Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Bono.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
About six years ago, I started focusing on my health – eating clean food and using natural products. As I explored clean products, I fell in love with essential oils and their benefits. I explored different ways to use these oils in my daily life. At the same time, I discovered how toxic store-bought candles are for people and the environment. I explored candle-making using essential oils as these two ideas came together. Through much trial and error, I created a product that is natural and non-toxic and contains the healing properties of essential oils.
I started by making candles in recycled containers. That led to candles in more traditional glass jars and tumblers. But over the past two years, I have created a unique product: all-natural soy wax candles in hand-carved wooden dough bowls and blocks. These beautiful bowls and blocks are also refillable and reusable. We offer a local refill service, or customers can purchase our easy-to-use refill kits online. At Sophie Kate Candles, our philosophy is to provide beautiful, clean products for people and the environment.
Over the last several years, I juggled an educational administrative position and a small business. I began feeling overwhelmed and knew I was at a crossroads. I had to do some soul-searching about which direction I wanted my life to go. I had to choose because there was no way I could continue to grow Sophie Kate Candles while working full-time.
For 25 years, I have dedicated my life to educating and raising my children. In recent years (especially teaching through a pandemic), I felt burnt out. My cup was empty, and I had little time for myself and nothing left to give others. I had to drag myself out of bed each day, dreading the responsibilities ahead. But even after a long, difficult day, I would come home and start pouring candles. I would lose all sense of time and find myself lost in candle-making’s wonderful scents and calming process. It became very apparent to me what my decision would be.
And so about 8 months ago, I took a big risk and retired from education to focus on my business full-time. It was the best decision of my life, and I wake up every day excited about what the day will bring. I attend markets and trade shows and fulfill orders nationwide with my online store. I recently purchased and renovated a 7×14 cargo trailer into a mobile candle boutique called the Wick Wagon. Our first event was in January, and we have many more events on the calendar that will take us all over the southeast. The Wick Wagon creates a real buzz and draws our customers in. It has allowed us to expand into other areas and protects our products from the Florida heat and unpredictable weather. Dreaming about what the future holds for Sophie Kate Candles is exciting! I am living my best life, growing my business, and doing what I love! I am so grateful for where the business is today, but I plan to keep growing. The next step for Sophie Kate Candles is to lease some commercial space. This space will incorporate different aspects of the business, including manufacturing products, managing e-commerce channels and social media, and providing event opportunities such as candle-making workshops. Ideally, this space would also include a showroom for retail.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The candle-making process is very scientific:
- The wax has to be melted at just the right temperature.
- The essential oils and fragrance oils have to be added at just the right time and be just the right amount.
- Wicks come in various sizes and fibers.
- The size and shape of the containers and vessels must be considered.
So there has been a lot of trial and error over the past 6 years! Finding the right wholesalers was a challenge. Quality is so important to me, so I spent a lot of time looking for the best wax, the best wicks, the most natural, best-smelling oils, and the most beautiful candle-ready wooden bowls and blocks (which means they are sealed and treated with a fire retardant). Wearing so many different hats can also be a struggle. In the beginning, not only did I pour every candle, but I also built and managed the website and online store. I handled all of the social media and marketing. I applied for and maintained the proper licenses and insurance. As we’ve grown, I’ve been able to delegate some of these responsibilities to others, but I’m still very much on top of all aspects of the business, so that’s been a learning curve for sure!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sophie Kate Candles are aromatherapy candles made with all-natural soy wax, a cotton fiber wick, and scented with only the highest quality essential oil/fragrance oil blends that are phthalate and paraben free. Unlike store-bought candles that emit toxins when they burn, Sophie Kate Candles only release the essential oils’ pleasant aroma and healing properties, with no soot and no tunneling! We aim to create uniquely beautiful candles with natural scents that benefit the environment and people.
We offer something unique in the candle world: the ever-popular wooden dough bowls and blocks, which come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. These unique, natural vessels are hand-carved and treated with a fire retardant. They are as safe as they are beautiful! Once used, they can be refilled with another scent with our easy-to-use refill kit or reused as a piece of home decor. Each Sophie Kate Candle is poured by hand in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
A positive mindset and a never-give-up attitude are the most important qualities to the success of Sophie Kate Candles. I’ve learned to dream big and not take no for an answer! Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, but the belief in my products and myself keeps me pushing through the challenges, and each obstacle overcome brings more success and more satisfaction.
Pricing:
- 3 Wick Oval Dough Bowl $40
- 6 Wick Oval Dough Bowl $55
- 3 Wick Block $22
- 9 Wick Block $50
- Signature Tumbler $16
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiekates.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiekatecandles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiekatecandles
