Meet Tiffany Phelps of Strike & Flame Candle Bar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Phelps.

Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I began making candles in my kitchen in 2015 after discovering some of the harmful chemicals that my son and I were breathing in while burning my regular store-bought candles in my home. During a routine air filter change, my maintenance friend pointed out how black my filter was. I asked him what could’ve caused it to look so bad, and he immediately pointed to the burning candle on my kitchen island. No way! 

After doing a bit of research, I discovered that most candles were made with Paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. At the time, my son was only 4 years old, and I knew I didn’t want us breathing in those toxins. I was torn because lighting a candle was my form of relaxation and my escape. After a long day at work, it was the very first thing I would do after walking into my house; I needed it!!! So, I was on a mission to figure out a way to get my hands on some toxin-free, eco-friendly candles. 

Trying to purchase a candle that was made with a wax other than Paraffin was not easy in 2015, but I eventually stumbled across a company where I could purchase supplies to create my own. This company offered a few waxes other than Paraffin, which also turned out to be healthier and eco-friendly alternatives. Not to mention they would provide me with a little guidance to get started on creating them. I’d never created a candle in my life, but I was willing to give it a shot. My newly purchased kit came with a few jelly jars, 2-3 fragrance oils, and a scale. I created a double boiler with some old kitchen pots on my stovetop, and I went to work! 

Over the course of about 2-3 months, I was making candles nonstop. Sometimes, they would burn and end up smell amazing; other times, they would burn, and I couldn’t smell a thing! I couldn’t quite figure out the science behind it all, but I knew I loved watching the flicker of the flame, and I loved creating candles. Ayes, having trouble perfecting my scent and burn, I threw my candle supplies in the closet and gave up so many times. The goal was to consistently create a candle that would smell amazing and burn properly, but I couldn’t achieve it. 

One day after pulling the supplies out of my closet for what felt like the 50th time, I knew I wanted to get serious about creating these candles. I continued to practice, and this new hobby of mine turned into an online business by 2018, and I began to sell my candles. 

I provided local pick-up and shipping options for all Candle orders. I began to vend local pop-ups and festivals every chance I got. Some days, I would sell out, and some days, I would sell nothing. Either way, I was just grateful to place my business cards in the hands of so many strangers. 

Eventually, I grew a steady customer base, and my supporters would often ask if I offered candle-making classes! A light bulb turned on for me, and by the end of 2019, I knew I wanted to bring a fun interactive candle-making experience to the Triad. Not necessarily a class but just a simplistic, fun activity for everyone. 

From January of 2020 – March of 2020, I was working with a realtor, shopping locations for this vision. After feeling like I’d found the perfect spot in one of Greensboros most well-known shopping centers, COVID hit, and everything shut down. I put my vision on hold and really took advantage of selling candles online while we were all was stuck in the house. 

In Spring of 2021, I was ready to start my journey of finding a location again. The most difficult part was showing up to these locations and trying to sell my vision to everyone. No landlord knew anything about what I was trying to use their space for; there was nothing to compare it to. I quickly noticed that no one was calling me back or looking to lease their space to me. It made me feel like I wasn’t being taken seriously, and it was so discouraging. 

By August 2022, I stumbled across a location that I never thought to search. 

I began planning out this new adventure. It took a lot of time, patience, several NOs, and a lot of determination to get here, but the reward has been well worth the struggle. 

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?
I am thankful to say that my journey was not an easy one. Nothing was handed to me; therefore I can truly appreciate what I’ve built.

I would have to say some of my biggest challenges throughout this journey have been:

1. Perfecting my candles and producing a quality product
2. Trying to sell my dream to people who couldn’t see my vision
3. Juggling my 9-5 career, with running my candle business, while being a full-time teenage boy mom

Although I began making candles in 2015, and my online business began in 2018, I still was not 100% confident in my product for some time. Some days I would test-burn my candles, and I couldn’t smell a thing. I tested 100’s of wicks, numerous brands of soy wax, and several wax temperatures over the years, but I did not feel fully satisfied with my products until 2020.

I learned that you can’t talk about your dreams to everyone because not everyone will understand. I lost a few friends because I became so obsessed with my dream to open a candle bar. I would eat, sleep, and dream strike & flame daily! I will never forget how one of my closest friends at the time told me they thought they would have to stop talking to me because all I ever talked about was my vision to open strike & flame. Sad story, but true.

I am still employed full-time at my 8-5 job while I operate Strike & Flame. During the first 6 months of Opening Strike & Flame, I worked 7 days/ week: 5 days at my full time, 3 days at Strike & Flame (on Fridays, I worked both places), 7 days being a full-time boy mom!

I truly pushed myself to the limit but I am also a firm believer that you have to put in the work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Strike & Flame Candle Bar?
Established in 2018, Strike & Flame Candle Company was formed to be more than just a Candle Brand. Our focus is to create a memorable scent experience through each fragrance while focusing on non-toxic, vegan-friendly, allergy-safe candles. Not only do they smell amazing, but these candles are hand-poured and designed to burn slower than most candles. 

I am proud to be able to give employment opportunities to young women from various backgrounds. Working closely with my employees is a top priority of mine. As a female entrepreneur, I strive to serve as a role model and mentor to young these women. 

I am proud of creating a distinct presence in the Candle market. I am filled with so much joy each time someone points out how they remembered seeing my logo somewhere! Receiving positive feedback and true testimonials from customers who truly enjoyed our experience means the world. 

I want everyone to know that Strike & Flame is here to stay, and we are just getting started. I am so grateful for the outpour of love and support that my brand has received from the community by embracing Greensboro’s 1st candle bar. 

I will continue striving to provide impeccable customer service, quality products, and unforgettable experiences to our supporters. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Some of my favorite books: 

• The 48 laws of power by Robert Greene

• Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

• Soar by T.D Jake’s

• Better than before by Gretchen Rubin

• Writing down my goals in my personal journal helps me achieve things that I’ve set my mind to.

• Often times I go back to my journals from years ago and I look at everything that I wished for. I literally cry reading them because I can reflect on how I felt when I wrote those goals. I get to reflect on the hunger that was inside of me. Taking myself back to those feelings keeps me hungry and motivated so I can continue to rise.

• Hearing my son tell me that he is proud of me makes me do my best in life! Every move I make is made with him on my mind. He is my world.

Pricing:

• Candle Pour Sessions start at $40
• 10oz candles – $22
• 14oz 3 wick candles – $30
• Car diffusers – $10
• Room mists – $12

Contact Info:

• Website: www.strikeflame.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/strikeflamecandles
• Facebook: Facebook.com/strikeflamecandles

Image Credits
Ashley Crawford