Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooja Stark.
Hi Pooja, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Flame + Pout started in the most unexpected way—at a baby shower. I wanted to create something personal for a friend, so instead of buying favors, I taught myself how to make candles. I’ve always loved them, but paraffin wax never worked for me, so I dove into testing soy wax and the cozy crackle of wood wicks. After plenty of trial and error, I made a batch for her event… and they were a hit.
That moment changed everything. What began as a one-time favor turned into weekend markets, then wholesale orders from local businesses looking for custom scents and branded labels. Personalization—fragrance, naming, design, all of it—quickly became the core of our business.
As interest grew, I started leading candle-making classes at local venues and private events. Those workshops brought people together, gave them a hands-on experience, and reinforced what Flame + Pout is all about: connection, creativity, and products that feel personal.
Over time, that same commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship and everyday ease pushed the brand forward. Flame + Pout has evolved into a broader beauty and lifestyle line built for people who appreciate simplicity, quality, and a touch of personality in the things they use every day.
Today, our mission is still grounded in the same principles—create products that feel intentional, spark joy, and help people show up confidently in their own way. This journey has been shaped by curiosity, reinvention, and a genuine love for making something meaningful. And we’re just getting started.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always bumps in the process. Candle-making has a way of keeping you humble. Sometimes a vessel that performed perfectly during testing behaves differently in a real-world setting. Wicks that should burn cleanly will occasionally tunnel or extinguish themselves. And even with all the testing in the world, a candle can still act up because of factors you can’t control—airflow, temperature, the way someone trims their wick, or even the room it’s burned in.
Those challenges taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of constant refinement. Every hiccup pushed me to learn more, improve the formulas, and tighten the process. It’s not always smooth, but it’s made the brand stronger and the products better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Flame + Pout is my creative outlet—a passion project that grew into a small but meaningful business. By day, my career looks very different. I work full-time for the federal government, where I’ve served in roles ranging from analyst to deputy staff director to senior staff officer. I spent nearly a decade at the Pentagon before taking on other leadership positions across agencies. That experience shaped how I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and operations, even in my candle and beauty work.
What I’m most proud of is the breadth of my professional journey and the way I’ve managed it alongside being an engaged, present parent. I’ve always been intentional about taking roles that allow me to show up for my kids—whether that’s a field trip, a class party, chaperoning an event, or simply staying home when someone wakes up sick. For me, success has never been about choosing between career and family; it’s been about creating a life where both can coexist without compromise.
What sets me apart is that blend of discipline and creativity. I bring the structure of my government career into a brand built on personalization and craftsmanship. It’s a mix that keeps Flame + Pout grounded in quality while still giving me the space to experiment, build community, and create products with heart.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is building a life that honors both my work and my family. I want my career to mean something, and I want my creative projects to energize me—but above all, I want to be fully present for my kids. I’ve always believed that you don’t have to choose between being ambitious and being available. You can set big goals and still show up for the moments that matter.
I also want my kids to see the example behind the scenes—the discipline, the late nights, the resilience. I want them to view me as someone who works hard, not just for recognition, but because commitment and follow-through matter. If they grow up understanding that you can build, create, and contribute while still prioritizing the people you love, then I’ve done something right.
That blend of purpose, balance, and integrity is at the center of every decision I make.
Pricing:
- $15 5oz soy candle
- $28 11.5oz 3 wick soy candle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flameandpout.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flameandpout/?hl=en
