Check Out Danielle Langs’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Langs.

Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started playing around with the idea of making candles in January 2020. I ordered a candle-making kit online and it sat in my closet for two months! I was then laid off that following March from my full-time Job due to COVID-19 and decided It would be fun to just go ahead and make a few candles for my home. At this point, I had no idea it would turn into what it is now! I made a few candles, gave some to friends and family and just had fun with it! I have always been a creative person so this was an amazing outlet for me in the midst of all the COVID madness. During that month, I tested all types of candle-making styles, scents, wicks and decided I wanted to create the cleanest burning candle I could! I watched hours of YouTube videos and joined candle groups on FB for tips and tricks! I became obsessed and just wanted to make more candles! It took a while for me to decide to turn my new hobby into a business, but I prayed on it and here I am! Never let self-doubt control your actions! I wanted to start this business not only for myself but to also inspire others to follow their dreams!

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?
Honestly, the biggest hurdle for me to overcome in this entire journey is imposter syndrome. I know my product is amazing and I put my whole heart and soul into the products that I create, but still I have doubted myself a lot! Especially in the beginning! How are you going to do this while working full time? You don’t have time to dedicate to this, you might not make any money at this market, sales are low this month on Etsy. All of these thoughts have crossed my mind at some point during this journey and I just keep telling myself to just show up! That’s it! The only person creating these barriers and thoughts is me! We are our own worst critics.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in making 100% soy wax crystal candles with wooden wicks. I am most known for my unique scents and crystal decorations I use in most of my candles. My candles can be used as intention candles or simply a beautiful home decor item. Regardless I make sure all my candles are made with the best quality fragrance oils and essential oils for a clean burn. I also make wax melts and hand-dipped Incense.

One thing I have always prided myself on is my work ethic. It seems simple, but I have worked with a lot of people in my life and it is honestly hard to come by someone who genuinely will grind to achieve their dreams! I have never expected anything to come easy to me or rely on others for my success and I think that truly sets me apart. Whenever there hasn’t been a seat at the table for me, I grabbed a chair! Being a woman of color, it is so important to make noise in spaces we typically are not represented in so that other young women of color can see that and realize we deserve to be in all spaces and places. I am most proud of how available I have made myself to other aspiring chandlers (answering questions, giving tips and motivation). This is what truly gives me joy in the work that I do! I want others to be able to chase their wild dreams!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and I was a very mature child, as I was the oldest of five siblings and had a lot of responsibility at a young age. I have always loved to read, write and draw. I actually wanted to be an artist as a kid! I also wanted to be an archeologist or a meteorologist as well until I realized I wasn’t that great at math. Lol, I was fairly shy growing up due to being homeschooled up until 7th grade, but I think it made me much more creative! I had a lot more freedom to do arts and crafts, create comics and write short stories, and my parents encouraged it! Also, spending so much time with my family we were, and still are extremely close which I have always cherished. I also have a very nerdy side which I think shows in the names for my candles! I was very big into fantasy and adventure books, movies, and video games! When you are homeschooled, you also have a lot of movie days! Lol, some of my favorite memories are of my siblings and I making a huge fort in the leaving room and having a movie night with popcorn and candy!

Pricing:

• 6oz Candles $15
• 8.5oz Candles $25
• 14.5oz Candles $30
• Wax Melts $6
• Incense $3

Contact Info:

• Email: wilddreamscandleco@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WildDreamsCandleCo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilddreamscandleco/