Today we’d like to introduce you to Dale Honeycutt.
Hi Dale, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I think differently from others, and I’m not saying this out of ego. I am an ADHD, dyslexic, gay man with Tourette’s Syndrome. I grew up in the deep south, where resources aren’t readily available for someone with even one of these qualities. Having the conditions listed above and being gay combined doesn’t allow me the luxury of thinking similarly to everyone else. I had to battle to learn myself and how I thought to excel at anything. I didn’t have any role models to look up to as I grew up to draw inspiration from. I didn’t know anyone else like me as I do now.
I ask, “Why?” a lot because I have to know how something works to understand it fully or before I blindly believe something is the truth. Unfortunately, asking “Why?” makes for a terrible employee. Employers find this type of worker difficult to work with and typically want someone willing to take direction without hesitation. I don’t blame employers for this, but it is why employment was not going to be a sustainable option for my life. Thus, after many other failed attempts at self-employment, Candledales was born and is a sustainable business in which I thrive. I hope to inspire other neurodivergent individuals to relate when life doesn’t seem to get them.
Candledales started after realizing there needed to be more coconut wax candles on local and national shelves. Coconut wax is derived from coconuts! I know, shocker. We decided to hand-pour coconut wax candles ourselves to fix this. Coconuts are a sustainable crop and promote reforestation! We’re committed to reforestation efforts! Buying a Candledale helps promote crops that incentivize reforestation. We donate to organizations that are actively solving the problem. For this reason, all our candles are hand-poured using coconut wax in Austin, Texas.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The biggest obstacle I faced in finding Candledales was finding the business a year that the economy entered a recession. I still feel fortunate for the support from my customers that I’ve received this year. I do my best to remind potential customers that my products have a bigger purpose, like planting trees and helping the local queer community, but people are watching their dollars more closely lately, and I don’t blame them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Candledales is more than a candle brand. When you buy a product from my line, you are subscribing to reforest the earth, uplifting the local LGBTQIA+ youth in the Austin community, and you’re subscribing to me! I like to think of myself as a bright and bubbly personality. I reflect that in my brand as much as possible. That’s why everything across Candledales is bright pastels. Beyond that, I design all my products to elevate everyone’s experiences the way scents are meant. I make my products to elevate the experience for your guests, someone special, and yourself. I want to think I’m known for that nice candle guy with the cool packaging, but that might be my ego talking. Some customers came up to my booth and said, “I was looking for you! I was all, ‘I hope that candle guy is here!'” So my feelings are justified, haha
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
T U N N E L V I S I O N. As a creative, it is easy to compare yourself to other makers. Especially now with social media. Yes, it’s important to be aware of your industry, but stay focused on your craft. The world needs your creativity. Not a copy of someone else’s. You’ll also never be as good as someone in your eyes because you’re a perfectionist. That’s why you need to stay focused on the things that make you thrive and why your customers keep coming back to you.
Pricing:
- My 9oz candles are $39
- My two-wick 12oz candles are $48
- My oil reed diffusers are $40
- My very popular collaboration candle is $54
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Candledales.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candledales
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candledales
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@candledales
