Meet Christa Hines & Michael Taylor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Hines Michael Taylor.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
UBU Candle Co. was created and founded by Christa Hines and Michael Taylor, and we genuinely love candles! We often looked forward to going to the candle shop, discovering new scents, and never resisting our favorites. Our idea to start our own candle business was born in the year of covid when life forced us to have ample unexpected downtime. We’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit; we love date nights and doing fun, memorable things together. That, plus our love of candles, is where we decided to center our business around the art of candle making. In addition to selling candles, we wanted to give our customers a chance to partake in an unforgettable experience by being able to create their candles from start to finish. One of our many charges is to make people feel good, uplifted, and inspired. It is with our passion for creating that UBU Candle Co. was born. UBU Candle Co. was created to be just as it reads; You be you! We wanted to let our customers know that we hold space for us all to collaborate and create together. Most importantly, we want to remind others there’s no right or wrong in candle making; just be you.

Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So far, the road has been steady and rewarding. As excited as we are for our business to take off to new heights, we intentionally wanted to pace ourselves with our business. With candle making, there is a lot of testing to be done, from what type of wax to use, what type of jar and wick to select, what type of fragrances to choose, and what type of label and print to use to help create our UBU brand. The biggest challenge has been finding places and partners to co-host our candle-making events, as we are mobile-friendly and need an onsite location. Overall, we’ve seen growth along the way and are looking forward to our journey, including a building to call home!

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
Christa G. Hines: I was born and raised in Raleigh, Nc. I first found my creative passion through the art and love of dance performance. I studied and received a BFA in Dance Performance and a BS in Communications from East Carolina University, ultimately moving to Georgia upon graduation to pursue a professional acting and dance career. In addition to being a candle maker, actress, and dancer, my daily work includes working as a manager and support liaison for a start-up mental health company in Georgia. Amongst growing UBU Candle Co., I hope to add the CEO of the CG HINES Performing Arts School to my roster one day. I want to inspire everyone, specifically little girls, teenagers, and women who look just like me.

Michael D. Taylor: I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. I moved to Atlanta, GA, in 2009 to attend Morehouse College, graduating in 2014 with a bachelor’s in political science. In addition to being the CFO at UBU Candle Co, I hold a passion for comedy and acting. I enjoy doing stand-ups, films, and podcasts and genuinely enjoy making others laugh. While maintaining my passion for film, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, I currently lead in service with the Center for Employment Opportunities as the founding site director for the Atlanta location. I, one day, aspire to open up a sober living community in honor of my late mother, Tina R. Taylor. Ultimately, I am excited to share my love for fragrances, candles, and creativity in the form of the UBU experience.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Christa: I was always a creative spirit growing up. I first found my passion for dance by taking an elective in middle school. I loved entertaining my family members and ” putting on a show” for them by doing whatever came to mind! Growing up, I could be a little quiet at times, laid back and observant until I got to know you better; however, most of the time, I had a very outgoing and “I can do it all” aura about myself. I kept my mom on her toes because I was always into some activities at school; dance team, chorus, cheerleading, track team, theatre, and SGA, just to name a few. My mom is a reverend, so I grew up in the church singing in the choir, on the step team, and dancing on the praise team. I knew very young that I always wanted to turn my creativity into a profession, starting with dance, leading to acting, and now owning my own business. Growing up, I loved candy, pickles, skating, and the beach with my family. I was taught that life had no limits if you just went for it.

Michael: I grew up in a small town outside Little Rock, AR, called Loanoke. Coming from a small town, I was very aspirational growing up, always knowing more was out there for me. I was raised with one brother and two sisters by my mother, father, and at a time, my grandmother. Growing up, I often enjoyed and found entertainment in sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, The Steve Harvey Show, and Malcolm and Eddie, to name a few. I also grew up in the church, faithfully going almost every Sunday; so much of my identity and comedy is rooted in that. I enjoyed playing drums, basketball, and video games as a child. My personality growing up is very similar to what it is today; I’m a people person, a leader, always willing to help others when I can, and always trying to do before being told. I genuinely enjoy helping others and strive to be a positive example.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ubucandleco
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubucandleco_/

Image Credits
Cullen Johnson, Canva