Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Merryman.
Hi Amanda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Journey to Creating a Clean Luxury Candle Business came pretty easy.
My name is Amanda Merryman and I’m a proud mother to two beautiful girls and a loving stepmother to two more incredible young ladies. In October 2024, I married the love of my life, and together, we’ve built a blended family that fills my heart with joy every single day.
Motherhood has taught me many things, but above all, it has instilled in me the importance of making healthy, thoughtful choices for the well-being of my family. This commitment to health became even more personal when my own mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was a life-altering moment that made us reevaluate everything, from the food we ate to the products we used in our homes.
Growing up, my mom and I shared a love for candles. Their warm glow and comforting scents were a staple in our home. However, during my research into healthier living, I discovered that many conventional candles release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. This realization was alarming, especially considering my mother’s health condition.
I was determined to find a safer alternative, I began experimenting with making my own candles using clean, non-toxic ingredients. I focused on using natural waxes like coconut soy and I incorporated essential oils for fragrance instead of synthetic scents. The result was a line of clean-burning candles that not only smelled wonderful but also gave me peace of mind knowing they were safe for my family and our friends.
What started as a personal endeavor quickly grew into a passion project. Friends and family began requesting my candles, and their positive feedback inspired me to turn this hobby into a business. Today, my clean candle company stands as a testament to love, resilience, and the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that even small changes can make a significant difference. My hope is that my candles bring warmth and comfort to other families, just as they have to mine.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing a full-time job while running a small candle business hasn’t always been easy. It’s just my husband and me, and managing everything often means time away from our girls and from each other. Finding that balance is a constant challenge.
Keeping up with social media and creating content people enjoy can feel overwhelming at times as well. I do my best to stay engaged and try to post at least once a week, but things are always evolving.
Still, through it all—I truly love what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I work full-time in the medical field, a career I’ve been dedicated to for over 17 years and have truly loved every step of the way. Helping people feel cared for, supported, and seen has always been at the heart of what I do.
That same passion for bringing comfort to others is what inspired me to start making luxury candles. I knew that, in their own way, candles could also bring warmth, peace, and a little bit of joy into someone’s life.
Because really, who doesn’t love a good candle?
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Success in the candle business depends on a blend of creativity, consistency, and business savvy. Creating unique, high quality candles with appealing scents and thoughtful designs helps you stand out in a crowded market. Just as important is maintaining consistent product quality, ensuring that every candle delivers a reliable burn and fragrance experience. Also, a strong business mindset, including understanding costs, pricing, and marketing is essential for sustainable growth. Customer focus is also key; listening to feedback, offering excellent service, and building relationships can turn first-time buyers into loyal fans. Success rarely comes overnight, so patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt to trends and customer preferences has helped build a lasting brand.
Pricing:
- $38 for 12 oz vessels
- $28 for 8 oz vessels
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Scent.with.love.co
