Meet Jolicia St Louis | Candle Maker & Programs Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jolicia St Louis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jolicia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Before being a mom of two, I was employed at a church and my life was very much consumed with work. I was constantly on the go and never really spent much time at home. Since then, I’ve gotten married and had my youngest child and now I value having a healthy balance. I set boundaries for myself to make sure I unplug at a certain time and tune in to my family. I also make a conscious effort to take family trips and create lasting memories. As a business owner it can be hard to take a step back from your business because there’s always something to be done. I’ve found that those things will always be there, but time with your family is precious so you have to make the most of it while you can.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After experiencing a traumatic car accident in 2017, I suffered from severe anxiety and PTSD. Candles became a therapeutic outlet for me. One day, I went to my husband and told him I think I want to start a candle business. Candles have helped me deal with so many moments of anxiety and provided such a relief for me that I wanted to share that with others.

In the beginning, I had to start with my own money of course so it was a little tough since I started at the peak of the pandemic. But, overtime and as the world began to slow down, I was able to attend markets and bring in more sales. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is not to be afraid to ask for help. There are so many resources available and at times it can be overwhelming, but joining a Facebook group related to your craft or signing up for training programs will provide so much guidance.

I want the world to know that Jaelle Candle Co. is an all-natural candle company specializing in wood-wick candles with non-toxic ingredients. All of our candles are handmade here in Miami and are made from sustainable, quality wax and wicks. I also offer a refill program for those that would like to bring back their candle jars and have new candles made from the old jars as a way to reduce waste. And stay tuned, we will be launching a candle making experience later this year that is going to be different from anything currently offered in Miami.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is tough, because I haven’t ventured out much since the pandemic. I would take them to the Wynwood area, to experience the art, delicious food and great crowd. The Taco Stand is one of my favorites and also the artisan ice cream shop there called Cielito Artisan Pops. Other food places I would visit are 1-800-Lucky and Morgan’s for a great brunch date.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my past mentors who helped me growing up and took the time to provide me with wisdom and sound guidance over the years. I would also like to give a huge shoutout to my work team over at Urban Impact Lab/Axis Helps. In one way or another, they have been the most supportive and present team as I figure out this journey of entrepreneurship.

Website: jaellecandleco.com

Instagram: @jaellecandleco

Facebook: @jaellecandleco

Image Credits
Photos with me in the coral were shot by David W. Carson and the one with patterned dress and me pouring the wax was shot by Isabella Bru.