Meet Charlette Thames, M.s., Ncc, Lapc | Founder & Co-owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlette Thames, M.s., Ncc, Lapc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlette, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As the founder of Therapy With Me Candle Company, my journey to starting this business was deeply influenced by my professional background and personal commitment to mental wellness. With years of experience as a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (APC), I’ve dedicated my career to supporting individuals through counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health care. I’ve had the privilege of working with veterans, service members, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges and prioritize their well-being.

The idea for Therapy With Me Candle Company came from my understanding of how small moments of mindfulness can have a profound impact on mental health. I wanted to create a product that encourages self-care while aligning with my passion for emotional healing. Each candle is thoughtfully handcrafted using all-natural, eco-friendly ingredients, offering a sensory experience that promotes relaxation and grounding.

Through this brand, my goal is to bridge the gap between mental wellness and everyday self-care rituals, offering a tangible way for people to create calm and balance in their lives. It’s an extension of my work in mental health, and I’m honored to share this journey with others who value intentional living.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Therapy With Me Candle Company, what sets us apart is our commitment to creating luxury artisan candles that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity. Every candle is handcrafted with all-natural, organic coconut apricot soy wax, making it paraben-free, phthalate-free, and allergy-friendly. Our FSC-certified crackling wood wicks provide a soothing sensory experience, creating a clean-burning, eco-friendly product that’s safe for pets, children, and everyone in the home. What truly makes us unique, though, is the intentionality behind our brand—we design each product to be a small moment of self-care and connection, a ritual to help customers feel grounded and present.

We’re most proud of building a brand that represents premium quality and authenticity, while fostering a community of like-minded individuals who value self-care and sustainability. Seeing our customers embrace our candles as part of their daily routines, celebrations, and moments of healing is deeply rewarding and fuels our passion for what we do.

Our journey to this point has been far from easy. As a small business, we’ve faced challenges like balancing production demands with maintaining the artisanal quality we’re known for, navigating marketing in a crowded industry, and ensuring our story resonates with the right audience. We overcame these challenges by staying true to our mission, leveraging feedback from our customers, and continuously learning and adapting.

The biggest lesson we’ve learned is the importance of authenticity and perseverance. People connect with genuine stories, and staying rooted in our values of wellness, sustainability, and connection has allowed us to grow a loyal customer base. We’ve also learned that challenges are opportunities for growth, pushing us to innovate and refine our processes.

What we want the world to know about Therapy With Me Candle Company is that we’re more than just candles—we’re about creating intentional moments of self-care and connection through clean, sustainable products that you can feel good about. Our story is one of passion, resilience, and a belief that small, meaningful rituals can have a big impact on how we experience life. We’re honored to be part of our customers’ self-care journeys and are excited to continue growing and sharing our mission with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were crafting a weeklong itinerary with Ponce City Market as the centerpiece, the experience would be an exciting blend of history, culture, and unforgettable culinary and shopping moments. Here’s how I’d lay it out:

Day 1: Start with coffee and pastries at Saint Germain Bakery, then shop at The Village Retail. Explore The Roof at Ponce City Market, enjoying the views, games, and lunch at Nine Mile Station, followed by dinner at Bellina Alimentari and a stroll on the BeltLine.

Day 2: Bike the BeltLine, stop for brunch at Superica at Krog Street Market, relax at Piedmont Park, and enjoy cocktails at Estrella Rooftop.

Day 3: Visit the High Museum of Art, explore The Carter Center, and finish with dinner at Staplehouse.

Day 4: Explore unique shopping spots, enjoy local gems, and relax with the city’s best sights, making Ponce City Market the perfect hub for a memorable trip.

Day 5: Morning: Visit the Atlanta History Center for a deep dive into local history.

Day 5: Visit the Atlanta History Center, then explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden. End with dinner at The Pig and The Pearl.

Day 6: Tour the Fox Theatre, lunch in Midtown, and dine at JCT Kitchen & Bar.

Day 7: Spend the morning at Stone Mountain Park, then explore the Westside BeltLine Trail, concluding with dinner at Bacchanalia.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to The Village Retail at Ponce City Market, an incredible platform that gave us the opportunity to market and grow our business in ways we could have never imagined. Their unwavering support for small businesses like ours has not only amplified our visibility but also connected us with a broader, more diverse audience. The team at The Village Retail has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and providing invaluable resources for growth and success.

Beyond the marketplace itself, we also want to recognize the visionary leadership and collaborative spirit that defines Ponce City Market as a whole. The synergy between its historic architecture, vibrant retail spaces, and creative energy creates a thriving ecosystem where small businesses can truly flourish.

Lastly, a huge thank you to our loyal customers and supporters who have embraced our journey. Your belief in our brand fuels our passion and inspires us to continue growing every day.

Website: https://therapywithmecandles.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithmecandleco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlette-t-160a8594/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapywithmecandleco/

Image Credits
Co-founder and Co-owner, Christopher Thames, M.S.