Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Casiano.
Hi Jackie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi! My name is Jackie Casiano, and I am the owner of Wicks & Wonder Candle Company. I make candles in scents and shapes of wonder using domestically grown soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances, essential oils, and eco-friendly materials.
I have always been a maker. I think I get that from my parents because they’re both crafty. When my high school didn’t have Senior Class t-shirts, I designed one, had them printed, and distributed them to my classmates on my own accord. Basically, if there was ever something I wanted, and there was nothing available, or it didn’t meet my needs, I’ve always just made my own.
I got interested in candle-making because I could never find any that would burn correctly or the fragrances would irritate me. Last year, while the whole world was at a standstill, I remembered the feeling of taking matters into my own hands—something I hadn’t done in a while. I just started looking into the whole candle-making process and started practicing with empty pasta jars. Once I learned about wax types, fragrances, and dyes, I clearly understood what kind of candles I would make. I also learned that most big brand candles are mass-produced with profit in mind, not quality ingredients. So, I love that my candles are quality, purposeful, and still affordable.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The entire process has been trial and error from day one, and honestly, it still is. Because I make everything by hand, there is a lot of research and testing before anything gets put out into the world. There are many, many hours of testing and planning for every candle, wax melt, and molded candle I have. From the legalities of starting a business to label design, pouring, and packing, I’ve had to figure things out on my own. It’s a constant challenge and yet the most rewarding part of doing everything myself – I have complete autonomy.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a creator at heart with an entrepreneurial spirit. Everything I do is with intention and I am most proud of that. The name Wicks & Wonder Candle Company came from the idea that things can be both practical and interesting. Specifically, “wicks” are the cotton materials used to burn the candle, and “wonder” is the feeling of awe or curiosity. This is the feeling I have when planning new products, and it’s what I hope each person feels when they first open my products. Personally, I’m a bit of both: practicality and curiosity, which I hope is a reflection of the things I make.
At the moment, I have jar candles, wax melts, and molded candles, all made with domestically grown soy wax, phthalate-free fragrance, essential oils, and plastic-free packaging. I hope to expand to other home fragrance products in the future.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Authenticity is important. People can sense authenticity through people’s work, craft, or business, which has been the most fulfilling aspect when interacting with customers as they realize there is an actual person behind everything. Each label is handwritten by me as a sort of a “signature” for each product I make. My goal is always to be true to what I like and who I am as a maker. While I am a small business owner, I am a maker first and always keep my customers’ experience in mind, and I believe the rest will follow.
Pricing:
- Classic Jar Candles: $8-18
- Gift Sets & Bundles: $8-18
- Wax Melts: $6-8
- Molded Candles: $20+
Contact Info:
- Email: wicksandwondercandles@gmail.com
- Website: wicksandwonder.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/wicksandwonder
- Facebook: facebook.com/wicksandwonder
Image Credits
Deborah Rodriguez; Vanessa Gonzales; Jackie Casiano
