Meet Melissa Smith | Candle Artisan

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

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When the world came to a standstill in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself navigating a new kind of stillness. I had spent so much of my time balancing my full-time job and my kids’ school and sporting events that I’d never really slowed down enough to explore a creative outlet.

I’ve always had a deep love for candles—there’s something magical about the way they create ambiance and evoke emotion. So, when life pressed pause, I decided to dive into candle making. At first, I thought it would be simple: melt some wax, add a fragrance, toss in a little color, stick a wick in, and voilà—a candle! But I quickly learned there’s so much more to the craft.

Fast forward four years, and what started as a small experiment has transformed into a thriving business. I now have a dedicated workshop in my basement, a collection of four unique lines of candles designed with specific intentions, and an e-commerce store where I get to share my passion with the world.

For me, it’s not just about creating candles—it’s about crafting experiences and sharing a little light, especially in a world that felt so dark when I first started this journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create coconut soy candles, and I absolutely love the entire creative process—from blending amazing scents and crafting my marbled candle collection to designing the perfect labels. My candle-making journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparked by my deep love for candles. What started as a hobby to pass the time and cope with the anxiety and stress of being stuck at home has blossomed into something truly special.

About three years ago, after relocating to Georgia, I finally had the space and time to focus on my passion for candle-making. With encouragement from my husband and my supportive tribe, I took a leap of faith, launched an Etsy shop, and went live on social media. Suddenly, I found myself stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. It was intimidating and vulnerable at first, but my husband’s words stayed with me: “Slow motion is better than no motion.” That mantra gave me the courage to push forward.

Through this journey, I’ve learned an important lesson: There’s never a perfect time when you’ll feel fully “ready.” Sometimes, you just have to trust yourself, take a deep breath, step out on faith and jump in with both feet.

Today, I am incredibly proud of my brand, Smoke & Rose Co., and the products I create. It’s a true honor to know that people love my candles, and I’m constantly inspired to bring new ideas to life. I’m excited to keep growing and sharing my creations 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?
Although I still consider myself fairly new to Georgia, I can easily plan a memorable trip for my bestie packed with great food, delicious drinks, and plenty of fun! We’d kick things off with breakfast at Thumbs Up Diner in East Point, indulging in their incredible fried catfish and grits. After fueling up, we’d spend the day exploring the city—I love visiting Ponce City Market, strolling along the Beltline, marveling at the Georgia Aquarium, or soaking in the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

For dinner, we’d have a few amazing options: enjoying flavorful tacos and margaritas at Rreal Taco in Midtown, savoring authentic Indonesian cuisine at WIN – Taste of Bali or partaking in Italian fare at Bastone, where we would be surrounded by a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The next day, we’d take a scenic drive to North Georgia to tour some wineries, surrounded by breathtaking views and the vibrant colors of the changing foliage. We’d cap off the weekend back at my home, relaxing on the deck with a cozy fire, cocktails in hand, a charcuterie board to snack on, and endless laughter until we’re in tears.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, when thinking of the people that support me unconditionally, it would definitely be my husband, D’moyer, and my kids – Laila, Jaden, Caleb and Brooklyn. They always encourage me, hype me up, cheer me on and celebrate the big AND the little wins – every time. I would not have been where I am without their constant love and support.

Website: https://smokeandroseco.etsy.com

Instagram: @SmokeAndRoseCo

Facebook: @SmokeAndRoseCo