Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki LoPachin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At The Rusty Flame Candle Co., we believe that the comforting aroma of a favorite candle can make those special times in your home just that much more special and we are committed to offering you the best candle experience possible!
TRFCC candles are lovingly mixed and hand-poured in small batches right here in my little workspace in the small Texas town I grew up in. After years of trying and testing many different waxes I can proudly say, I offer the very best blend of 100% natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic, USA-grown soy wax that burns cleaner and longer than petroleum-based parafin and I also choose not to add color to any of my candles to avoid the harmful ingredients in the dye. I personally blend the finest quality fragrance oils and essential oils to create my own recipes and offer a menu with a variety of scents available in unique reusable jar containers for you to choose from! My candles have a strong scent throw and will fill your home with your favorite delightful aroma.
I would like to introduce myself… Hi, I’m Kiki. I am a wife, a mom to two sweet girls, a believer, a Texas girl, a candlemaker, a fashion addict… and always a gypsy at heart! I have always loved the soft flicker and sweet smell of a candle burning on my table or mantle, but, I guess my true candle story actually began in 2002, after the birth of my first daughter. At that time, most store-bought candles were parafin, and being a new mommy, I was not happy burning them in my home. Out of a desire to find a better and healthier candle, I bought a small soy wax candle kit and decided to make my own. After a few successful attempts, I think I became obsessed with gathering old jars and melting and pouring wax. When I started getting requests from friends and family wanting my vintage mason jar and old rusty tin-can candles for their own homes, I was very happy to oblige. I so enjoyed the creative outlet as well as the few extra dollars my sweet little new hobby was beginning to offer me.
Since I poured my first candle seventeen years ago, there have many life-changing events in my life, but my love of making candles has always remained in my soul and will always always be my go-to creative outlet and comfort zone.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me through my journey. I truly love every single like, comment and candle request that I receive, and each time someone shares a picture of one of my candles being enjoyed in their home, it makes me happier than I can say. It’s like sweetness and love in a jar!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh gosh! I think there are obstacles and challenges when starting any new business, and The Rusty Flame’s curvy road has had its share of bumps and chug holes for sure. Some of our struggles and major worries have stemmed from: obtaining adequate start-up money and continued cash flow; effective time management and detailed strategy planning; product and supply purchasing; and, of course, all of the competition out there (it seems like suddenly everyone wants to be in the candle making business)! As a new business owner, I’m learning how to micro-manage my rapidly growing business and overcome its challenges and obstacles before they become critical issues while, at the same time, attempt to juggle the responsibilities and demands of being a mother to my two daughters.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Rusty Flame Candle Co. specializes in 100% natural soy wax jar candles. We hand pouring each candle to create just the right blend of fragrance and have perfected our candle making process through trial and error over the years. In addition to our candles, we also offer many home decor items and are always pleased when a happy customer finds a unique, one of kind, feel good piece that is just begging to go home with her. We are a small town business! We love what we do and we proudly stand behind the quality of our products to guarantee our customers’ satisfaction! We feel that our dedicated mission to offer a fun and unique vintage-inspired shopping experience to our customers right here in our small town sets us apart from the other boutiques and gift shops in our area.
What were you like growing up?
I let my mom answer it for me. “Some words to describe what Kiki was like growing up are fun-loving, happy, friendly, outgoing, smart and determined, full of spunk, competitive, strong-willed, but also very sensitive and sweet. Kiki was interested in and always wanted to be involved in whatever was going on … whether it be academics, sports, dance, cheerleading or just having fun socializing. During her middle and high school years, we relocated several times. It was very hard for Kiki each time she had to leave a school and adjust to a strange new school. She proved she was definitely a natural-born cheerleader and worked to win a spot on the squad at each new school she attended! (Not an easy task for a new student who didn’t know anyone.) She loved spending time with her friends but at the end of the day, she always wanted to be at home with her family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 405 Hwy 90 West
Castroville, Tex 78009 - Website: www.therustyflameco.com
- Phone: 210-845-2663
- Email: info@therustyflameco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/therustyflamecandleco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therustyflamecandleco/
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