Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Joslin.
Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I’m Heather—I’ve been crafting since the moment I could pick up a crayon. My mother was an avid crafter of anything and everything: calligraphy, beads, macramé, pottery, paint, you name it. And if someone was interested in learning, she would teach them!
One of my favorite memories is when my mother invited all 26 girls in my 5th-grade class to make gifts for the holidays. I remember feeling like I was “in my element.”
My Mother isn’t my only crafting inspiration—my grandmothers quilted, beaded, and sewed, too. During Christmastime, they would host a craft show in my aunt’s basement.
My first-ever craft? Candy suckers in molds. I might have eaten way more than I sold! How my candle-making journey began. I began making candles for birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. I was never planning to sell them, but as I gave more and more away, friends and family started to ask to buy them. Of course, I didn’t let them—but there was finally a point when my husband looked around and asked, “How many people do we have that we can give Christmas gifts to?” (Oops.) At that point, I had made well over 100 candles.
Then, one of my cousins asked once more, “When are you going to get a website up for your candles? I have friends who want a candle too!” That was my turning point—I decided I needed to start selling! I built a website and launched my candle business in October 2020. This was during the heart of the pandemic, and I was so appreciative and amazed by all the support from friends, family, friends of friends, and local support—so many people. I feel truly blessed to have had such amazing people who have supported me since the beginning.
Why Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co.? The name Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. came from the need to always overextend me and fit in “just one more thing” even when there isn’t time for it. I have four kids, two dogs, a husband, and a more-than-full family calendar. I even had a full-time job but decided to leave that to focus fully on my family, myself, and—of course—my candle business.
What do I like about candle making/the benefits of soy candles? I find it calming to make candles. Also, I really enjoy candles and things that smell nice but don’t pollute the air with toxic chemicals. I feel burning candles can really benefit mental health—whether it’s the smell, the ambient light they give, or the meditative quality they embody.
And with my agriculture background in mind, I wanted to support soybean farmers. That’s how I came to choose 100% soy wax made with soybeans grown in the U.S. Another benefit is that soy wax burns 50% longer than paraffin wax candles and doesn’t leave black soot on your ceiling.
Burnt at Both Ends Candle Co. products are dye- and phthalate-free and made with fragrance and essential oil blends.
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?
The challenge that stands out the most was the transition from hobby to business.
Maintaining a website, tracking expenses, paying taxes, and booking craft show all take time away from making and testing my products but are necessary components of any small business. The challenge comes from finding the time to balance both.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I make soy candles in tins, jars, fun containers, wax melts, and reed diffusers, and enjoy creating custom scents for customers and special events.
I’m most proud of formulating new and unique scents that aren’t offered by others. I love hearing ideas from my customers on what scents they have interest in, taking that information, and incorporating those aromas into my future candles.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Start small and become the expert in your product first! I absolutely love creating new products, but I’ve learned it’s important to perfect one product before adding other items.
It’s so easy to go in too many directions at once! There are so many possibilities and I have so many ideas on how I can diversify my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.burntatbothendscandleco.com
- Instagram: @burntatbothendscandleco
- Facebook: burntatbothends1
Image Credits
Rachel Lahlum Photography
