Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Wright.
Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2020, my husband, Josh, and I moved to Springfield, Georgia, from San Diego, California, with our two youngest children, Ayden and Landen. Initially, the plan was for me to be a stay-at-home mom, and Josh would continue to work. He is prior law enforcement and a retired Army combat veteran. I am a retired General Manager and Mixologist (Bar Manager). After holding a job since I was 14, I found it quite challenging just to hit the brakes, slow down and relax for a change. I have always enjoyed creating and crafting. I simply never had any free time to do it.
One evening, while unpacking our things and getting settled into our home, the power went out. I could not find a single candle to light. This was rare since I love candles. This was when I had the idea to start creating candles. Shortly after, I ordered my supplies, started brainstorming, and started creating my candles. Initially, I thought I would make these as gifts and sell them at local events. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. A passion and feeling of accomplishment and happiness overcame me. I’ve made candles before, but this time it was different. It was therapeutic for me.
One night, with the kitchen covered in candles and nowhere to eat, Josh suggested I needed to open a shop. We had noticed a cute little shop in Springfield that kept calling out to us. Originally, it was larger than what we wanted. A few weeks later, we reached back out and went to see it again. We were informed only half the location was now available. We knew this was it and went for it! It was a perfect size and in a great location.
Our store was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by the town and surrounding areas. We received considerable support from everyone. People did not care we were not “locals.” They loved the fact that our little town was growing and was delighted to see families coming to the area. We received such a warm welcome that we needed to move to a larger location. We needed the space to create larger quantities of candles, not just for our storefront but for Fundraisers, Wholesale orders, and White Labeling options. We were blessed.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenge was a personal challenge, a mental one going on inside my head. Here we were in a new town, and we only knew a handful of people in the area. Even in the best of times, that is a lot to consider, let alone in the middle of a pandemic. Would a candle boutique be successful in our town? I believed I made pleasing candles. I receive considerable compliments on them. People asking for more, when would I make more, what scents can I make. Even with that, I still worried if this would be enough? Families were watching how they spent money. Everyone was uncertain. Would I be able to cover our lease if it didn’t work out? Were people just being nice to me about my candles, could I sell enough, and so on.
Regardless, something kept pushing us and telling us to go for it. It was odd. Everything was falling into place so perfectly. By December 2020, we were ready to open our doors. We have been incredibly blessed.
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?
I love being creative. I love creating something special for others to use or give away that will bring joy and happiness. I treasure hearing our customers smell the different fragrances and tell me what it reminds them of. I love hearing what the candle purchase is for. Our candles are simple, clean, and elegant. We make and pour each candle by hand with US-grown natural ingredients, no harsh or harmful chemicals, and no colors or dyes. We use a Soy-Coconut blend wax and wicks that are braided with cotton and paper materials that are also lead and zinc free. Additionally, we use natural fragrance oils to give you that clean burning and superior fragrant experience. Customers have told us they could not burn candles because it would cause migraines and/or breathing issues. However, they were able to burn Wright Wicks Candles with no difficulties.
I invite you to take the trip to Springfield and let this Veteran Owned Small Business help you decorate your house in fragrance. We sell many different types of candle vessels, candle jars, candle canisters, and the popular wooden Doughbowls in various shapes, colors & sizes (these can be refilled over and over again). We have more than just candles. We also hand-pour our own wax melts. We carry Sugar Scrubs, Body Butters, Soaps, Lip Balms, Shower Steamers, Bath Bombs, and Bath Shots, all made by Local Crafters or Veteran Owned businesses. And don’t forget our “masculine” scents and hygiene products.
The vessels we use can be reused or repurposed; we encourage our customers to recycle. We offer a $5 discount when our customers bring in 3 empty jars. These jars are cleaned, sanitized, and recycled by one of our local crafters, Soaps Unlimited. She creates custom sugar scrubs and body butters in our best-selling fragrances for our store using these jars. You can also have the wooden bowls or ceramic canisters refilled with a new candle. Just bring the wooden bowl or ceramic jar back to us and pick out a new fragrance. We will work our magic and take care of the rest.
We offer Military, 1st responder & Teacher discounts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WrightWicks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrightwickscandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrightwicks
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wright-wicks-candle-springfield
