Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hingos.
Hi Melissa, 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?
It was just an idea. One thought that changed my life. I heard that every person has at least three inventions or life-changing ideas in their lifetime, but they usually never act on them. Life gets in the way; You don’t think it’s possible; You don’t have a support system; Maybe it takes too much money to start it; Not enough time; So many things that can convince a person not to take a chance. I could not get this thought out of my head. One night, as I sat on the sofa, with my dog Juno curled up beside me, the idea for “Wicks for Wags” popped into my head. “I’m going to donate to animal rescue groups and make candles that people love”, I thought. That was six years ago. And that was the first day of the rest of my life.
At the time, I was in a very unhappy place in my life. I was in a debilitating marriage, jumped from one unfulfilling sales job to the next, and felt like I hadn’t made any choices that were based on what my gut was telling me. I was approaching 40 years old and even though I did have success at different times in sales jobs, I still had no idea what I really wanted to do with my life. In that moment, and with that thought, I saw my future. I had always dreamt of having a “creative” job. Little did I know, my wildest dreams were about to come true. The next day I went to Michaels and bought everything I could find to make my first candle. I never made a candle in my life up to that point, and the first one was awful. It didn’t burn correctly and the scent was lacking. However, I’m a perfectionist with a splash of OCD so there was no stopping me.
I started researching chemical-free, safe candle supplies and tested anything I could get my hands on. Once I discovered soy, it was game on! Soy is easy to work with, environmentally friendly and it was just starting to take off as consumers became more aware of toxic chemicals that big brand-name candle companies use. Making a candle that threw a great scent, burned perfectly to the edge and lasted a long time was my goal. It took a lot of experimenting, but eventually, I made a candle worthy enough to sell. I created an Etsy page and sent the link to all of my friends. The positive feedback I received was overwhelming! “I am able to make a small donation to a local animal rescue because my friends loved my candles?!” I thought. “Unreal! What if the world loved my candles?!” I knew then that my goal to make monthly donations was achievable. And no matter how big or small, it was going to make a difference.
I approached a local pet store and asked if they would carry my candles and they said yes! I then sought out local markets. The market scene in Raleigh NC was just starting to get big. At my first market, I was surrounded by an amazing group of creative women that inspired me. I found a community of like-minded individuals and makers that I had never experienced before. All of the positivity that came my way started to shift my life. About one year after making my first candle, I went through a divorce and had to start all over again, or so I thought. I really just ended up picking up my dreams from when I was a kid. And all the rest of the messy stuff in between was just filler to get to where I was supposed to be.
I found myself single, in a one bedroom apartment with Juno by my side, as always, and that one bedroom apartment quickly turned into a candle factory. I was a mad scientist! Experimenting with fragrances, I continuously tried to create candles that wowed. I participated in markets every chance I got and I reached out to as many retail shops as possible. I partnered with Faire, a web-based platform from which retail shops can purchase handmade goods, and gained wholesale customers across the US. I am very grateful to be a part of the Faire community and for the exposure, it has given me.
Even though I was told “you will never be successful” by co-workers in unfulfilling sales jobs and by an unsupportive partner, I turned an idea into a successful business in spite of all that. I met the love of my life, moved out of that apartment, and found a new workspace, all with Juno by my side. I have to thank my dear friends, the inspiring group of women at the markets, shop owners who gave me a chance when I was just getting started, loyal customers, and the rescue groups that save animals the same way Juno saved me 13 years ago. Juno and I have always been a team, and when I adopted her, I was totally unaware of the impact she would have on my life; I could not have done any of it without her. I turn 44 this year and I’m just getting started.
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?
It’s really never smooth! It’s dirty, bumpy and full of unexpected turns. But when you are the one driving, none of that matters. I still do most of it by myself. I have help from my mom who wicks and labels A LOT of jars. My boyfriend helps with inventory and logistics. My best friend provides invaluable advice and emotional support. However, on an average week, I make, pack and distribute candles entirely on my own. I maintain my website, take all of my own photos, handle all emails and customer service issues. There are weeks that I don’t give myself a day off. Candles break in shipping, jars and supplies are often back ordered. Lifting 50lb boxes of wax and making hundreds of candles a week is physically exhausting. But I look ahead and stay in between the lines. I see myself moving into a bigger space this year and bringing on a staff for the first time. I see the donations growing and look forward to working with rescue groups across the Country. Like Charles DeMar’s advice to Lane Meyer (John Cusack’s character in the 80’s comedy, Better Off Dead), “Go that way really fast. If something gets in your way, turn.” I always giggle when I think of that line. Mostly because sometimes it really is that simple.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
From day one, it was important to me to make candles that smelled amazing but were safe to breathe in. Wicks for Wags candles are vegan, cruelty-free and clean burning. They are dye-free, made with lead-free cotton wicks and soy wax from soybeans grown on American Farms. The fragrance oils are free of phthalates, parabens and Prop 65 chemicals.
I am proud that I can offer a high-quality candle at an affordable price, all while supporting the Animal Rights Cause. I make monthly cash donations and send product donations all over the country to rescue group fundraisers. I also offer coupon codes that a rescue group can offer to their supporters when an online purchase is made. When these special coupon codes are used, 20% of the sale is donated directly to that rescue group.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I definitely see it continuously moving in an all-natural direction. There are still many candle companies that produce candles that are full of chemicals (especially in the fragrance oils) that aren’t safe to be breathing in. And using waxes that are not made from renewable resources. There are quite a few consumers who are already aware of this and make it a priority to purchase safer candles. But there are also consumers who don’t know that what they are burning is bad at all. Unfortunately, there are very few regulations that candle companies have to follow. I’m sure that stricter rules and regulations will be put into place as the industry evolves. It would be a nice to live in a world where every candle you buy is safe to sniff!
Pricing:
- 8oz Mason Jar $16
- Pet Portrait Candle $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wicksforwags.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/wicksforwags
- Facebook: Facebook.com/wicksforwags
Image Credits
Picture of white dog with Pet Portrait candle: Riot the Pibble taken by Veronica Pflueger Picture of hand holding candle: Taken by Gabrielle, owner of Aster and Grey in Valparaiso, Indiana Picture of puppy with candles: Taken by Hope Animal Rescue in Durham, NC
