Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Mervine.
Hi chloe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started with a wedding gift.
We received a candle that I absolutely loved and burned all the way down to the very bottom. Naturally, when it came time to replace it, I assumed I’d just buy another, until I took a closer look at the price and realized it was over $500. That was my moment of pause. I couldn’t justify spending that much on a candle, and it made me wonder… why did it have to cost that much?
That question turned into action. We decided to try making one ourselves.
What started as a bold assumption quickly turned into weeks of trial and error, testing scents, pouring wax, and learning everything the hard way. There were failed pours, some pretty questionable scent combinations, and plenty of moments where we thought, “Okay… this is harder than it looks.”
But even early on, there was interest. People started asking about the candles, talking about them, and eventually buying them. That initial demand gave us the confidence to keep going.
At one point, we thought the next logical step was to outsource production. We found a manufacturer, shipped over the supplies, and had everything lined up to scale. But two weeks before production was supposed to begin, I got a call that they were shutting down. Just like that, the entire plan fell apart.
So we pivoted.
I brought everything back home and started pouring candles out of my garage. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me full control over the product and the vision. We spent the first year building the business that way, hands-on, learning every detail of the process. Eventually, we outgrew the space and moved into a warehouse, which allowed us to scale and ship candles across the country.
From the beginning, the goal wasn’t just to make a bigger candle, it was to make a better one. We wanted to create something that felt like a true statement piece for your home, while also delivering more value: longer burn time, fewer replacements, and cleaner, non-toxic ingredients.
What started in the garage in Dallas has now grown into Big Ass Luxuries, a brand that’s reached customers nationwide, operates out of a full warehouse, and even had the opportunity to be featured on Shark Tank in 2025.
And I truly feel like we’re just getting started.
My vision is to continue expanding beyond candles into oversized, bold home goods, new shapes, colors, accessories, and collaborations that make an impact the moment you walk into a room.
At its core, the mission is simple: to create unforgettable, oversized products that bring more light, more fragrance, and more presence into people’s homes, while keeping everything clean, natural, and thoughtfully made.
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?
No, definitely not. In the beginning, we had to completely pivot production back into our home after a manufacturer fell through at the last minute. Every room in the house was taken over, floor to ceiling with supplies, inventory, and equipment. It was chaotic, overwhelming, and far from the polished brand people see today.
At the same time, we were still learning how to perfect the formula, which, honestly, is something we’re still improving. There were constant trial-and-error moments and a lot of learning things the hard way.
One of the biggest challenges came when our production machine broke down, and we fell about three months behind. Our home’s electrical capacity literally couldn’t handle the equipment we were using. That created a domino effect with delayed orders, operational stress, and a backlog that felt impossible to catch up on.
With that came one of the hardest parts: dealing with frustrated customers who weren’t receiving their orders on time. Those were uncomfortable conversations, but they taught us one of the most important lessons early on, being transparent, even when you don’t want to be, is invaluable. Owning the situation, communicating openly, and staying honest with customers helped build trust in a way that trying to avoid the problem never could.
Looking back, those challenges shaped everything. They forced us to become more resilient, more resourceful, and more intentional about how we grow and operate the business today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of Big Ass Luxuries, the home of the largest luxury candles in the U.S.
I oversee everything from marketing strategy and product development to hiring, social media, creative direction, and big media moments like Shark Tank. As a fast-growing brand, I’m involved in every part of the business.
We specialize in oversized, statement candles designed to stand out. What sets us apart is our scale, we’re not just making candles, we’re creating centerpiece products that bring both impact and value with longer burn times and cleaner ingredients.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand that started in a garage and has grown into a nationwide business with a loyal customer base. We’ve stayed hands-on, transparent, and committed to quality every step of the way.
We’re just getting started. Our vision is to expand beyond candles into bold, oversized home goods and ultimately become a household name.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Honestly, I don’t believe in luck. I believe in God, and I believe everything happens for a reason and with purpose.
There have been so many moments in both my life and business that could be seen as “good luck” or “bad luck,” but I’ve always viewed them as part of a bigger plan. The challenges, the setbacks, and even the wins have all shaped where I am today.
I’ve put a lot of faith in God and have spent a lot of time praying for the life and opportunities I have now. That faith has guided my decisions, given me peace during uncertainty, and kept me grounded through the highs and lows of building a business.
So rather than luck, I’d say faith, persistence, and purpose have played the biggest role in getting me to where I am today.
Pricing:
- $179 for Baby Big Ass Candle
- $284 for Big Ass Candle
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigassluxuries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloemervine
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/bigassluxuries/
