Hidden Gems: Meet Christal Horne of C9 Organic Candles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christal Horne. 

Hi Christal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the founder and owner of C9 Organic Candles. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I received my Aeronautical and Industrial Engineering degree at Tennessee State University. After I graduated from TSU, I moved to Birmingham 2014. I started to dive into self-care routines because I had no family or friends there. I did spa nights, solo dating and became comfortable being in my own company. During spa nights, candles became my focal point. I’ve always loved candles. Eventually, I had more leftover candle jars than candles. One day I was scrolling on Pinterest trying to find ideas on what to do with the leftover jars and found that I could make my own candles at home. Fascination developed into a passion for the candle-making process. 

Fast forward March 2020, the company I worked for furloughed and later laid off. I knew then, this was the perfect time to start my candle company after years of testing. During my years of research, I found that some of my favorite candles were toxic from the wax and wicks they were using. I was determined to create a healthier candle that burned cleaner by using soy wax, cotton wicks, and natural fragrances that are infused with essential oils. Each candle that I make is homemade and hand-poured. So much more is coming. If 2020 did not teach me anything else, it taught me to always bet on myself. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. One of my struggles was the testing stage. Making a candle is really a science. From the right wax, making sure the wick size is compatible with the jar size, to make sure you could smell the natural fragrance oils cold throw and hot throw, and making sure the candle burns correctly. 

Some other areas I struggled with was marketing, taking product pictures, and doing the background business aspect of it. Since I do not have a business background, I had to do a lot of research on how to run a company. I am loving the process. I’ve learned to just start and make it perfect later. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make soy wax candles and wax melts, room spray, and self-care downloads. You may find it all on my website at www.c9organiccandles.org. I have also started a Self-Care Podcast called ‘C9 Self Care Podcast.’ It is available on all podcast apps. Lastly, I have created virtual candle-making workshops for those who are interested in learning how to make candles. It is something different for date night, or girls’ night out. or even family time in your own home. Kits and shipping are included- please be on the lookout for the next one. Stay connected on Instagram @c9organiccandles. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
HA! Great question! Something surprising would be that I am naturally shy lol. If you meet me, I may not appear to be that way according to my family and friends lol, but I am definitely very shy. 

Contact Info:

• Email: c9organiccandles@gmail.com
• Website: www.c9organiccandles.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/c9organiccandles
• Other: https://c9selfcare.buzzsprout.com

Image Credits
Christal Horne