Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Cooper.
Hi Kia, 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?
Well, in 2020, the world shifted so much due to Covid. My job had us working remotely and the days seemed so long and by 5pm I was drained. Like many people, being home day in and day out was so bleak, and I needed to find something new and fulfilling to maximize my time at home. After thorough research, I decided to take on candle making as a new hobby and finally purchased a candle making kit from Candle Science. I must have watched over one hundred YouTube videos or more before making my first candle. As someone who is truly multifaceted and loves creating, I enjoyed the diversity of candles, the limitless fragrances and endless possibilities.
When I established Coop To Candle (CTC) nearly a year later, after months of trial, error, and testing, I thought I knew exactly what kind of candles I wanted to make – cute, simple, straight-pour candles that smelled great and were functional. Little did I know, just a couple years into my journey I would be enamored by dessert candles. I loved the hyper realistic designs of having some of my favorite treats in wax form and it felt so “right”. My focus for CTC really shifted and in 2024 I launched my first set of dessert candles, and they have been the topic of discussion ever since.
Fast forward, I knew CTC was missing something, that special spark that would genuinely set me apart from other candle businesses and truly bring my vision alive. One day, during a baking session, it just clicked, “why not pair my wax desserts with their real food counterparts?” Baking has always been a labor of love for me, and I’ve always enjoyed creating delicious treats for my family, friends and coworkers. With strategic and careful planning, CTC formally transitioned into CTC- Candles and Bakery Bar as of December 2025 and my customers can purchase beautifully designed candles and pair them with an edible version!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! I wish I could say that running a business has been smooth sailing, but that wouldn’t be farther from the truth. Outside of testing recipes, fragrances and techniques, balancing my 9-5 work life with my entrepreneurial endeavors has not always been the easiest. I’ve had to continually put systems and routines in place to ensure I’m staying on top of everything. While structure is crucial, it does not always come packaged with a pretty bow nor is it always easy to navigate. There are days when I am overwhelmed or overthinking, however, the drive to build a business that I’m proud of keeps me afloat and motivated to follow through, especially when things do not go as planned. If I’ve learned nothing else as a business owner, I’ve learned you don’t find the time, you make it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At CTC, we specialize in hand-poured dessert inspired candles and fresh baked desserts from our home-based bakery in Jacksonville, Florida. Each product is made in small batches, and we never forget the little details. While many candle businesses sell dessert candles exclusively, we’ve taken it a step farther with the inclusion of cookies, brownies and even custom cakes and cupcakes that appeal to our customers’ senses in a variety of ways. I am extremely grateful to create a space where I can create products that are in the homes of people who I’ve never met but have believed in and support a stranger’s dream. I am super proud that I’ve been able to physically create and bring to life my vision and look forward to what else I can manifest in the future with the continued support of my customers, family and friends.
What makes you happy?
Any space where I can create is when I’m the happiest, especially when it comes to making things that are personalized and intentional. While it may be easier to just buy the “thing,” there is something distinctly special about creating it on my own that brings me the most joy. I love being a part of the process from start to finish. Regardless of how long it takes, it’s always time well spent. My favorite part, however, is sharing the final product and seeing the appreciation on someone’s face knowing that they’ve had something made especially for them. These are the moments I live for and cherish the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cooptocandle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooptocandle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooptocandle
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cooptocandle
