Beginning

In 2020, at just 13 years old, I began researching small business ideas. I came across a YouTube video on candle making, and with only $20 from my monthly allowance, I decided to try it myself.

Later that day, I asked my mom to take me to buy supplies, where I bought pillar wax, heart shaped vases, crayons, and an apple cinnamon fragrance. I designed my first candle around that scent, red, inspired by apples, and instantly fell in love with the process and the outcome.

Soon after, I created my first logo and named my brand Bright Rose Beauty, inspired by my slime business I had years before.

First Creations

When I first began the creation of my business in 2020, I sold candles through my mom’s Facebook page. All her friends were supportive and loved my candles.

After selling a few, I decided I wanted to release new scents and sizes. I ended up buying five new scents: Bubble Gum, Rose Petals, Lavender, Ocean Breeze, and Mango Pineapple.

 

For Ocean Breeze, I dyed the wax blue and placed small shells on top.

 

Rose Petals and Lavender were pink and purple with extra wax at the top for a delicate design.

 

Mango Pineapple had a yellow top and orange bottom to match the theme.

 

The original Apple Cinnamon had cinnamon placed on top.

 

 

And I made the Bubble Gum candle pink.

Growth

After a few years of making candles, I took a pause. I became busy with school and faced personal challenges. Even after stepping away, I always thought about it and missed it deeply.

 

A New Perspective

In 2023, I decided to return, this time with more intention. I was older, had my own income, and most importantly, a new vision.

I remembered losing a sale before my pause because I couldn’t explain what my candles were made of. That moment stuck with me and inspired me to truly understand ingredients, materials, and their impact to our surrounding environment.

I began investing in better wax, cleaner fragrances, and higher quality wicks. I wanted to create something not only beautiful, but clean and organic.

 

The Experience of Emilyn Rose

As my style evolved, so did my vision. I was drawn to minimalism - clean, refined, and timeless. That’s when Emilyn Rose Candles was born.

From the beginning, my goal was to create more than just a candle. I wanted each piece to feel like a gift - intentional, elevated, and meaningful. I focused on every detail, from the design to the packaging, creating an experience from the moment it is opened.

Craft & Detail

I utilized leftover scents like Ocean Breeze, Apple Cinnamon, and Rose Petals, and invested in an additional scent to complete a set of four.

As I continued developing these candles, I found new organic elements. I began using real rose petals, lavender, and cinnamon sticks, and started making my own wax shells instead of buying them to ensure safety.

These botanical details are still part of my candles today.

At this stage in my business, I had a logo but did not yet place it on my candles. Instead, I kept the label minimal with just the name.

 

Packaging

When I restarted in 2023, I used simple white box packaging. I knew I wanted my theme to be black and white, as those have always been my favorite colors.

I created a design that had ribbon wrapped around the box with my logo on it. I wanted it to feel like an unboxing experience. I have always loved opening packages and paying attention to the small details, so I wanted to bring that same feeling into my brand.

As I became more consistent and continued selling, I upgraded my packaging and refined my design, leading to the version I have today.

 

Creativity

During the holidays, I shifted my designs to reflect the season. In October, I came out with a fall and Halloween collection. I loved being able to get creative and design pieces you wouldn’t typically find in stores. It’s always been my favorite part of the process, bringing unique ideas to life.

Return

Over time, I again faced challenges balancing school and life, which led to another pause. It wasn't until 2026, I realized how much I missed creating and decided to return once more.

I missed designing, creating, and connecting with customers. There is something special about seeing someone’s reaction when they smell my candles, the way their expression changes and how they connect with the experience.

 

Growth

As I continue to grow and develop this business, I have loved every moment of it. Seeing how much people love the candles and the impact they have makes everything worth it.

At 19, this journey has become more than just a business. It is something I have grown with, learned from, and poured myself into. Seeing others feel inspired by my story means everything to me.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, especially my mom, who has been there through every step. None of this would have been possible without her.

- Emilyn Rose