the story behind Antique Candle Co.®

We are all on a life journey and sometimes God can take us places we wouldn’t expect to go. He prepares our hearts in such a way to be ready for our next stage in life. When I look back at the year leading up to the inception of Antique Candle Co.®, formerly Antique Candle Works, I can easily see how He was preparing me for something new.

My life NEEDED a change.

I graduated from Purdue University with a Management degree in 2012. My husband and I married during college and lived in our first home on campus (so fun!). Our friends said we were the cool married couple, ha!

After graduation, we left West Lafayette, Indiana and moved to the Chicagoland area. I accepted a position as an Assistant Store Manager at a Super Target. That store generated 63 million in sales/year and as a 22 year old, I was very overwhelmed. I worked so, so hard and gave all of myself to that job. I would come home and be utterly exhausted. This was so much harder than any all-nighter I had during college. My husband was working in the city and worked long hours as well. This continued for a year.

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Then there was a low-point realization moment – I came in after closing the store one night and the sink was full of dirty dishes. It was beginning to smell. I didn’t have anything left to give and found some Lysol in the bathroom and sprayed the dirty dishes in the sink so the smell would dissipate for a time. I remember doing that – I was so ashamed. How did I get to this point? Everything seemed to be falling apart. I knew I wasn’t being a Godly wife, sister, or friend. I needed to do something that would honor God in all the aspects of my life, not just my career.

I left Target and began searching for another job. In the meantime, I took up a hobby – candle making. I always would buy a candle at the store as a little gift for myself and would find joy in a small candle. Then, I thought, it would be so fun to make candles! I spent a few months learning and perfecting the exact ratio of fragrance oil to soy wax; I now understand why there are many not-so-great handmade soy candles. The entire candle making process is very precise and can be difficult to master.

After a few months, the Lord began to reveal that I have the ability to offer these candles to others and even begin a legitimate small business. I wrote a business plan (thanks business school!) and planned to name my company, Antique Candle Works. I liked ‘Works’ because it implies something is being made and produced. Now, though, we are called Antique Candle Co.®. Not only are we a company, but we are also a large and loved community that expands far beyond just those in the studio.

Despite how much we've grown and changed, every candle is hand poured with love today, just as they were 6 years ago.

It is now 2019 and it’s been 5 years since I founded Antique Candle Works. God has blessed this business and I want to give Him the glory for it all. I partner with hundreds of small brick + mortar shops who love their businesses, and I have the privilege of working with nearly 20 wonderful people who enjoy candle making as much as I do!

Because the Lord allowed me to deeply struggle at Target, I considered a different path... to begin a business. I am so thankful for this. It’s amazing to look back at God’s hand working through it all. He truly is a good, good Father.

What is the Lord revealing to you in your own life and circumstances? Are you willing to take a leap of faith and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Thank you for being a part of the Antique Candle Co.® journey.

-Brittany


13 comments


  • Sherry Fraley

    I ordered my first set of candles from you a few months ago. I’m in love! Being able to take a time in your life that was hard & turn it to Good is truly a gift from God. Thank you for sharing & stepping out in Faith to make such an amazing candle.


  • Jacob Linson

    Brittany, some people (myself included) may never understand the testimony of this step of faith you completed. Not only have you invested your time, money, and energy into your company. You have done so while honoring and giving glory to God above all. It’s very inspiring and I appreciate your willingness to put yourself out there. It’s very brave, considering the world’s disdain for Christ and His followers. I pray that God blesses your company and that your candles would help light up the darkness of this world. Blessings and love in Christ.


  • Noemi

    I’ve been buying your candles for years. I’ve never read your story until now and its very inspiring, thank you for sharing.


  • Grace

    Hello Brittany….Thank you for sharing you faith, your inspiring journey & strength. Have a more blessed years ahead and may you inspire more individuals as you continue your beautiful relationship with God.


  • Dawn Smith

    Hi there,

    I “discovered” @lizlovegrowswild by accident on Instagram a little while back and that is where I “discovered” you. And yep…I don’t believe in accidents. I’m not much of a candle person…not because I don’t love coming into a room with a beautiful scent but more because I just don’t think of doing it plus some scents can catch my breath in a not so good way. (I have a touch of asthma.) But that being said, God led me to your website today. Your story spoke to me…especially the spraying the Lysol thing. I could see myself doing something like that! LOL…When I pulled you up, I was multitasking and couldn’t concentrate on your full story right then and had scrolled to the bottom and the words “Holy Spirit” just popped out at me. I went back and read from the beginning which crazily enough was written two years ago today. Anyway, your story honored God and I was blessed by that…I am sure that it has blessed so many others as well! Thank you! (And yes, apparently I need to buy some candles…lol)


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