Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Gardner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved candles. The smell, the atmosphere they give; it’s relaxing after a long day. During the Spring of 2021, I was waiting to test for my Esthetics license, working part-time, and very much looking for a hobby. I still remember clearly, sitting on the couch in my mom’s office while she worked and suddenly exclaiming, “I’m going to make candles!” It was all downhill from there, I spent months testing, going through various branding ideas, but wanting to stay true to these ideals: strongly scented, safe, scents designed for everyone (especially men!), and to retain the ability to express my creativity. I launched 626 Handcrafted in October of 2021 and we’re continuing to spread our reach and test the limits of home fragrance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been a few challenges along the way, some tangible, some mental. Fire safety is a huge responsibility for a candle company and one I feel a lot of the big box stores have lost sight of. My dad is a retired firefighter so I feel that gave me a push to learn the combustion process of how candles work so that I can produce the safest product possible. I have tested SO much (and still continue to), but that will never totally squish that voice in my head saying “Make sure these candles are safe.” I will always put my customers’ safety at the forefront.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a chandler or candle-maker. I launched my home fragrance company, 626 Handcrafted in October of 2021. I specialize in what I call Bespoke candles. My Bespoke collection is completely custom to my brand. I joke that I get to play “mad scientist” with my fragrances, blending and just seeing what comes out of it. My upcoming January 2022 launch is a great example of that. I had 3 oils in the same scent family that I really enjoyed on their own and one morning said, what would these smell like if I mixed them? I did and I absolutely loved the outcome. In addition to how custom these scents are, they’re not designed for one person or another. They’re designed for everyone. They’re genderless, perfect for masculine and feminine. I think both of these aspects really set me apart from the competition. It doesn’t matter who you are, I have a scent for you and you won’t find that scent anywhere else.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing someone’s face light up as they enjoy something I’ve produced. My best friend is my “CSO” or Chief Sniffing Officer and I’m always bringing new blends to get their opinion. Even before the oils hit the wax, just having someone share the appreciation for fine fragrance makes me happy. Meeting strangers at markets and seeing the double-takes as they smell testers and find one they really like and just sharing in that moment. That’s my favorite part of this business. But we also can’t forget, my pup Marlow, she above all, makes me the happiest.
Pricing:
- 12oz Luxury Candles $27
- 3oz Travel Candles $10 or 4 for $30
- Snap Bar Wax Melts $8 or 4 for $24
- Bespoke Full Collection $103
Contact Info:
- Email: 626CandleCo@gmail.com
- Website: www.626Handcrafted.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/626Handcrafted
- Facebook: Facebook.com/626Handcrafted
