If you'd told me a few years ago that I'd be demonstrating with our sassy candle company on Good Day Sacramento, I would have chuckled and dismissed it as a daydream. Yet, here I am, freshly buzzing from the excitement of having just done that! Watch me here!
Let me rewind a bit and tell you our story...
My husband and I are both proud Navy Veterans. I had the honor of serving on the USS John C. Stennis as part of my five-year service, while my co-founder and life partner sailed the seas aboard the USS Henry M. Jackson. Those days on the ship were full of discipline, hard work, camaraderie, and moments that forever changed us. But as with every chapter in life, my Navy journey came to an end, leading us to dream about starting a family.
In the blissful whirlwind that followed, we welcomed our child right on the cusp of 2020. The universe, however, had other plans. Just as we were adapting to the joys and challenges of parenthood, the world was gripped by the unprecedented wave of COVID-19. With no childcare available for non-essential workers like us, I found myself at a crossroads, unable to work or continue my college education.
Times like these can either break you or reshape you. And for us, it did the latter. In the quest to find a hobby and a sprinkle of normalcy amidst the chaos, we started crafting candles. What began as a playful experiment soon unfolded into a revelation. We discovered not only were we good at it, but we absolutely loved it. But being the sassy souls we are, regular candles just didn't cut it. We began inscribing our candles with witty, cheeky phrases, hoping to ignite smiles during those gloomy times.
The warmth of our story caught the attention of Good Day Sacramento, and we were over the moon to share our journey with a wider audience. We chatted, laughed, and I even showcased our beautifully sassy candles. Taking pride in our customizability, we presented them with a custom candle crafted just for their team! Whether you're an individual seeking a unique gift or a business in need of branded favors, we've got you covered.
To say that being recognized by such a platform was an honor would be an understatement. It reaffirmed our belief that sometimes, the most unplanned journeys lead you to the most beautiful destinations.
From the decks of our respective ships to the cozy corners of your homes, our candles promise to light up your spaces with wit, warmth, and a touch of sass.
Stay glowing and always keep it sassy,
Kayla 💖
]]>For my husband, Chad, and me, our candle-making journey began amidst life's unexpected shifts. Post my service in the Navy and shortly after welcoming our son, James, the world seemed to go on pause. With a baby in tow and a hiatus from regular jobs and education, the quiet moments led to our eureka moment. "Why not make candles?" And as it turns out, we weren’t just kindling wicks, but sparks of joy.
What started off as a fun hobby quickly turned into a brand essence, especially with Chad's graphic design skills. We loved the idea of infusing humor into each of our candles, leading to the creation of Sparks Fly Candle Co. - because who doesn’t love a bit of sass in their scent?
Life brought us back to the 209 area, a place close to my heart and now, to our business. The shift from corporate life to full-time candle crafting wasn't immediate, but as Chad would testify, it's been so rewarding. Our third garage has been transformed into a sanctuary of scents and laughter, where every candle has its own cheeky tale.
Our encounter with Oakdale's Mayor, Cherilyn Bairos, was one such chapter in our story. Her idea of creating an "Oakdale" candle was just the kind of innovative, community-driven project we adore. This spirit of collaboration and creativity resonates with our brand and our life journey.
Giving back is deeply rooted in our DNA. Having been supported by incredible non-profits like Sentinels of Freedom, we understand the value of community. The help we received, both during our military transition and in setting up our business, has been immeasurable. Every candle we craft not only brings joy to our customers but also symbolizes our gratitude to those who've supported us.
And speaking of joy, seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter as people read our sassy candle descriptions? That's the real magic. Sure, sales are great (and much appreciated!), but knowing that we're spreading joy, even if it’s just a chuckle at a time, is priceless.
To all of you who've been with us on this journey, whether you've read about us, met us at markets, or simply enjoyed one of our sassy candles, thank you. Your support means the world. And for those new to our world of scents and sass, head over to www.sparksflycandle.com and let's light up your day!
Sending warm (and witty) wishes, Kayla
]]>Hello, beautiful people!
Today, I'm thrilled to share the enchanting tale of our rendezvous with the artistic community of Oakdale and how a candle contest brought the spirit of Oakdale to life, through our candles! Read the Oakdale Leader's contest announcement here and the winner announcement here!
It all began when we were featured in the Oakdale Leader after collaborating with the spirited Mayor of Oakdale, Cher Bairos. The idea? A contest for Oakdale’s very own signature candle, encompassing the town's essence in wax and wick. The challenge was thrown at Oakdale residents: portray the heartbeat of Oakdale, with the winner's art becoming the face of our candle.
Enter Sarah Lawson, a native of Oakdale and a recent addition to the Oakdale Leader team. Her casual drawing, conceived in a mere 20 minutes while waiting for a friend, soon emerged as the embodiment of Oakdale's spirit. Drawing inspiration from Oakdale's vibrant nightlife, rodeo grounds, and the rustic charm that defines the town, she proposed a candle that evokes the scents of oak, leather, bourbon, and country music. And, as she aptly described, Oakdale is indeed, "...A town that would make the rodeo a holiday."
Sarah's vision was masterfully captured in our latest candle creation. With its dominant leather fragrance mingled with hints of bourbon, oak, and the invigorating spirit of country music, it genuinely feels like holding a piece of Oakdale in your hand. And as Sarah herself said, when you light it up, "you smell Oakdale".
We were beyond ecstatic to hand over the first of these contest-winning Oakdale candles, along with a special 'Winner's Basket', to Sarah. It's heartwarming to witness a young talent's imagination come alive and become a tangible product, reflecting the community’s essence.
This experience reminded us of the beautiful tapestry of stories that each community weaves, and we're honored to capture such narratives in our candles. A special shout-out to everyone in Oakdale for their enthusiastic participation, and here's to many more sassy, aromatic adventures together!
Until our wicks cross again, keep it lit, keep it sassy!
With love and crackling flames,
Kayla and the Sparks Fly Candle Co. Team