Kayla

I started making candles for fun in my small apartment kitchen while I was in nursing school in 2011, but during the pandemic it became everything I had after losing my jobs. It began with offering curbside candle pickup as a way to make ends meet through a really uncertain period. Learning as I went, I slowly began growing a business I couldn’t have imagined if I tried.

With the help of my first Kiva loan, I was able to open my first location, which gave the business a real home and allowed me to connect more directly with my community. The response was immediate and encouraging. We grew quickly, and in 2023 we moved into a much larger space in downtown Champaign. That space has allowed us to expand not just production, but also what we offer, creating more opportunities for people to gather, experience, and participate. We continue to grow and evolve as we learn what our community is looking for.

I’m passionate about creating a space where people can gather, create, and feel connected. Whether it’s through candle-making, live music, or simply spending time together, I want people to feel welcome and at home when they walk through the door.