Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Plummer.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started with an old candle maker and last-minute Christmas gifts. In 2015, I was searching for last-minute Christmas gifts for my future in-laws and grandmother-in-law. I decided to clean out old candle jars and paint them to match their room decor (Skyline and butterflies). Then, I found my mom’s old forgotten candle maker in the basement closet. I used the limited supplies and candle molds that were packed away with it to make two pillar candles. These last-minute gifts ignited my passion for painting and candle-making.
After that Christmas, I found myself experimenting with different types of candles and watching painting tutorials on YouTube to learn new techniques. When I first started Radiant Ambitions, I wanted to create candles in painted jars to encourage people to reuse the jar after the candle burned out. I had a small number of friends and family members that I would make candles for and refill the jars when they burned out. Eventually, the demand was more than I could handle, and trying to paint and produce candles quickly became overwhelming. So I scaled back to selling candles in tins and upcycling old jars by painting them and creating my mermaid candle holders.
My paintings evolved and I learned more with each new holder. Over time the stress of wedding planning and then grad school caused me to put my hobby on the back burner. Between fall 2017 and July 2020, I only created candles based on requests. I started new projects and paintings during this time but never had a chance to finish them.
After graduating from grad school and having a daughter, I decided I wanted to start candle-making and painting in my free time again. However, so much time had elapsed since I last made candles I felt like I was starting from scratch. I had to figure out what wicks and wax I was going to use and order new fragrances. All of August 2020, I researched waxes, wicks, and scents. Then, I tested different combinations to figure out what it was I wanted to use. I was ready to launch a new and improved Radiant Ambitions in September 2020.
About a year into the relaunch I have finalized my signature and seasonal scent lines, and am working to expand my audience. With my husband’s help, I have started attending more craft fairs and events to share my candles with the local community. Additionally, I am still working towards building a consistent social media presence.
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?
It has been a rough road, but a rewarding one. My biggest struggle has been finding the time to balance being a mom, working full time, and managing a successful business. The best way that I have started to overcome this is by planning my candle work days, and my social media posts ahead of time.
Additionally, I have started to ask my husband for assistance on aspects of the business that aren’t directly related to candle-making. For example, I am getting his assistance in figuring out successful ads and finding new craft events. In the beginning, I underestimated the different components necessary for a successful business such as finances, product photography, social media, advertising, and more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Radiant Ambitions is a creative candle company that makes 100% soy candles. We offer a signature line and seasonal lines of candles and wax melts. Our most creative candles come out in the fall where we make cauldron, skull, and pumpkin candles. In the fall, we also offer wax melts shaped like pumpkins or leaves.
Our wax melts are made with mica powder to add a shimmering effect as they melt. Additionally, we upcycle old jars by painting them and turning them into candle holders. We have painted mermaid, wolf, and pumpkin candle holders in the past. All of our favorite candle creations are shown in our creative candle gallery.
Pricing:
- 3.5oz candle – $6.00
- 9oz candle – $15.00
- 18 oz candles – $25.00
- 1oz Heart wax melts – $3.00
- 3oz Wax Melts – $6.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.radiantambitionscandles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantambitionscandles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiantambitionscandles
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTmqacUac7b1sX-RxHqgjtg
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJHYpaqh/
