Meet Nikki Bethley: Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Bethley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well I always knew I wanted to own some type of business and I wanted it to be something that I was passionate about and interested me. I have always loved candles and how they smelled so good and made me feel good. So one day out of the blue I had to the idea to see if I could make one myself. I then did my research on wax types, wick types, etc. and ordered my supplies. Once I started making and testing the candles, it became something that I really enjoy doing and it excited me to see and smell the finished product. After some testing on my own, I let some family and friends test some of the products I made and they loved it. From there Belle Magnolia Candle Co. was birthed.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Belle Magnolia Candle Co. and we currently provide handcrafted coconut soy candles and wax melts. I wanted to create products that can give you good, positive energy. I love that candles have the capability to relax you, energize you or even make you feel sensual or sexy. Our motto is “here to help you create the mood YOU want.” I have also started making and offering custom label candles by request and looking to add more labels in the future.

Starting Belle Magnolia was not an easy process. I started my business all while working full time, in graduate classes working on my MBA, and with my son being in virtual classes at home. So at times it was a little chaotic and there were many long days and nights. I also quickly learned that making quality candles wasn’t going to be an easy process and that it won’t always be perfect or work out in your favor. There is a lot of testing that comes into play like choosing the right wax, fragrances, wicks, and vessels to make sure your candle will perform at its best.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to put yourself in a position to be able to quickly pivot if something isn’t working out for your business and you need to make changes. You have to just keep pushing, be positive and have plenty of patience.

All in all this process has been worth it. I love being able to provide a product that I’m proud of and that other people can enjoy. I get the most joy when I get emails or messages from customers telling me how much they love my candles or wax melts and how I’m so easy to work with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friends are all about good vibes, good food and relaxing so I would make sure to include those type of places in the itinerary. For entertainment we would check out comedy shows at Atlanta Comedy Theater or Uptown Comedy Theater, go to the Trap Museum, or the Aquarium. If it was summer time and pre-COVID days we would go to an outdoor concert at Wolf Creek Amphitheater. I love how Main St. College Park has been growing over the past few years so we would go to some of the restaurants in that area for some good eats. Some other food places to go would be Breakfast at Barney’s, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Slutty Vegan, and Milk & Honey. And you can’t come to Atlanta and not have a wing night, so going to a local wing spot is a must. We would also take a drive to Chateau Elan for some wine and relaxation time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s a few people I would like to shoutout. I want to dedicate my first shoutout to my mom who has always been my #1 supporter in every walk of life. She has always been there for me and believed in any and all things I have decided to pursue. Next, I want to shoutout my friends who have always supported me and shown me love from the beginning. My last shoutout has to go to my son who helps me with the behind the scenes of the candle making business by doing anything from labeling products to testing out new scents for me.

Website: www.bellemagnolia.com

Instagram: @bellemagnoliacandleco

Facebook: @bellemagnoliacandleco