing my business.
There were countless networking opportunities, business seminars, educational workshops, and events that I wanted to attend but simply couldn’t because of scheduling conflicts. Many evenings consisted of leaving work exhausted, picking up my children, preparing dinner, getting everyone settled and ready for the next day, and then trying to find whatever time I had left to work on my business.
It was frustrating at times because I knew there were resources, connections, and opportunities that could help take The Kansas City Candle Company to the next level, but I wasn’t always in a position to take advantage of them. I had the vision and determination, but I didn’t always have the time or flexibility to pursue everything I knew the business needed.
Eventually, I reached a point where I had to make a decision about what I truly wanted for my future. Stepping away from my career to focus on The Kansas City Candle Company full-time was a significant decision, but it was also an opportunity to give my business the attention and dedication it deserved.
Looking back, I wouldn’t say the road has been easy, but I can say it has been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge has taught me something about patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and believing in my own abilities. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out along the way.
One of the biggest lessons entrepreneurship has taught me is that you don’t have to have everything figured out to get started. You just have to be willing to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward, even when the road gets difficult.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the owner and founder of The Kansas City Candle Company, I have the privilege of turning my passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and community into a business that offers more than just beautifully scented products. We are a Kansas City-based luxury home fragrance and body care company specializing in handcrafted candles, artisan soaps, and thoughtfully curated products designed to bring a sense of comfort, elegance, and enjoyment into everyday life.
What started as a passion for creating quality products has evolved into a brand focused on craftsmanship, intentional design, and memorable experiences. Every product we create reflects our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and the belief that luxury doesn’t always have to come with an extravagant price tag. Sometimes, luxury is simply taking a moment for yourself and enjoying the little things.
Beyond our products, one of the things we are becoming known for is Luxe & Light: A Candle Crafting Experience, an interactive experience that brings people together through creativity, connection, and a little indulgence. We’ve also expanded our offerings to include private events, corporate team-building experiences, and customized candle-making opportunities for businesses and organizations. This has allowed us to take something as simple as candle making and transform it into an experience that encourages people to slow down, connect, and create lasting memories.
What I’m most proud of is the growth of the business and the courage it has taken to continue building something of my own. Entrepreneurship is not always glamorous. It requires sacrifice, resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. Watching an idea evolve into a growing business, seeing customers return, and hearing how much people genuinely enjoy our products and experiences has been incredibly rewarding.
I believe what sets The Kansas City Candle Company apart is our intentional approach to everything we do. We aren’t interested in simply producing another candle or following every trend. We want to create products and experiences that feel personal, elevated, and meaningful. From selecting fragrances and designing products to interacting with customers, the details matter.
I’m also deeply passionate about the community that has supported this journey. Being born and raised in Kansas City makes building a business here especially meaningful. I believe that when you’re blessed, you should find ways to bless others. That philosophy influences how I approach business, relationships, and opportunities to support those around me.
Ultimately, I want The Kansas City Candle Company to be recognized not only for the quality of our products but also for the experiences we create, the relationships we build, and the positive impact we leave on our community. For me, success isn’t just measured by sales. It’s measured by growth, purpose, and the ability to create something that people genuinely connect with.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as having the courage to pursue something you’re passionate about, the determination to keep going when things get difficult, and the ability to look back and see how far you’ve come.
For me, success isn’t solely measured by revenue, recognition, or how large my business becomes. While financial stability and growth are certainly important, true success is building something meaningful that reflects my values, allows me to be creative, and positively impacts the lives of others.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come in the form of major milestones. Sometimes, it’s the small victories: a returning customer, a sold-out event, a heartfelt compliment about a product, or simply overcoming a challenge that once seemed impossible. Those moments remind me why I started this journey.
Success also means having the freedom to create opportunities, continuously evolve, and build something that can leave a lasting legacy. I want The Kansas City Candle Company to be more than a business that sells products. I want it to be a brand that creates experiences, builds relationships, and contributes something positive to the community.
Ultimately, success to me isn’t just about what I accomplish, but what I build, who I become in the process, and the difference I make along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekansascitycandlecompany.com/
- Instagram: kc_candle_company
- Facebook: The Kansas City Candle Company
