Meet Tay Watts of Posh Candle Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tay Watts.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Back in 2014, I began experimenting with candle making as a hobby and gifting candles to family and friends. It wasn’t until 2016 that I decided to take it more seriously as a business. Of course, I received the push from being a full-time graduate student and after learning that I was pregnant shortly after resigning from my job.

 Pressured for a source of income, I decided to turn to entrepreneurship so that I could remain in school but I didn’t realize candle making as an option until later. After a few months of trying to figure it all out, the idea of launching a candle company came to me as I was shopping for candles. I couldn’t find anything that felt exciting or new, so I decided to launch a line of candles that were unlike typical candles you see on store shelves.

Specifically, I wanted to make candles that would help other women embrace their individuality and serve as the perfect reminder to practice more self-care while sparking amazing things like motivation and creativity. Personally, I’ve always loved candles and lit them to help get through intense study sessions and during the short moments I could get to myself to soak in a hot bath with candles lit nearby.

There was something about seeing the flame flicker nearby that created the perfect dose of calmness and sense of well-being when I was affected by stress. I believe that the things we smell and keep around our immediate space can affect our productivity and ability to think clearly so filling my space with warmth, color and empowering words helps me accomplish more.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been numerous struggles along the way. Before business took off, things got bad for me financially and I was getting behind on my car payments making just that one payment to get by, so they wouldn’t take my car. I happened to land a very large order right around the car payment due date and was so excited about this order that I didn’t think of anything else. I had close to $800 worth of candle making supplies in my car when it was repossessed. I will never forget that morning. I was leaving to go to my internship, drop my kids off at daycare and I was confused as to why my car was missing. I got my car back the next day.

So, just after just seven months in business, I accepted and completed an order for 5,000 candles while finishing my last semester of grad school and interning as a group facilitator for people struggling with mental health concerns. So far, Posh Candle Co. has collided with every area of my life very quickly. It has tested my relationships, my finances, my personal pursuits and even my career. I think the biggest struggle was mixing business with a full-time job. When I finally landed into my career at a mental health clinic, I found it difficult to keep up with the orders after enduring a 2-hour commute from work. It was tough to find the energy in a career that can be mentally draining and growing a business that requires even more effort.

Today, I’m currently running Posh Candle Co. full-time and my challenges look a bit different. My kids are with me while I operate Posh Candle Company as one women-owned business so while we are running errands, it’s almost certain that my three-year-old and one-year old will be running amok. Wearing every hat behind the business is tough as well. I design, make and ship the products, manage the social media and so much more. I’m hopeful that will change soon because the idea of balance seems non-existent most days, but, what helps me through the challenging times is to simply have grace for myself, take it day by day and ask for help when I really need it.

Please tell us about Posh Candle Co.
Posh Candle Co is a lifestyle candle company that empowers women to embrace their authentic selves. We specialize in scented soy candles, but the line also includes incense, smudges, and crystals to help make the perfect gift. I refer to myself as Chief Chandler at Posh Candle Co which is just one of many roles I play as one women-owned business.

 Posh Candle Co. is very fun and fierce. As a company, I’m most proud of the many women who feel inspired by my journey, and I think that’s the very thing that sets Posh Candle Co. apart from others. Creating a space where women don’t have to take themselves too seriously and can find enjoyment beyond the scent of a candle feels good.

I also find it admirable that many women who are exploring candle making as a business reach out to me for advice and tell me how I’ve inspired them in some way or other established candle makers have thanked me for making candle making exciting.

Posh Candle Co. is turning two years old this December so I’m excited about how much it has grown and the potential it has to do bigger and better things heading into 2019. We’ve been stocked in several boutiques around the United States, have been included in numerous subscription boxes, many blog mentions, featured on BuzzFeed, Madamenoire, Revolt, 21 Ninety, Side Hustle School, and more.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I have a firm belief that things happen for a reason and they happen at the right time. Every single challenge or celebration has played a role in either teaching an important lesson, elevating the brand or motivating me to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.poshcandleco.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/poshcandleco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/poshcandleco
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/poshcandleco
• Other: www.pinterest.com/poshcandleco

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