Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Aldi.
Hi Tanya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My life’s journey has been one of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her three amazing sons: Jacob, Jared, and Jonah. As my boys transitioned into adulthood and began their journey, my husband and I decided it was the right time to embark on our next adventure. In June of 2019, we moved from Connecticut to South Carolina. Life can throw you curveballs when we least expect it. For me, that came only a few months after moving. In August 2019, I experienced the devastating loss of my mother-in-law and best friend, Michael. I was heartbroken. MPC Candle Company was born from the depths of grief, healing, and new beginnings. Candles have always held a special place in my heart. Every candle emits the scent of memories, warmth, and comfort. The journey of MPC Candle Company, named after my best friend Michael P. Caviasca, is one of transformation and personal growth. I found healing and renewal through every step that goes into making each candle. Every candle I create holds a piece of my story: the pain, The healing, and the resilience. With every sale, I am not just sharing a product but a part of myself. It is my way of touching lives, bringing back joyful memories, and casting a warm, comforting glow for others needing a little light.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business definitely comes with its challenges. As a first-time business owner, unfamiliar with how retail works, I was navigating what my next steps would be. My candles were made; now what? I started as a vendor, attending some local markets. Initially, I was shy and nervous to speak to potential customers. My husband John, for whom I will be forever grateful for his ongoing love and support, talked to every potential customer. By watching his interactions, I became confident and started to connect with my customers. I love doing markets but longed for a place where my products were available to more potential buyers. I knew I had amazing products and wanted everyone to have a chance to access them. As a new and upcoming business, I received the support of two unexpected allies, which was heartwarming. Their support has changed everything for my business. I want to extend my gratitude to Ruth, the owner of Ivy House in Elgin and Lexington, SC, and Beth, the owner of Poore House Furnishings in Irmo, SC. Ruth and Beth believed in my vision and provided a platform for my candles to shine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I started with making hand-poured candles and melts. I then added room sprays and aroma beads. I introduced Summer Raine Bath and Body this year, made by MPC Candle Company. I make Shea Goat Milk and Coco Mango Butter hand-poured soaps, scented body mist, luxury roll-on perfume, and a relaxing foot soak made with Epsom salts and a tea leaf blend. Every product is made with the highest quality of ingredients. My candles are made from soy wax, which is paraben and phthalate-free. Natural cotton wicks that are zinc and lead-free. I only use clean, skin-safe fragrance oils in my candles and bath and body products. All fragrance oils are phthalate-free and are free from carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, organ toxins, and acute toxins. Multiple things make my products different from others. Number one is the ingredients’ quality in all of my products. I will not sacrifice the quality because of the cost. As a consumer myself, it is always quality over quantity. Another difference is that I spend countless hours designing, printing, and hand-labeling all my products. I like to add small embellishments to some of my products, whether hanging a hand-cut label with ribbon or my specialty 3-wick Christmas candles, beautifully decorated with a ribbon and gift tag. Every product I make, big or small, is carefully planned. Every customer can sense the love and attention to detail I put into every product.
What’s next?
My plans include selling wholesale to small businesses and offering custom candles for special occasions, including weddings, showers, and birthday parties. But I dream of opening my brick-and-mortar store offering handmade products from local crafters like me. I want to give them a platform in which to shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: mpccandleco.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mpc_candle_co
