Meet Emily Parlett | Graphic Designer & Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Parlett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a childhood dream to the reality of owning my own business, my entrepreneurial journey has been a fulfilling evolution. As a child, I fantasized about owning a store filled with items that would captivate the imagination of my seven-year-old self. While life took me on various paths, in 2018, I became increasingly conscious of the ingredients in everyday products, particularly candles. Fueled by a desire for transparency and quality, I founded my company specializing in 100% Natural Soy Candles and Melts, using wax exclusively grown in the USA. My commitment extended to using natural fragrance oils compliant with the rigorous standards of Europe and Prop 65, ensuring health-conscious choices.

The catalyst for my venture was a personal frustration—I wanted to know exactly what I was burning in my home, especially with pets around. The research phase spanned 2018 and 2019, culminating in the bold step of testing my candles in 2020. While faced with challenges that year, I started small, selling to family and friends. Over the next few years, I gradually expanded my reach through craft shows. In 2023, I decided to make it ‘my year,’ participating in multiple craft shows monthly and, in October, securing a storefront in St. Marys, Ohio. With my Grand Opening on November 24 and 25, the community’s warm reception exceeded my expectations.

Throughout this journey, I’ve concurrently grown and learned as a business owner, a vital aspect of this lifestyle. Alongside my entrepreneurial pursuits, I work as a full-time Graphic Designer at Albert Sporting Goods, where I’ve been fortunate to have supportive bosses cheering me on since joining the team two years ago.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in the world of natural soy candles and melts has been a deeply personal and rewarding artistic endeavor. What sets my brand apart is the unwavering commitment to quality and transparency. I take pride in crafting each product with 100% Natural Soy wax sourced exclusively from the USA and using natural fragrance oils adhering to the strictest health standards, including European and Prop 45 regulations. My inspiration arose from a personal journey towards conscious living, sparked in 2018 when I became mindful of the ingredients in daily products, particularly candles.

The path to where I am today professionally has been a blend of passion, determination, and the incredible support of my family, friends, and community. It has not been an easy journey, but the challenges have been stepping stones to growth. The initial years involved meticulous research and testing, and the slow process of building a customer base through family, friends, and local craft shows.

Overcoming challenges required resilience and adaptability. The year 2020, in particular, brought unexpected hurdles, but I pressed forward, testing my candles and gradually expanding through craft shows. The decision to make 2023 ‘my year’ marked a significant turning point, with increased participation in craft shows and the establishment of my storefront in St. Marys, Ohio.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons as a business owner. Flexibility and a willingness to learn from setbacks have been crucial. Concurrently working as a full-time Graphic Designer at Albert Sporting Goods has taught me the importance of balancing roles and responsibilities.

What I want the world to know about my brand is the commitment to providing a product that aligns with the highest standards of quality and health. Each candle reflects not only my dedication to craftsmanship but also a journey toward conscious living. My story is one of passion, resilience, and the support of a community that has made this artistic venture possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Breakfast Delights

Enjoy a ‘home-cooked’ meal at Bolly’s Restaurant, a charming hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop establishment in New Bremen, Ohio.

Day 2: Market and Brews

Morning visit to Wapakoneta’s Farmers’ Market, followed by an evening experience at Gongoozlers Brewery.
.
Day 3: Arts and Culture

Discover local art at Arts Place Inc in St. Marys, and enjoy the food scene across the road at Guarnieri Pizzeria. Attend a live performance at the Grand Opera House Live in the evening.

Day 4: Wellness and Relaxation

Indulge in a spa day at [Local Wellness Center] and unwind in the community-friendly atmosphere of [Local Park/Relaxation Spot].

Day 5: Shopping Extravaganza

First, we would start the day with a locally brewed coffee and sweat treat from Hazelnut Coffeehouse right before we explore unique finds in downtown Celina. To end the evening, we would enjoy a meal at Brew Nation Restaurant

Day 6: Fun and Heritage

Embark on an adventure-packed day starting with a stroll on the Miami Erie Canal in St. Marys. Then head over to Grand Lake, the largest man-made lake in Ohio, for a boat cruise across the 8-mile-long lake. We then end the day with a meal and experience the vibrant local nightlife at the Boardwalk Grill, featuring local musicians or DJs.

Day 7: Local Farewell

Bid farewell with a hearty brunch at the Friendly Tavern. Take a nostalgic walk through downtown St. Marys reminiscing about favorite local spots. Wrap up the trip with a visit to my local Candle store to grab a candle to take home of their choice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support and guidance that have shaped my journey. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God for His constant guidance. His presence has been my source of strength, providing direction and purpose to my endeavors.

Next, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my parents. Their enduring support, encouragement, and the lessons they’ve imparted have been the foundation of my journey. They’ve instilled in me the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and their unwavering faith has been my driving force.

To my husband, thank you for being my confidant and supporter. Your willingness to listen to my ambitious goals and then stand by me as I pursue them means the world to me. Your encouragement fuels my determination, and I’m grateful for the partnership we share in both dreams and challenges.

And to my three brothers, your camaraderie and brotherly love have added immeasurable joy to my life. Your support, whether through words of encouragement or shared experiences, is cherished.

Together, the guidance of God, the unyielding support of my parents, the encouragement from my husband, and the bond with my brothers form a tapestry of love and strength that empowers me to strive for my goals. I am truly blessed to have such a supportive foundation in my life.

Website: https://southernraisednorthernmade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernraised.northernmade/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernraisednorthermade/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/southern-raised-northern-made-saint-marys

Image Credits
All pictures were taken by me or family members.