Meet Maria Schingeck

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

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a young age, I aspired to be a business owner, initially dreaming of a career in healthcare. Born in Iran and raised as a Baptist, my family and I moved to the United States for safety, settling in Texas in 2006. While pursuing my education to become a doctor or nurse practitioner, life took an unexpected turn that led me down a different path. In Texas, I worked as a medical assistant and became pregnant with my first child amidst a difficult breakup. I was disowned me upon discovering my pregnancy, forcing me to stay with my abusive boyfriend. His abuse escalated to the point where he nearly killed me while I was pregnant. Desperate for safety, I escaped to Georgia and met Ryan, my now husband, who helped me find a job and encouraged me to continue my education.
While working as a medical assistant in a rehab center, I discovered insurance fraud and reported it, only to be fired shortly after. This setback led me to a new role as an HR manager at Chick-fil-A, where the owner supported my growth by recommending business and customer service books. During this time, I rekindled my long-time hobby of candle making.
Inspired by fond memories of making Christmas candles with my girlfriends in Texas, I wanted to recreate that joy for my community. Crafty Mountain Candle Co. was born, offering a unique Candle Bar and Embed Bar experience where people can come together, make their own candles, and create lasting memories. Since I love to eat, most of my candles look like real food.

What should our readers know about your business?
What began as a hobby has blossomed into a thriving business with a mission to promote health and well-being. My journey into candle making started many years ago when I would sit with my girlfriends, crafting and decorating candles purchased from Hobby Lobby. Those cherished moments were recently brought back to life when my mom revealed that she had saved all the candles I made over a decade ago. As I delved deeper into the art of candle making, I became acutely aware of the harmful effects of paraffin candles. Paraffin is toxic and has been linked to cancer, which is a particularly personal issue for me, coming from a family with a history of cancer. With my background in healthcare, I wanted to ensure that others could enjoy the joy of candle making without compromising their health. This led to the creation of Crafty Mountain Candle Co., where we focus on producing non-toxic, paraffin-free candles. we use 100% soy wax with no paraffin.

Many people believe they are allergic to scents, but often it’s the paraffin causing their allergic reactions and triggering their immune systems. Our candles are different. At Crafty Mountain Candle Co., we offer over 100 scents that are safe and non-irritating, even for those with asthma or migraines. Customers who were once afraid to enter a candle shop are relieved to find that our products don’t bother them at all. long lasting burn and the smell stays with every burn time.

We are especially committed to supporting individuals battling cancer. Anyone with cancer can come to our shop and make a candle at no cost. They get to enjoy the full experience of candle making and decorating, bringing a little light into their lives during difficult times. For those who can’t visit us in person, we offer kit boxes so they can create their own candles at home.

Crafty Mountain Candle Co. is more than just a business; it’s a community-focused endeavor aimed at bringing joy and health together. We also offer candle making workshop classes/party for all events. Our vision is to provide a safe, creative space where everyone can enjoy the art of candle making, free from harmful toxins. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on our community, one candle at a time.

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Starting Crafty Mountain Candle Co. was incredibly challenging. I knew nothing about running a business or convincing customers to believe in my products and purchase my candles. For the first 3-4 years, I didn’t pay myself a cent; all the revenue went straight into supplies and bills.

My first foray into candle making involved using palm wax, which is similar to beeswax. However, as I began building my business, my sole supplier stopped carrying palm wax. This setback led to a mental breakdown and I lost nearly all my customers, retaining only two loyal supporters. Determined to find a solution, I searched tirelessly until I discovered a new supplier offering 100% soy wax, free of paraffin. During this search, I learned that many suppliers falsely advertise their soy wax as “all natural,” despite containing small percentages of paraffin they prefer not to disclose.
With a new wax supplier, I refocused on creating candles and targeting customers with health concerns or those working in the healthcare industry. Just as I was gaining momentum, I became pregnant with my second child. The pregnancy was fraught with complications, causing frequent fainting spells that left me unable to work. I had to pause my business once again.

Ironically, this pause coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were shut down. Although the timing helped me manage my health issues, it also meant my business did not thrive. I lost more customers during this period while I was working from home; it took me 5-6 months to recover and restart Crafty Mountain Candle Co. again.
Back then I was working and making candles from home. Once covid was a normal “thing”, I opened my small shop. I was there for good 5-6 month but I did not have a good traffic. the shop was small and the location was hidden that no one knew I was there, I couldn’t make any candles nor make enough money. Through my online sell I was able to pay my bills and take care of my supplies. But I wanted to share the FUN! I wanted others to experience the samething “make and decorate ” So the opportunity came and I moved to a bigger shop (my current location) where my business thrived and more people heard about us of what we do and what our mission is.

I’ve been in this store for almost two years now.
Proud moment- Our business growing without advertising and we are so grateful for the words of mouth and how much community is showing us love and support.
For the first time, CMCC had the pleasure and opportunity to participate in Career Day at Mt. Yonah Elementary School, I had the honor to share my passion with 5th graders, show them how to make candles and have them decorate their own candles (each student received a candle).
I am still learning as I’m going. I have met so many wonderful people. our main focus besides having an awesome wax is customer service.
Another PROUD moment- our review on google/website is 5.0.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

There are so many amazing places to visit and dine around us, and we’ve highlighted some of our favorites on our website for our customers to explore. I love taking friends to all the shops in Sautee then in Helen to visit Katie Loves Henna and other shops; each one is run by a fantastic owner. For dining, you must try Hooch River Basket in Helen and Gourmet Goodies in Cleveland. These spots offer unique experiences and delicious food you won’t want to miss! Dahlonega is another cool place to visit besides Helen and Sautee.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey to becoming a successful business owner would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, Ryan Schingeck. From the moment we met, Ryan believed in me wholeheartedly. He saved me from the brink of homelessness and ensured that my daughter, Sophia, and I were taken care of. When I was pregnant with Sophia, Ryan stepped up as an incredible father figure, eventually adopting her as his own. His love and dedication to our family gave me the strength and stability I needed to pursue my dreams.
Ryan supported my decision to leave the healthcare industry and venture into entrepreneurship with Crafty Mountain Candle Co. His encouragement and belief in my vision were the driving forces behind my success. He also, helps me with candle designs, website, marketing, ideas.
Without Ryan, none of this would have been possible. His role as a loving husband and father, and his unwavering support for my business endeavors, are the true reasons behind my achievements. I owe my success to him, and I am forever grateful for his presence in my life.

Website: www.craftymountain.com

Instagram: @craftymountaincandleco

Facebook: Crafty Mountain Candle Co.

Other: Our email is contact@craftymountain.com